Scribd
Upload
0 views

Functions

Functions

Uploaded by

archanajn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0 views

Functions

Functions

Uploaded by

archanajn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Programming and Problem Solving through C Language

O Level / A Level

Chapter - 6 : Functions

Function Arguments
If a function is to use arguments, it must declare variables that accept the values of the
arguments. These variables are called the formal parameters of the function. Formal parameters
behave like other local variables inside the function and are created upon entry into the function and
destroyed upon exit.

Parameter
 A parameter is a special kind of variable, used in a function to refer to one of the pieces of
data provided as input to the function to utilse.
 These pieces of data are called arguments.
 Parameters are Simply Variables.

Formal Parameter
 Parameter Written in Function Definition is Called “Formal Parameter.
 Formal parameters are always variables, while actual parameters do not have to be
variables.

Actual Parameter
 Parameter Written in Function Call is Called “Actual Parameter”.
 One can use numbers, expressions, or even function calls as actual parameters.

Example
void display(int para1)
{
printf( “ Number %d “ , para1);
}
void main()
{ int num1;
display(num1);
}

In above, para1 is called the Formal Parameter


num1 is called the Actual Parameter.
Parameter list
 A function is declared in the following manner:
return­type function­name (parameter­list,...)
{ body... }
 Return­type is the variable type that the function returns.
 This cannot be an array type or a function type.
 If not given, then int is assumed.
 Function­name is the name of the function.
 Parameter­list is the list of Formal Arguments Variable.
 Given below are few examples:
o int func1(int a, int b) /* two argument – int , int */
o float func2(int a, float b) /* two argument – int , float */
o void func3( ) /* No argument . */

The Function Return Type


 The function return type specifies the data type that the function returns to the calling
program.
 The return type can be any of C′s data types: char, int , long , float , or double .
 One can also define a function that doesn′t return a value by using a return type of void.
 Given below are few examples:
o int func1(...) /* Returns a type int. */
o float func2(...) /* Returns a type float. */
o void func3(...) /* No Returns . */
Program – A function that return the maximum between two numbers
int max(int num1, int num2)
{ /* local variable declaration */
int result;
if (num1>num2)
result=num1;
else
result=num2;
return result;
}

void main()
{ int r;
r=max( 10,15);
print(“Result = %d “ , r);
}

Calling Functions
There are two ways to call a function.
1) Any function can be called by simply using its name and argument list alone in a statement, as i
n the following example.
i) If the function has a return value, it is discarded.
wait(12);
2) The second method can be used only with functions that have a return value.
i) Because these functions evaluate to a value (that is, their return value), they are
valid C expressions and can be used anywhere a C expression can be used.
ii) An expression with a return value used as the right side of an assignment statement.

You might also like