Course Content
Detailed Content of Programming in C
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Introduction
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Structure of C program
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Answers of ‘C’ Pointers Programs
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About Lesson

Definition:

C‘ allows user to define functions according to your need. Each ‘function‘ has Call and Body. It provides code reusability and modularity to our program. These ‘Functions‘ are known as User-Defined Function.

Syntax:

return_type function_name(parameter_type1 parameter_name1, parameter_type2 parameter_name2, …) {
// Function body
// Statements and calculations
return value; // Optional return statement
}

  • return_type: Specifies the data type of the value the function returns. It can be int, float, void, etc.
  • function_name: The name of the function, which is used to call it in the program.
  • parameter_type1, parameter_type2, …: Specifies the data type of the input parameters the function accepts.
  • parameter_name1, parameter_name2, …: The names of the parameters, which are used within the function to refer to the passed values.

How to create User-Defined Function:

Step 1: Function Definition

Define your user-defined function. This involves specifying the function name, return type, and parameters. 

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

// Function definition
int add(int a, int b) {
int result = a + b;
return result;
}

Step 2: Function Call

Call your function from the main function or any other part of your program where you want the function’s code to be executed. Pass the required arguments, if any.

Example:

int main() {
// Function call
int sum = add(3, 5);

// Display the result
printf(“The sum is: %dn”, sum);

return 0;
}

Step 3: Compilation

Make sure to include the function’s source code (either in the same file or through a header file) and compile your program. If the function is defined in a separate file, link it during compilation.

Step 4: Run the Program

Execute your compiled program. You should see the result of the function call in the output.


Complete Program:

#include <stdio.h>

// Function definition
int multiply(int a, int b, int c) {
int result = a * b * c;
return result;
}

// Main function
int main() {
// Function call
int multi = multiply(3, 5, 6);

// Display the result
printf(“The result is: %dn”, multi);

return 0;
}

Output:

The result is: 90


Characteristics Of User-Defined Function:

User-defined functions in programming languages like C have several characteristics that distinguish them and make them valuable for code organization and reusability. Here are some key characteristics of user-defined functions:

  1. Modularity:

    • User-defined functions allow the programmer to break down a program into smaller, more manageable pieces or modules.
    • Each function encapsulates a specific set of tasks, promoting modular design.
  2. Reusability:

    • Functions can be reused in different parts of a program or in multiple programs.
    • Once defined, a function can be called as many times as needed.
  3. Readability:

    • Functions enhance the readability of code by replacing complex logic with well-named function calls.
    • The main program becomes more concise and easier to understand.
  4. Abstraction:

    • Functions provide a level of abstraction by hiding the implementation details from the main program.
    • Users only need to know the function’s purpose and how to use it, not how it achieves its tasks.
  5. Parameter Passing:

    • Functions can accept parameters (inputs) to perform operations based on different values.
    • Parameter passing allows functions to work with varying data without the need for multiple versions of the same function.
  6. Return Values:

    • Functions can return values to the calling code, allowing them to produce results or data that can be used further.
    • Return values enable functions to communicate information back to the calling code.
  7. Local Variables:

    • Functions can have local variables that are only accessible within the function’s scope.
    • Local variables provide isolation, preventing unintended interactions with variables in other parts of the program.
  8. Function Prototypes:

    • Functions can be declared with prototypes, providing information about the function’s signature (return type, name, parameters).
    • Prototypes help the compiler verify the correct usage of functions before their actual implementation.
  9. Recursive Calls:

    • Functions can call themselves, allowing for recursive behavior.
    • Recursive functions are useful for solving problems that can be broken down into smaller, similar subproblems.
  10. Namespace:

    • Functions create a separate namespace for variables, helping to avoid naming conflicts with variables in other parts of the program.
  11. Debugging:

    • With well-defined functions, debugging becomes easier as issues can be isolated to specific functions.
    • Functions promote code organization, making it simpler to identify and fix errors.

User-defined functions play a crucial role in writing maintainable, scalable, and readable code by promoting good software engineering practices.