BCA-201: Introduction to Structure in Advanced Programming Language C

Members of a Structure

• Members of a structure are referred to as fields or attributes.
• These fields represent different pieces of data related to the structure.

Included Members in a Structure

• Members can include various data types such as integers, floats, characters, arrays, and even other structures.
• This variety allows for complex data representation.

Definition of a Structure in C Programming

• A structure in C programming is a user-defined data type that groups related variables.
• Defined using the struct keyword, it allows for creating a composite data type.

Organizing Data in Large Programs

• Structures help organize data by grouping related variables into a single entity, enhancing data readability.
• Using structures simplifies managing complexity and contributes to cleaner code and easier maintenance.

Fundamental Difference Between Structures and Arrays

• Structures can hold different data types for their members, while arrays require all elements to be of the same data type.
• Structures provide a way to store related but heterogeneous data, whereas arrays manage a collection of homogeneous items.

References to Elements in an Array

• Elements in an array are referred to by their index, starting from zero.
• This allows direct access to each item via its numerical position.

Requirements to Define a Structure in C Programming

• To define a structure, the struct keyword must be used, followed by the structure name and its members within curly braces.
• Proper syntax includes specifying the type for each member, enabling efficient storage and access.