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What is a function in C?
What is a function in C?
A function in C is a group of statements that together perform a specific well-defined task.
Which of these is NOT a type of function in C?
Which of these is NOT a type of function in C?
What are the main components of a user-defined function in C?
What are the main components of a user-defined function in C?
The main components of a user-defined function in C are the function prototype (declaration), the function calling (calling function), and the function definition (or called function).
Pre-defined functions in C can be modified by the user.
Pre-defined functions in C can be modified by the user.
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What is the advantage of using user-defined functions in C?
What is the advantage of using user-defined functions in C?
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In C, what is the purpose of a function prototype?
In C, what is the purpose of a function prototype?
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What does the term "actual parameter" refer to in the context of C functions?
What does the term "actual parameter" refer to in the context of C functions?
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What distinguishes a function that doesn't return a value in C?
What distinguishes a function that doesn't return a value in C?
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What is a recursive function in C?
What is a recursive function in C?
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What's the primary reason for choosing "call by reference" over "call by value"?
What's the primary reason for choosing "call by reference" over "call by value"?
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How does "call by value" work in C?
How does "call by value" work in C?
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How does "call by reference" work in C?
How does "call by reference" work in C?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Functions
- Programs can become large and complex, making debugging difficult.
- Dividing programs into smaller, independent subprograms (functions) simplifies the process.
- C language supports this structuring using functions.
- Functions are building blocks of C programs.
- A function groups statements to perform a specific task.
Definition of a Function
- A function is a block of one or more statements that perform a specific task.
- A function is a small, independent units of a program.
- Two main types of functions:
- Standard/Predefined/Library Functions.
- User Defined Functions.
Predefined Functions
- Predefined functions are pre-written sets of statements in C header files.
- Their purpose is limited(e.g., printing out results)
- Users of these functions don't need to know the internal workings.
- Programs need to include the correct header file to use the function.
User Defined Functions in C
- User-defined functions are created according to user requirements.
- Users can adjust function definitions to their needs.
- Understanding the function's internal workings is important for defining functions well.
- User-defined functions reduce code size and increase programs' reusability.
- Reusable code simplifies debugging and helps structure large projects.
- Functions increase program readability.
Parts of a User Defined Function
- Function Prototype/Declaration
- Function Calling/Call
- Function Definition/Called Function
Function Prototype/Declaration
- A function prototype tells the compiler about the function's details.
- It includes the function's name, return type, and argument types and names.
- It's declared before the
main
function (local declaration) or outside of the main function (global declaration). - Example:
int sum(int, int);
Function Calling/Call
- Function calls use the function's name and pass data (arguments).
- Called functions get the data from the calling functions.
- Called functions process data according to instructions and may return values.
Function Definition/Called Function
- It's the actual function containing code to perform the stated task.
- It takes arguments as specified in the prototype.
- It might return a result using the
return
keyword.
Working of a Function
- Arguments of calling functions are called actual parameters.
- Arguments of called functions are called formal parameters.
- The argument list is enclosed in parenthesis
()
and separated by a comma,
. By default user defined functions return an integer value. - By using the
void
keyword functions can return no value.
Types of User Defined Functions
- Function without return type and without arguments
- Function without return type and with arguments
- Function with return type and without arguments
- Function with return type and with arguments
1. Function without return type and without arguments
- No data is passed to the function.
- No value is returned to the calling function.
- The function performs operations independently.
- Example: Print/display statements(not returning values)
2. Function without return type and with arguments
- Arguments passed to the function but no value returned..
- The function operates on the incoming arguments.
3. Function with return type and without arguments
- The function returns a value to the calling function.
- No values received as arguments.
4. Function with return type and with arguments
- The function receives arguments from the calling function.
- The function returns a value to the calling function.
Recursion
- A function calling itself is recursion.
- This method makes solving some problems simpler. e.g. calculating factorials.
Call by Value
- A copy of the actual parameter is passed to the formal parameter.
- Changes inside the function don't affect the original values.
- Distinct memory space.
Call by Reference
- The address of the actual parameter is passed.
- Changes inside the function directly modify the original values.
- Same memory space.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts of functions in the C programming language. It explores the definition, types of functions, and the distinction between predefined and user-defined functions. Understand how functions can simplify program structure and enhance code manageability.