Basic definitions in C language
1. Program:
- A program is a set of instructions written in a programming language, such as C, that performs a specific task or solves a problem when executed by a computer.
2. Compiler:
- A compiler is a software tool that translates source code written in a high-level programming language (such as C) into machine code (binary code) that can be executed by a computer.
3. Syntax:
- Syntax refers to the rules and conventions that govern the structure and formatting of code in a programming language. Proper syntax is essential for writing correct and understandable programs.
4. Statement:
- A statement is a single instruction or command in a program that performs a specific action. Statements are terminated by a semicolon (;) in C.
5. Function:
- A function is a block of code that performs a specific task. It can be called from other parts of the program to execute its functionality. Functions enhance code modularity and reusability.
6. Variable:
- A variable is a named memory location used to store data during the execution of a program. Variables have a data type (int, float, char, etc.) that determines the type of data they can hold.
7. Data Type:
- A data type is a classification that specifies the type of data that a variable can hold, such as integers, floating-point numbers, characters, and arrays.
8. Control Structure:
- A control structure is a statement or group of statements that controls the flow of execution in a program. Examples include if-else statements, loops (for, while, do-while), and switch statements.
9. Comment:
- A comment is a piece of text in a program that is ignored by the compiler. Comments are used to document code, explain its purpose, and improve readability for other programmers.
10. Library:
- A library is a collection of precompiled functions and routines that can be used in a program. Standard libraries, such as stdio.h and math.h, provide commonly used functions for input/output and mathematical operations, respectively.
11. Array:
- An array is a collection of elements of the same data type stored in contiguous memory locations. Elements are accessed using an index.
12. Pointer:
- A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. It allows for dynamic memory allocation and manipulation of data indirectly.
13. Loop:
- A loop is a control structure that repeats a block of code until a specific condition is met. Examples include for, while, and do-while loops.
14. Conditional Statement:
- A conditional statement is a control structure that executes certain code based on the evaluation of a condition. Examples include if, if-else, and switch statements.
15. Arithmetic Operator:
- An arithmetic operator performs mathematical operations on operands. Examples include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and modulus (%).
16. Relational Operator:
- A relational operator compares two values and returns a boolean result (true or false) based on the relationship between them. Examples include equal to (==), not equal to (!=), greater than (>), less than (<), etc.
17. Logical Operator:
- A logical operator performs logical operations on boolean values (true or false). Examples include AND (&&), OR (||), and NOT (!).
18. Bitwise Operator:
- A bitwise operator performs operations on individual bits of operands. Examples include bitwise AND (&), bitwise OR (|), bitwise XOR (^), bitwise complement (~), left shift (<<), and right shift (>>).
19. Initialization:
- Initialization is the process of assigning an initial value to a variable when it is declared. It is typically done using the assignment operator (=).
20. Declaration:
- Declaration is the process of introducing a new identifier (variable, function, etc.) to the compiler along with its data type.
21. Header File:
- A header file is a file containing declarations of functions, variables, and macros used in a program. It is included using the #include directive.
22. Preprocessor Directive:
- A preprocessor directive is a command used by the C preprocessor to perform tasks such as including header files, defining macros, and conditionally compiling code.
23. Escape Sequence:
- An escape sequence is a sequence of characters that begins with a backslash (\) and is used to represent special characters in a string, such as newline (\n), tab (\t), and backslash (\\).
24. Structure:
- A structure is a user-defined data type that groups together related data items under a single name. It allows for the creation of complex data structures.
25. Union:
- A union is a user-defined data type that allows different data types to share the same memory location. Only one member of the union can be accessed at a time.
26. File Handling:
- File handling refers to the process of reading from and writing to files on the disk. It involves functions such as fopen(), fclose(), fread(), and fwrite().
27. Dynamic Memory Allocation:
- Dynamic memory allocation allows a program to allocate memory at runtime using functions like malloc(), calloc(), realloc(), and free() from the <stdlib.h> header file.
28. Recursion:
- Recursion is a programming technique where a function calls itself to solve a problem. It involves breaking down a problem into smaller subproblems until a base case is reached.
29. Command Line Arguments:
- Command line arguments are parameters passed to a program when it is executed from the command line. They are accessed using argc (argument count) and argv (argument vector) parameters in the main() function.
30. Function Prototype:
- A function prototype is a declaration of a function that specifies its name, return type, and parameters, but not its body. It allows the compiler to check the function's usage before its actual definition.
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31. Scope:
- Scope refers to the region of a program where a variable or identifier is visible and accessible. It determines the lifetime and visibility of variables and functions.
32. Global Variable:
- A global variable is a variable declared outside of any function and is accessible from any part of the program. Its scope extends throughout the entire program.
33. Local Variable:
- A local variable is a variable declared inside a function and is accessible only within that function. Its scope is limited to the block in which it is declared.
34. Static Variable:
- A static variable is a variable that retains its value between function calls. It is initialized only once and retains its value throughout the program's execution.
35. Type Casting:
- Type casting is the process of converting one data type to another. It allows for the conversion of variables from one data type to another to perform operations or assignments.
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