Functions in C Programming

Functions in C programming allow code to be modularized and reused, making programs easier to
manage and debug. A function is a block of code that performs a specific task and can be called multiple
times within a program.

1. Types of Functions in C

C functions can be classified into two main types:

1. Library (Built-in) Functions – Functions provided by C libraries (e.g., printf(), scanf(), sqrt(), etc.).

2. User-defined Functions – Functions created by the programmer for specific tasks.

2. Structure of a C Function

A C function typically consists of the following parts:

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return_type function_name(parameter_list) {

// Function body (code to execute)

return value; // Optional, based on return type

3. Function Declaration, Definition, and Call

a) Function Declaration (Prototype)

 Introduces the function to the compiler.

 Declared before main() if the function definition appears later.

Syntax:

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return_type function_name(parameter_list);

Example:

c
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int add(int, int);

b) Function Definition

 Provides the actual implementation of the function.

Example:

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int add(int a, int b) {

return a + b;

c) Function Call

 Executes the function and provides arguments (if required).

Example:

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int result = add(5, 3);

4. Example Program Using Functions

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#include <stdio.h>

// Function prototype

int add(int, int);

int main() {

int num1 = 10, num2 = 20;

printf("Sum: %d\n", sum);

return 0;

// Function definition

int add(int a, int b) {

return a + b;

Output:

makefile

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Sum: 30

5. Types of Function Arguments

a) Function with No Arguments and No Return Value

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#include <stdio.h>

void greet() {

printf("Hello, welcome!\n");

int main() {

greet();

return 0;

Output: Hello, welcome!

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#include <stdio.h>

void displayMessage(char name[]) {

printf("Hello, %s!\n", name);

int main() {

displayMessage("Alice");

return 0;

Output: Hello, Alice!

c) Function with No Arguments but a Return Value

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#include <stdio.h>

int getNumber() {

return 42;

int main() {

int num = getNumber();

printf("Number: %d\n", num);

return 0;
}

Output: Number: 42

d) Function with Arguments and a Return Value

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#include <stdio.h>

int multiply(int a, int b) {

return a * b;

int main() {

int result = multiply(4, 5);

printf("Product: %d\n", result);

return 0;

Output: Product: 20

6. Parameter Passing in C Functions

C supports two methods of passing arguments:

a) Call by Value (Default Method)

 The function gets a copy of the argument.

 Changes inside the function do not affect the original variable.

Example:

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#include <stdio.h>
void modify(int x) {

x = 20;

int main() {

int num = 10;

modify(num);

printf("Value of num: %d\n", num); // Original value remains unchanged

return 0;

Output: Value of num: 10

b) Call by Reference (Using Pointers)

 The function receives a pointer to the argument.

 Changes inside the function affect the original variable.

Example:

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#include <stdio.h>

void modify(int *x) {

*x = 20;

int main() {

int num = 10;

modify(&num);

printf("Value of num: %d\n", num); // Value is modified

return 0;
}

Output: Value of num: 20

7. Recursive Functions in C

A recursive function is a function that calls itself.

Example (Factorial Calculation):

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#include <stdio.h>

int factorial(int n) {

if (n == 0)

return 1;

else

return n * factorial(n - 1);

int main() {

int num = 5;

printf("Factorial of %d is %d\n", num, factorial(num));

return 0;

Output: Factorial of 5 is 120

8. Function Scope and Lifetime

1. Local Variables: Declared inside a function, available only within that function.

2. Global Variables: Declared outside all functions, accessible throughout the program.

3. Static Variables: Retain their value across multiple function calls.

Example of a static variable:

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#include <stdio.h>

void counter() {

static int count = 0;

count++;

printf("Count: %d\n", count);

int main() {

counter();

counter();

counter();

return 0;

Output:

makefile

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Count: 1

Count: 2

Count: 3

9. Inline Functions (Using Macros)

Instead of writing small functions, macros can be used to reduce function call overhead.

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#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))

int result = SQUARE(5);

printf("Square: %d\n", result);

return 0;

Output: Square: 25

10. Advantages of Using Functions in C

 Code Reusability: Avoid code repetition.

 Modularity: Divide programs into smaller parts.

 Maintainability: Easier to debug and maintain.

 Improved Readability: Logical structure for better understanding.

Summary of Functions in C

Concept Description Example

Function Declaration Tells compiler about function int sum(int, int);

Function Definition Actual implementation of function int sum(int a, int b) {}

Function Call Invoking the function in main() sum(4, 5);

Call by Value Passing values, original remains unchanged modify(num);

Call by Reference Passing addresses, modifies original modify(&num);

Recursion Function calling itself factorial(n - 1);

Static Variables Retains value across function calls static int count = 0;