Variables in C Programming Language

Share Your Love

A variable is a name of a location in a memory where values are stored. The value stored in the variable can be changed and can be reused as many times as possible depending on the instructions provided by the user.

Syntax to define a variable:

type variable_name;

Where “type” represents the datatype of the variable and the “variable name” is the name of the variable which you want to give.

Example:

int age;
char b;
double c;

Here are some examples of variables in C. In the above example age, b and c are the name of the variable whereas int, char and double are the datatypes.

Rules for Defining Variables:

There are certain rules you need to follow to define a variable in C, the rules are:

  • A variable can have an alphabet as well as a digit.
  • A variable can start with an alphabet or underscore.
  • A variable cannot start with a digit.
  • A variable should not have space within its name.
  • A variable should not be a reserved word that means keywords, eg: long, for, while etc.

Some Examples Of Valid Variable Name:

int x;
char _bd;
double c33;

Types Of Variable In C:

In C language there are different types of variable present such as:

  • local variable
  • global variable
  • automatic variable
  • static variable 
  • external variable

Local Variable:

A variable declared in a function or block is called a local variable. It should be declared at the beginning of the block and should be initialized before use.

Examples:

#include<stdio.h>
int main(){
	int a=20;//local variable, local to the block
}

YkmMl4QRyay9YyJcNTn3YlMPQfWr72g2AueyIN fcWrwFnb7QuB3Lk4q

Contributed By: Soham Malakar

Global Variable:

A variable declared outside a function or block is called a global variable. Any function can change its value and is available to all the functions in the program.

Example:

#include<stdio.h>
int x=100;//global variable
int main(){
    int a=20;
}

hzUr3xoUEfIF8fUh6lZ6tU7 qEnnjNXFh2d uGTQV wvfIjCgDwP2Lfn cPN cUDUigPEDG0sT5xojZLTcpKwc llUmBkDnvjyBqXRGO8TAyPLu2pZO4mZtjdx6 3mZbPrqnbg

Contributed By: Soham Malakar

Automatic Variable:

An automatic variable is declared using the auto keyword. All the variables in C that are declared inside a block are automatic by default.

Example:

#include<stdio.h>
int main(){
	int a=20;//also automatic variable
	auto int b=30;//automatic variable
}

5LHjCump8WDwWpq20rlG mEyJb37PJy3SfPrep3wD8KDeSvEiZXAqQoejKKee2JBNPdZ6eu48RagPpKflfwFaM3oMvLKMCd770eW xnDc6oAgQywvohwTpu13AW125 v6TByoA

Contributed By: Soham Malakar

Static Variable:

A static variable is a variable that is declared using the static keyword. The values of the static variables cannot be changed once initialised and retain the same value in different function calls.

Example:

#include<stdio.h>
int main(){
	int a=20;
	static int b=90;
}

XNpda eenge0Rk2z OFnCaePWAb8pd4LFNbIAn2ivUpTgCm5Z rl4sNLp3ji588bwJZOZ3Zs8E2UyX9bf85Y4WY1TDaMpmp4yBhCYtMZBaJToquBvTVfzvj i

Contributed By: Soham Malakar

External Variable:

An external variable is a variable which is declared using an external keyword. External variables can be shared to multiple c source files.

Example:

#include<stdio.h>
extern int z=33;
int main(){
	int a=20;
}

VKW9Gwep23K6JKZuwf3rPcVbH7z6IbKhrBiDBb7ZqGlB24G9Oh15opynqOuEbcJx31hxBf8TbJ75RKuOoe7IVaUUM NBXsRigJj4rRx8N8cFtuMxAkP oEFG2UoL2dXh4Buiqw

Contributed By: Soham Malakar

Hence we end the discussion on variables in C.

Please write comments or WhatsApp if you find anything incorrect, or you want to share more information about the topic discussed above.

Share Your Love
Avatar photo
Soham Malakar

Hello my name is Soham Malakar am currently pursuing BCA

Coding is one of my favorite hobbies.
I love to code and an enthusiast to learn different types of programming languages.
I love to get intoxicated in the world of technology and video games.
A quick learner possessing better results.

Articles: 40

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below to subscribe to our newsletter