Variables in C Programming - Types of Variables in C ( With Examples )

Variables in C: An Overview

Are you curious about using variables in C? Using the right variables can not only make the code easier to read but also help optimize your program. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of variables and enhance your C programming skills, consider enrolling in C Online Training. In this article, we'll explore all the aspects of a variable. By utilizing the insights gained from C for beginners you will be able to create powerful programs that efficiently utilize memory resources.

Variables in C language

A variable is a named storage location of data in memory. Data types of variables can be int, float, boolean, char, and double.

How to Declare a Variable?

Syntax

type variableName;

Example

Here we can see that a floattype variable f is created. This means that a memory location of name f which can store floating value is being created in the memory.

You can assign the value to the variable f after a declaration like this:

f=15.7;

You can also declare a variable by assigning values to it in the following way:

int a=10,b=20;//declaring 2 variable of integer type
float f=20.8;
char c='A';

What are the rules for naming a variable?

In C programming language, there are rules for defining variables, which are as follows:

• The name can consist of alphabets (both uppercase and lowercase), digits, and underscore(_).
• The first character must be either an alphabet or an underscore.
• Variable names are case-sensitive, i.e., "num" and "Num" are two different variable names.
• No white spaces and special characters like !, *, must be there in the variable names.
• A keyword cannot be your variable name.
• The type of the declared variable cannot be changed after declaration.

Read More - Top 50 Mostly Asked C Interview Questions

Format Specifiers

They convey to the compiler regarding the type of data value stored in a variable. They are used with the printf() function. The representation of it is, a % sign followed by a character in double quotes,””.

Example in C Compiler

#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
 int a = 15; //integer
 float f = 5.99; // Floating point number
 char c = 'D'; // Character
 // Print variables
 printf("%d\n", a); // prints 15
 printf("%f\n", f); // prints 5.99
 printf("%c\n", c); //prints D
 return 0;
}

Here, we are printing values of various types of variables.

Output

15 
5.990000
D

Operations that can be performed on variables

• Assigning the value of one variable to another variable

Example

#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
 int a = 15;
 int b = 20;
 a = b; // Assign the value of 'b' to 'a'
 printf("%d", a);
 return 0;
}

Here we first declared a and b with values. Then we assigned the value of b to a.

Output

20

Declaring multiple variables and printing them

Example

#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
 int x = 5, y = 6, z = 50;
 printf("%d\t%d\t%d", x, y, z);
 return 0;
}

Here we have declared 3 int type variables in a single line separated by commas. In the printf() function “\t” is used for giving spacing between 2 values in the same line.

Output

5 6 50

Addition of two variables

Example

#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{ int a = 5;
 int b = 10;
 int sum = a + b; 
 printf("%d", sum);
 return 0;
}

Output

15

Types of Variables in C Language

There are 5 types of variables in C language, which are

1. Local Variable
2. Global Variable
3. Static Variable
4. Automatic Variable
5. External Variable

1. Local Variable in C

Example

#include <stdio.h>
void local();
void main() {
 int a = 22, b = 44;
 local();
 printf("Values in the main() function a = %d and b = %d\n", a, b);
}
void local() {
 int a = 50, b = 80;
 printf("Values in the local() function a = %d and b = %d\n", a, b);
}

In the above code in the C Online Editor, there are two functions, main() and local(). The variables a and b are local variables declared inside each function with different values. The value of a and b is restricted to the function in which it is declared.

Output

Values in the local() function a = 50 and b = 80
Values in the main() function a = 22 and b = 44

2. Global Variable in C

The global variable in C is defined outside of any function and is therefore accessible to all functions. Global variables in C are initialized when the program starts, and until the program exits, these variables remain stored in the memory.

Example

 #include <stdio.h>
 int a = 20; // Global declaration
 void global();
 void main() {
 printf("In main() function a = %d\n", a); // Prints 20
 global();
 a = a + 15; // Uses global variable
 printf("In main() function a = %d\n", a); // Prints 55
 }
 void global() {
 a = a + 20; // Uses global variable
 printf("In global() function a = %d\n", a); // Prints 40
 }

In the above code, a global variable, a=20 is declared. It is accessed by both the functions, global() and main(). The modification of a by the global() function affects the value of a in the main() function as well. The global() function opeartes on the modified value of a.

Output

In main() function a = 20
In test() function a = 40
In main() function a = 55

3. Static Variable in C

4. Automatic Variable in C

All the local variables are automatic variables by default. They are also known as auto variables.

You will get to know automatic variable in detail in the section, Storage Classes in C.

Example

void main(){ 
int x=10;//local variable (also automatic) 
auto int y=20;//automatic variable 
} 

5. External Variable in C

External variables specify an external linkage and so such variables are not allocated any memory. The initialization must be done globally and not within any function or block. If an external variable is not initialized anywhere in the program, the compiler will show an error.

Read more: Storage Classes in C: Auto, Extern, Static, Register

Example

#include <stdio.h> 
int a;
int main()
{
extern int a; // variable a is defined globally, the memory will not be allocated to a
printf("%d",a);
}

Output

0

Summary

Becoming familiar with variables in C is essential for creating successful programming solutions. Understanding how to declare and use a variable correctly will help developers structure their code correctly. Experimenting with different techniques and researching the different types of variables can also give valuable insight into how each type of variable behaves. Take the time to practice and understand variables in C, and consider pursuing a C Certification to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.