programmingC Programminginput outputcoding

Basic Input and Output in C

By Swann
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Published on
Basic Input and Output in C

Introduction

Effective input and output (I/O) handling is crucial in C programming to interact with users, gather data, and display results. The standard I/O functions - printf for output and scanf for input - are vital tools that every C programmer utilizes to facilitate interaction between the program and the outside world.

Output: The printf Function

Syntax

printf("Format String", Argument List);

Example

#include<stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

Format Specifiers

  • %d or %i: Integer
  • %f: Float
  • %c: Character
  • %s: String

Input: The scanf Function

Syntax

scanf("Format String", Address List);

Example

#include<stdio.h>

int main() {
    int age;
    printf("Enter your age: ");
    scanf("%d", &age);
    printf("You are %d years old.\n", age);
    return 0;
}

Handling Multiple Inputs

int age, year;
printf("Enter your age and birth year: ");
scanf("%d %d", &age, &year);

Handling Strings: gets and puts

  • gets: To read a string from the user.
  • puts: To display a string.
char name[30];
gets(name);
puts(name);

Conclusion

Understanding basic I/O functions in C, such as printf and scanf, is pivotal in developing interactive applications. As you explore further, you'll encounter more advanced I/O functions and techniques, but these foundational functions will remain a staple in your C programming endeavors, aiding in user interaction, data collection, and information display.


Additional Resources

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