Definition of variable in c

Definition of variable in C programming language:

A variable is named location of data. In other word we can variable is container of data.

    In real world you have used various type containers for specific purpose. For example you have used suitcase to store clothes, match box to store match sticks etc. In the same way variables of different data type is used to store different types of data. For example integer variables are used to store integers char variables is used to store characters etc. On the basis of how many data a variable will store, we can categorize the all c variable in three groups.

(a)Variables which can store only one data at time. Example: integer variables, char variables, pointer variables etc. 

(b)Variables which can store more than one data of similar type at a time. Example: array variables

(c) Variables, which can store more than one value of dissimilar type at a time. Example: structure or union variables.

Properties of variable in c:

    Every variable in c have three most fundamental attributes. They are:

1. Name

2. Value

3. Address

Name of a variable:

 Every variable in c has its own name. A variable without any name is name is not possible in c. Most important properties of variables name are its unique names. Not two variables in c can have same name with same visibility. For example:

#include<stdio.h>

int main(){

    auto int a=5;   //Visibility is within main block

    static int a=10; //Visibility is within main block

/* Two variables of same name */

    printf("%d",a);

    return 0;

}

Output: compilation error

But it is possible that two variable with same name but different visibility. In this case variable name can access only that variable which is more local. In c there is not any way to access global variable if any local variable is present of same name. For example:

(a)

#include<stdio.h>

int a=50; //Visibility is whole the program

int main(){

    int a=10; //Visibility within main block

    printf("%d",a);

    return 0;

}

Output: 10

(b)

#include<stdio.h>

int main(){

    int a=10; //Visibility within main block.

    {

        a+=5; //Accessing outer local variable a.

        int a=20; //Visibility within inner block.

        a+=10; //Accessing inner local variable a.    

        printf(“%d”,a);//Accessing inner local variable a.

    }

    printf(“%d”,a); //Accessing outer local variable a.

    return 0;

}

Output: 30 15

Note: In c any name is called identifier. This name can be variable name, function name, enum constant name, micro constant name, goto label name, any other data type name like structure, union, enum names or typedef name.

Identifier naming rule in c

Value of variable in c language

Address of a variable in c

Declaration of a variable in c

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