Variables and Constants in C

Variables in C

Variable is used to store the value. As name indicates its value can be changed or also it can be reused many times.
Syntax 

Data type variable_name;

e.g. 

int a;

Where ‘a’ is the variables.

Types of Variables in C:

There are many types of variables in c:

• local variable
• global variable
• static variable
• external variable
• Automatic variable

1. Local variable – A variable which is declared inside the function is known as local variable. It is used only inside the function in which it is declared.
2. Global variable – A variable which is declared outside the function is known as global variable. It can be used throughout the program.
3. Static variable – It is used to retain its value between multiple function calls. It is declared using static keyword.
4. External variable – You can share a variable in multiple C source files by using external variable. It is declared using extern keyword.
5. Automatic variable – Variable which is declared inside the block is known as automatic variable by default.

Watch this C Programming and Data Structure Video by Intellipaat:

Constants in C

Its value is fixed throughout the program that means constants are those variables which value is not changed throughout the program.
C constants can be divided into two major categories:

• Primary Constants
• Secondary Constants

There are two simple ways in C to define constants:

1. Using#define 

e.g.

#include <stdio.h>
#define value 10
void main() {
int data;
data = value*value;
printf("value of data : %d",data);
}

Output
value of data : 100

2. Using const keyword

e.g.

#include <stdio.h>
void main() {
const int  value = 10;
int data;
data =value*value;
printf("value of data : %d",value);
}

Output
value of data : 100

If you want to know more about C Data Types, refer to our C programs blog