Keywords in c

what is keywords ?

Keywords are predefined, reserved words that have special meanings and purposes within the language. These keywords are part of the syntax and cannot be used as identifiers (such as variable names, function names, or labels) because they are already reserved by the C language to perform specific tasks or operations.

Characteristics of keywords :

Reserved Usage : Keywords are reserved by the C language and have specific predefined meanings. They are used to define the structure and behavior of programs.
Syntax Components : Keywords are integral to the syntax of the language. They dictate how statements, expressions, and control structures are constructed and interpreted by the compiler.
Standardization : Keywords are standardized across all conforming implementations of C. This ensures consistency in language features and behavior across different compilers and platforms.

Common keywords in c :

Keywords	Description
auto	Specifies automatic storage class.
break	Exits from a loop or switch statement.
case	Specifies a branch in a switch statement.
char	Declares a character type.
const	Declares a constant.
continue	Skips the current iteration of a loop and proceeds to the next iteration.
default	Specifies the default case in a switch statement.
do	Starts a do-while loop.
double	Declares a double-precision floating-point type.
else	Specifies an alternative branch in an if statement.
enum	Declares an enumeration type.
extern	Declares a variable or function as existing externally.
float	Declares a floating-point type.
for	Starts a for loop.
goto	Transfers control to a labeled statement.
if	Specifies a conditional statement.
int	Declares an integer type.
long	Declares a long integer type.
register	Specifies a register storage class.
return	Exits from a function and optionally returns a value.
short	Declares a short integer type.
signed	Declares a signed integer type.
sizeof	Determines the size of a data type or object.
static	Declares a static storage class.
struct	Declares a structure type.
switch	Starts a switch statement.
typedef	Defines a new data type.
union	Declares a union type.
unsigned	Declares an unsigned integer type.
void	Specifies an empty or no return type.
volatile	Indicates that a variable can be modified unexpectedly.
while	Starts a while loop

Examples :

Output :
3.140000

Output :
5

Output :
1 3 5 7 9

Importance of keywords :

Syntax Definition : Keywords define the grammar and structure of C programs. They specify how statements are formed, how control flows, and how data is manipulated.
Compiler Recognition : Keywords are recognized by the compiler and have specific meanings attached to them. Using keywords incorrectly (such as using them as variable names) will result in compilation errors.
Standardization : The use of standardized keywords ensures portability and compatibility of C programs across different systems and compilers.

Avoiding Keywords as Identifiers :

Since keywords have reserved meanings, it is crucial not to use them as identifiers in your C programs. Using a keyword as an identifier will lead to syntax errors during compilation because the compiler expects these words to be used in specific contexts defined by the C language syntax.

Conclusion :

Understanding keywords in C involves recognizing their reserved status, their integral role in defining language syntax, and the importance of using them correctly to ensure proper program execution. By adhering to these principles, developers can leverage the full power and functionality of the C language effectively and efficiently.

SHARE