Q1. What are the basic Datatypes supported in C Programming Language?

Ans: The Datatypes in C Language are broadly classified into 4 categories. They are as follows:

• Basic Datatypes
• Derived Datatypes
• Enumerated Datatypes
• Void Datatypes

The Basic Datatypes supported in C Language are as follows:

Datatype Name Datatype Size Datatype Range

short 1 byte -128 to 127
unsigned short 1 byte 0 to 255
char 1 byte -128 to 127
unsigned char 1 byte 0 to 255
int 2 bytes -32,768 to 32,767
unsigned int 2 bytes 0 to 65,535
-2,147,483,648 to
long 4 bytes
2,147,483,647
unsigned long 4 bytes 0 to 4,294,967,295
float 4 bytes 3.4E-38 to 3.4E+38
double 8 bytes 1.7E-308 to 1.7E+308
long double 10 bytes 3.4E-4932 to 1.1E+4932

Q2. What do you mean by Dangling Pointer Variable in C Programming?

Ans: A Pointer in C Programming is used to point the memory location of an existing variable.
In case if that particular variable is deleted and the Pointer is still pointing to the same memory
location, then that particular pointer variable is called as a Dangling Pointer Variable.

Q3. What do you mean by the Scope of the variable? What is the scope of the
variables in C?

Ans: Scope of the variable can be defined as the part of the code area where the variables
declared in the program can be accessed directly. In C, all identifiers are lexically (or statically)
scoped.

Q4. What are static variables and functions?

Ans: The variables and functions that are declared using the keyword Static are considered as
Static Variable and Static Functions. The variables declared using Static keyword will have their
scope restricted to the function in which they are declared.
Q5. Differentiate between calloc() and malloc()

Ans: calloc() and malloc() are memory dynamic memory allocating functions. The only
difference between them is that calloc() will load all the assigned memory locations with value 0
but malloc() will not.

Q6. What are the valid places where the programmer can apply Break Control
Statement?

Ans: Break Control statement is valid to be used inside a loop and Switch control statements.

Q7. How can we store a negative integer?

Ans: To store a negative integer, we need to follow the following steps. Calculate the two’s
complement of the same positive integer.

Eg: 1011 (-5)

Step-1 − One’s complement of 5: 1010

Step-2 − Add 1 to above, giving 1011, which is -5

Q8. Differentiate between Actual Parameters and Formal Parameters.

Ans: The Parameters which are sent from main function to the subdivided function are called
as Actual Parameters and the parameters which are declared a the Subdivided function end are
called as Formal Parameters.

Q9. Can a C program be compiled or executed in the absence of a main ()?

Ans: The program will be compiled but will not be executed. To execute any C program, main ()
is required.

Q10. What do you mean by a Nested Structure?

Ans: When a data member of one structure is referred by the data member of another function,
then the structure is called a Nested Structure.

Q11. What is a C Token?

Ans: Keywords, Constants, Special Symbols, Strings, Operators, Identifiers used in C program
are referred to as C Tokens.

Q12. What is Preprocessor?

Ans: A Preprocessor Directive is considered as a built-in predefined function or macro that acts
as a directive to the compiler and it gets executed before the actual C Program is executed.

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write your problems in the comment section below.

Q13. Why C is called the Mother of all Languages?

Ans: C introduced many core concepts and data structures like arrays, lists, functions,
strings, etc. Many languages designed after C are designed on the basis of C Language. Hence, it
is considered as the mother of all languages.

Q14. What is the purpose of printf() and scanf() in C Program?

Ans: printf() is used to print the values on the screen. To print certain values, and on the other
hand, scanf() is used to scan the values. We need an appropriate datatype format specifier for
both printing and scanning purposes. For example,

• %d: It is a datatype format specifier used to print and scan an integer value.
• %s: It is a datatype format specifier used to print and scan a string.
• %c: It is a datatype format specifier used to display and scan a character value.
• %f: It is a datatype format specifier used to display and scan a float value.

Q15. What is an array?

Ans. The array is a simple data structure that stores multiple elements of the same datatype in a
reserved and sequential manner. There are three types of arrays, namely,

• One Dimensional Array

• Two Dimensional Array
• Multi-Dimensional Array

Q16. What is /0 characters?

Ans: The Symbol mentioned is called a Null Character. It is considered as the terminating
character used in strings to notify the end of the string to the compiler.

Q17. What is the main difference between the Compiler and the Interpreter?

Ans: Compiler is used in C Language and it translates the complete code into the Machine Code
in one shot. On the other hand, Interpreter is used in Java Programming Language and other
high-end programming languages. It is designed to compile code in line by line fashion.

Q18. Can I use int datatype to store 32768 values?

Ans: No, Integer datatype will support the range between -32768 and 32767. Any value
exceeding that will not be stored. We can either use float or long int.

Q19. What is Dynamic Memory allocation? Mention the syntax.

Ans: Dynamic Memory Allocation is the process of allocating memory to the program and its
variables in runtime. Dynamic Memory Allocation process involves three functions for
allocating memory and one function to free the used memory.

malloc() – Allocates memory

Syntax:

1 ptr = (cast-type*) malloc(byte-size);

calloc() – Allocates memory

Syntax:

1 ptr = (cast-type*)calloc(n, element-size);

realloc() – Allocates memory

Syntax:

1 ptr = realloc(ptr, newsize);

free() – Deallocates the used memory

Syntax:

1 free(ptr);
Q20. What do you mean by Dangling Pointer Variable in C Programming?

Ans: A Pointer in C Programming is used to point the memory location of an existing variable.
In case if that particular variable is deleted and the Pointer is still pointing to the same memory
location, then that particular pointer variable is called as a Dangling Pointer Variable.

Q21. Where can we not use & (address operator in C)?

Ans: We cannot use & on constants and on a variable which is declared using the register
storage class.

Q22. What is structure in C Language

Ans: Structure is defined as a user-defined data type that is designed to store multiple data
members of the different data types as a single unit. A structure will consume the memory equal
to the summation of all the data members.
Q23. Differentiate between call by value and call by reference.

Ans:

Factor Call by Value Call by Reference

Actual arguments cannot be changed and remain Operations are performed on
Safety
safe actual arguments, hence not safe
Memory Separate memory locations are created for actual Actual and Formal arguments
Location and formal arguments share the same memory space.
Arguments Copy of actual arguments are sent Actual arguments are passed

Q24. Differentiate between getch() and getche().

Ans: Both the functions are designed to read characters from the keyboard and the only
difference is that?

getch(): reads characters from the keyboard but it does not use any buffers. Hence, data is not
displayed on the screen.

getche(): reads characters from the keyboard and it uses a buffer. Hence, data is displayed on the
screen.

Q25. Explain toupper() with an example.

Ans. toupper() is a function designed to convert lowercase words/characters into upper case.

//Example

1
#include<stdio.h>
2
#include<ctype.h>
3 int main()
4 {
5 char c;
6 c=a;
printf("%c after conversions %c", c, toupper(c));
7
c=B;
8 printf("%c after conversions %c", c, toupper(c));
9
//Output:

a after conversions A
B after conversions B

Q26. Write a code to generate random numbers in C Language.

Ans: Random numbers in C Language can be generated as follows:

1
2 #include<stdio.h>
3 #include<stdlib.h>
int main()
4 {
5 int a,b;
6 for(a=1;a<=10;a++)
7 {
8 b=rand();
printf("%dn",b);
9 }
10 return 0;
11 }
12
//Output

1987384758
2057844389
3475398489
2247357398
1435983905

Q27. Can I create a customized Head File in C language?

Ans: It is possible to create a new header file. Create a file with function prototypes that need to
be used in the program. Include the file in the ‘#include’ section in its name.

Q28. What do you mean by Memory Leak?

Ans: Memory Leak can be defined as a situation where programmer allocates dynamic memory
to the program but fails to free or delete the used memory after the completion of the code. This
is harmful if daemons and servers are included in the program.

1 #include<stdio.h>
2 #include<stdlib.h>
int main()
3
{
4 int* ptr;
5 int n, i, sum = 0;
6 n = 5;
7 printf("Enter the number of elements: %dn", n);
ptr = (int*)malloc(n * sizeof(int));
8
if (ptr == NULL)
9 {
10 printf("Memory not allocated.n");
11 exit(0);
12 }
else
13
{
14 printf("Memory successfully allocated using malloc.n");
15 for (i = 0; i<= n; ++i)
16 {
17 ptr[i] = i + 1;
18 }
printf("The elements of the array are: ");
19 for (i = 0; i<=n; ++i)
20 {
21 printf("%d, ", ptr[i]);
22 }
23 }
return 0;
24 }
25
26
27
28
29
//Output

Enter the number of elements: 5

Memory successfully allocated using malloc.
The elements of the array are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

In case you are facing any challenges with these C Programming Interview Questions, please
write your problems in the comment section below.

Q29. Explain Local Static Variables and what is their use?

Ans: A local static variable is a variable whose life doesn’t end with a function call where it is
declared. It extends for the lifetime of the complete program. All calls to the function share the
same copy of local static variables.

1
2 #include<stdio.h>
3 void fun()
{
4
static int x;
5 printf("%d ", x);
6 x = x + 1;
7 }
8 int main()
{
9
fun();
10 fun();
11 return 0;
12 }
13
//Output

01

Q30. What is the difference between declaring a header file with < > and” “?
Ans: If the Header File is declared using < > then the compiler searches for the header file
within the Built-in Path. If the Header File is declared using” ” then the compiler will search for
the Header File in the current working directory and if not found then it searches for the file in
other locations.

Q31. When should we use the register storage specifier?

Ans: We use Register Storage Specifier if a certain variable is used very frequently. This helps
the compiler to locate the variable as the variable will be declared in one of the CPU registers.

Q32. Which statement is efficient and why? x=x+1; or x++;

Ans: x++; is the most efficient statement as it just a single instruction to the compiler while the
other is not.

Q33. Can I declare the same variable name to the variables which have different
scopes?

Ans: Yes, Same variable name can be declared to the variables with different variable scopes as
the following example.

1
int var;
2
void function()
3 {
4 int variable;
5 }
6 int main()
{
7
int variable;
8 }
9

Q34. Which variable can be used to access Union data members if the Union
variable is declared as a pointer variable?

Ans: Arrow Operator (->) can be used to access the data members of a Union if the Union
Variable is declared as a pointer variable.

Q35. Mention File operations in C Language.

Ans: Basic File Handling Techniques in C, provide the basic functionalities that user can
perform against files in the system.

Function Operation
fopen() To Open a File
fclose() To Close a File
fgets() To Read a File
fprint() To Write into a File

Q36. What are the different storage class specifiers in C?

Ans: The different storage specifiers available in C Language are as follows:

• auto
• register
• static
• extern

Q37. What is typecasting?

Ans: Typecasting is a process of converting one data type into another is known as typecasting.
If we want to store the floating type value to an int type, then we will convert the data type into
another data type explicitly.

Q38. Write a C program to print hello world without using a semicolon (;).

Ans:

1 #include&lt;stdio.h&gt;
2 void main()
3 {
4 if(printf("hello world")){}
}
5
//Output:

hello world

Q39. Write a program to swap two numbers without using the third variable.

Ans:

1 #include&lt;stdio.h&gt;
#include&lt;conio.h&gt;
2 main()
3 {
4 int a=10, b=20;
5 clrscr();
6 printf("Before swapping a=%d b=%d",a,b);
a=a+b;
7 b=a-b;
8 a=a-b;
9 printf("nAfter swapping a=%d b=%d",a,b);
10 getch();
}
11
12
13
//Output

Before swapping a=10 b=20

After swapping a=20 b=10

Q40. How can you print a string with the symbol % in it?

Ans: There is no escape sequence provided for the symbol % in C. So, to print % we should use
‘%%’ as shown below.

Q41. Write a code to print the following pattern.

1
12
123
1234
12345

Ans: To print the above pattern, the following code can be used.

1
2 #include&lt;stdio.h&gt;
3 int main()
{
4
for(i=1;i&lt;=5;1++)
5 {
6 for(j=1;j&lt;=5;j++)
7 {
8 print("%d",j);
}
9
printf("n");
10 }
11 return 0;
12 }
13

Q42. What are the limitations of scanf () and how can it be avoided?

Ans: The Limitations of scanf () are as follows:

• Scanf () cannot work with the string of characters.

• It is not possible to enter a multiword string into a single variable using scanf ().
• To avoid this gets ( ) function is used.
 • It gets a string from the keyboard and is terminated when enter key is pressed.
• Here the spaces and tabs are acceptable as part of the input string.

Q43. Differentiate between the macros and the functions.

Ans: The differences between macros and functions can be explained as follows:

• Macro call replaces the templates with the expansion in a literal way.
• The Macro call makes the program run faster but also increases the program size.
• Macro is simple and avoids errors related to the function calls.
• In a function, call control is transferred to the function along with arguments.
• It makes the functions small and compact.
• Passing arguments and getting back the returned value takes time and makes the
program run at a slower rate.

Q44. What are the key features in the C programming language?

Answer: Features are as follows:

Portability: It is a platform-independent language.

Modularity: Possibility to break down large programs into small modules.

Flexibility: The possibility of a programmer to control the language.

Speed: C comes with support for system programming and hence it compiles and executes with
high speed when compared with other high-level languages.

Extensibility: Possibility to add new features by the programmer.

Q45. What are the basic data types associated with C?

Answer:

Int – Represent the number (integer)

Float – Number with a fraction part.

Double – Double-precision floating-point value

Char – Single character

Void – Special purpose type without any value.

Q46. What is the description for syntax errors?

Answer: The mistakes/errors that occur while creating a program are called syntax errors.
Misspelled commands or incorrect case commands, an incorrect number of parameters in calling
method /function, data type mismatches can be identified as common examples for syntax errors.

Q47. What is the process to create increment and decrement statement in C?

Answer: There are two possible methods to perform this task.

Use increment (++) and decrement (-) operator.

Example When x=4, x++ returns 5 and x- returns 3.

Use conventional + or – sign.

Example When x=4, use x+1 to get 5 and x-1 to get 3.

Q48. What are reserved words with a programming language?

Answer: The words that are a part of the standard C language library are called reserved words.
Those reserved words have special meaning and it is not possible to use them for any activity
other than its intended functionality.

Example: void, return int.

Q49. What is the explanation for the dangling pointer in C?

Answer: When there is a pointer pointing to a memory address of any variable, but after some
time the variable was deleted from the memory location while keeping the pointer pointing to
that location is known as a dangling pointer in C.

Q50. Describe static function with its usage?

Answer: A function, which has a function definition prefixed with a static keyword is defined as
a static function. The static function should be called within the same source code.

Q51. What is the difference between abs () and fabs () functions?

Answer: Both functions are to retrieve absolute value. abs () is for integer values and fabs() is
for floating type numbers. Prototype for abs () is under the library file < stdlib.h > and fabs() is
under < math.h >.

Q52. Describe Wild Pointers in C?

Answer: Uninitialized pointers in the C code are known as Wild Pointers. They point to some
arbitrary memory location and can cause bad program behavior or program crash.
Q53. What is the difference between ++a and a++?

Answer: ‘++a” is called prefixed increment and the increment will happen first on a variable.
‘a++’ is called postfix increment and the increment happens after the value of a variable used for
the operations.

Q54. Describe the difference between = and == symbols in C programming?

Answer: ‘==’ is the comparison operator which is used to compare the value or expression on
the left-hand side with the value or expression on the right-hand side.

‘=’ is the assignment operator which is used to assign the value of the right-hand side to the
variable on the left-hand side.

Q55. What is the explanation for prototype function in C?

Answer: Prototype function is a declaration of a function with the following information to the
compiler.

Name of the function.

The return type of the function.

Parameters list of the function.

In this example Name of the function is Sum, the return type is the integer data type and it
accepts two integer parameters.

Q56. What is the explanation for the cyclic nature of data types in C?

Answer: Some of the data types in C have special characteristic nature when a developer assigns
value beyond the range of the data type. There will be no compiler error and the value changes
according to a cyclic order. This is called cyclic nature. Char, int, long int data types have this
property. Further float, double and long double data types do not have this property.

Q57. Describe the header file and its usage in C programming?

Answer: The file containing the definitions and prototypes of the functions being used in the
program are called a header file. It is also known as a library file.

Example: The header file contains commands like printf and scanf is from the stdio.h library
file.
Q58. There is a practice in coding to keep some code blocks in comment symbols
than delete it when debugging. How this affects when debugging?

Answer: This concept is called commenting out and this is the way to isolate some part of the
code which scans possible reason for the error. Also, this concept helps to save time because if
the code is not the reason for the issue it can simply be removed from comment.

Q59. What are the general description for loop statements and available loop
types in C?

Answer: A statement that allows the execution of statements or groups of statements in a

repeated way is defined as a loop.

The following diagram explains a general form of a loop.

There are 4 types of loop statements in C.

While loop

For Loop

Do…While Loop

Nested Loop

Q60. What is a nested loop?

Answer: A loop that runs within another loop is referred to as a nested loop. The first loop is
called the Outer Loop and the inside loop is called the Inner Loop. The inner loop executes the
number of times defined in an outer loop.

Q61. What is the general form of function in C?

Answer: The function definition in C contains four main sections.

return_type function_name( parameter list )

body of the function

}
Return Type: Data type of the return value of the function.

Function Name: The name of the function and it is important to have a meaningful name that
describes the activity of the function.

Parameters: The input values for the function that are used to perform the required action.

Function Body: Collection of statements that performs the required action.

Q62. What is a pointer on a pointer in C programming language?

Answer: A pointer variable that contains the address of another pointer variable is called pointer
on a pointer. This concept de-refers twice to point to the data held by a pointer variable.

In this example **y returns the value of the variable a.

Q63. What are the valid places to have keyword “Break”?

Answer: The purpose of the Break keyword is to bring the control out of the code block which is
executing. It can appear only in looping or switch statements.