LEC 7 Functions

Programming in C
main
Level 2 Level 2 Level 2
Level 3 Level 3
1
Programmer-Defined Functions
 Modularize with building blocks of programs
 Divide and Conquer
 Construct a program from smaller pieces or components
 Place smaller pieces into functions
 Pieces are more manageable than one big program
 Makes other functions smaller
 Pieces can be independently implemented and tested
2
Programmer-Defined Functions
 Readability
 Function name should indicate operations performed
 Reuse
 Functions may be used multiple times in same program
 Functions may be used in other programs
3
Components of Function Use
 Three steps to implementing functions
1. Function declaration/prototype
 If not defined before use
2. Function definition
3. Function call
 Either prototype or definition must come first
 Prototype and/or definitions can go in either

 Same file as main()
 Separate file so other programs can also use it
 #include
4
Program Function Definition Structure
 main first (preferred) main
 Top down design
 Some prototypes required
 Complete prototyping allows Level 3 Level 3
function definition in any
order
Level 3 Level 3
 main is last – lowest level
functions first
 Bottom up design main
 Prototypes not required
 main in the middle

 Confusing: Do not do!
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1. Function Declaration/Prototype
 An ‘informational’ declaration for compiler
 Tells compiler how to interpret calls
 Syntax:
<return_type> FnName(<formal-parameter-list>);
 Formal parameter syntax:

<data_type> Parameter-Name
 Example:
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Function Declaration/Prototype
 Placed before any calls
 Generally above all functions in global space
 May be placed in declaration space of calling function
 Example
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Alternative Function Declaration
 Function declaration is 'information' for compiler, so
 Compiler only needs to know:
 Return type
 Function name
 Parameter list
 Formal parameter names not needed but help readability
 Example
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2. Function Definition
 Actual implementation/code for what function does
 Just like implementing function main()
 General format – header & basic block:
<return-type> fn-name (parameter-list) header
basic block
 Example:
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Return Statements
 Syntax: return return-value-expression
 Two actions
 Sets return value
 Transfers control back to 'calling' function
 Good programming & course requirement:
 One return per function
 Return is last statement
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3. Function Call
 Using function name transfers control to function
1. Values are passed through parameters
2. Statements within function are executed
3. Control continues after the call
 For value-returning functions, either
 Store the value for later use
 Use the value returned without storing
 Throw away return value
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Parameters (Arguments)
 Formal parameters/arguments
 In function declaration
 In function definition's header
 'Placeholders' for data sent in
 'Variable name' used to refer to data in definition of
function
 Actual parameters/arguments
 In function call
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Parameter vs. Argument
 Names used interchangeably
 Technically parameter is 'formal' piece
while argument is 'actual' piece
Parameter! Argument!
13
Functions Calling Functions
 We're already doing this!
 main() IS a function calling printf!
 Only requirement:
 Function's declaration or definition must appear first
 Common for functions to call many other functions
 Function can call itself  Recursion
14
Declaring Void Functions
 Similar to functions returning a value
 Return type specified as 'void'
 Example prototype:
 Return-type is 'void'
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Declaring Void Functions
 Nothing is returned
 Void functions cannot have return statement with an
expression
 Will return at end of function
 Non-void functions must have return statement with an
expression
 Example definition:
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Calling Void Functions
 From some other function, like main():
 Cannot be used where a value is required

 Cannot be assigned to a variable,
since no value returned
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Function documentation
 Used to aid in program maintenance
 Comments at non-main definition header
 Purpose of function
 Parameters
 Return
 Class standard example:
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main(): ‘Special’
 Recall: main() IS a function
 'Special'
 It is the first function executed
 Called by operating system or run-time system
 Can return value to operating system
 Value can be tested in command scripts
 Tradition holds it should return an int

 Zero indicates normal ending of program
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Scope of Identifier Names
 Region of a program where identifier is visible
 Begins at definition within block
 Ends at end of block
 Local variables
 Name given to variables defined within function block
 Can have different local variables with same name
declared in different functions
 Cannot have duplicate local names within a function
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Scope Rules
 Local variables preferred
 Maintain individual control over data
 Need to know basis (Hidden)
 Functions should declare whatever local data
needed to 'do their job'
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Global Scope
 Names declared 'outside' function bodies
 Global to all functions in that file
 Global declarations typical for constants:
 Declare globally so all functions have scope, can use
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Global Constants and Global Variables
 Global variables?
 Possible, but SELDOM-USED
 Better alternative is to use parameters
 Dangerous: no control over usage!
 We do not use global variables in this class!
23
Block Scope
 Declare data inside nested blocks
 Has 'block-scope'
 Note: All function definitions are blocks!
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Lifetime
 How long does it last
 Allocation  Deallocation
 Normally variables are allocated when defined
 Normally variables are deallocated at the end of block
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Static & Lifetime
 Variable definition modifier keyword: static
 Static variables are only allocated once
 Static variables are not deallocated until program ends
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Programming in C
THE END
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Programming in C

Level 2 Level 2 Level 2

 Prototype and/or definitions can go in either

 main in the middle

 Formal parameter syntax:

 Use the value returned without storing

 Throw away return value

 Cannot be used where a value is required

 Tradition holds it should return an int

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