• Articles
  • Tutorials
  • Interview Questions

Constants and Variables in C - A Comprehensive Guide

Variables in C

The variable is used to store the value. As the name indicates its value can be changed or also it can be reused many times. We have to define its Data Types in C as shown below.
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.

Learn the basics of Loops in C through this blog!

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

C 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

Certification in Full Stack Web Development

Get the most out of C and become a better developer through this C Tutorial!

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

Course Schedule

Name Date Details
Python Course 01 Jun 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch
View Details
Python Course 08 Jun 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch
View Details
Python Course 15 Jun 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch
View Details

About the Author

Senior Consultant Analytics & Data Science

Presenting Sahil Mattoo, a Senior Consultant Analytics & Data Science at Eli Lilly and Company is an accomplished professional with 14 years of experience across data science, analytics, and technical leadership domains, demonstrates a remarkable ability to drive business insights. Sahil holds a Post Graduate Program in Business Analytics and Business Intelligence from Great Lakes Institute of Management.