C Functions

C function is a self-contained block of statements that can be executed repeatedly whenever we need it.

Benefits of using the function in C

• The function provides modularity.
• The function offers reusable code.
• In large programs, debugging and editing tasks are effortless with functions.
• The program can be modularized into smaller parts.
• A separate function can be developed independently according to the need.

There are two types of functions in C

• Built-in(Library) Functions
  • The system provided these functions and stored them in the library. Therefore it is also called Library Functions.
    e.g. scanf(), printf(), strcpy, strlwr, strcmp, strlen, strcat etc.
  • You need to include the appropriate C header files to use these functions.
• User Defined Functions These functions are defined by the user when writing the program.

Parts of Function

1. Function Prototype (function declaration)
2. Function Definition
3. Function Call

1. Function Prototype

dataType functionName (Parameter List)

int addition();

2. Function Definition

returnType functionName(Function arguments){
  //body of the function 
}

int addition()
{

}

3. Calling a function in C

Program to illustrate the Addition of Two Numbers using User Defined Function

#include<stdio.h>

/* function declaration */
int addition();

int main()
{   
    //local variable definition
    int answer;
    
    answer = addition(); //calling a function to get addition value.
    printf("The addition of the two numbers is: %d\n",answer);
    return 0;
}

//function returning the addition of two numbers
int addition()
{
    int num1 = 10, num2 = 5; // local variable definition
    return num1+num2;
}

The addition of the two numbers is: 15