C Output (Print Text): Displaying Text in C -

C Output (Print Text): Displaying Text in C

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In C programming, displaying output is a crucial skill. The printf function allows developers to print text, variables, and formatted output to the console. Let’s explore how to use printf effectively.

Basic Syntax of printf

The printf function is part of the stdio.h library. Here’s its basic structure:

printf("format string", arguments);
  • format string: Text to be displayed, including placeholders for variables.
  • arguments: Values that replace the placeholders.

1. Print Simple Text

To print plain text, pass a string to printf:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Welcome to C Programming!\n");
    return 0;
}

Output:

Welcome to C Programming!

2. Print Variables

You can print variable values using format specifiers.

Common Format Specifiers

  • %d: Integer
  • %f: Float
  • %c: Character
  • %s: String

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int age = 20;
    float marks = 85.5;
    char grade = 'A';
    char name[] = "John";

    printf("Name: %s\n", name);
    printf("Age: %d\n", age);
    printf("Marks: %.2f\n", marks);  // 2 decimal places
    printf("Grade: %c\n", grade);

    return 0;
}

Output:

Name: John
Age: 20
Marks: 85.50
Grade: A

3. Print Multiple Variables

You can print multiple variables in a single printf statement by adding placeholders and arguments:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int a = 5, b = 10;
    printf("a = %d, b = %d\n", a, b);
    return 0;
}

Output:

a = 5, b = 10

4. Format Specifiers in Detail

You can format your output with precision and width.

Width Specifier

To ensure minimum space for numbers, use a width specifier.

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int num = 7;
    printf("Number: %5d\n", num);  // Prints '    7'
    return 0;
}

Output:

Number:     7

Precision for Floating-Point Numbers

The precision specifier controls decimal places:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    float pi = 3.14159;
    printf("Pi: %.3f\n", pi);  // 3 decimal places
    return 0;
}

Output:

Pi: 3.142

5. Escape Sequences

Escape sequences allow special characters or formatting in strings.

Common Escape Sequences

  • \n: New line
  • \t: Tab
  • \\: Backslash
  • \": Double quote

Example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello,\nWorld!\n");
    printf("This is a\ttab.\n");
    printf("He said, \"C is awesome!\"\n");

    return 0;
}

Output:

Hello,
World!
This is a    tab.
He said, "C is awesome!"

6. Print Special Characters

To print special characters like %, use double %%:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Completion: 100%%\n");
    return 0;
}

Output:

Completion: 100%

7. Print Arrays

You can loop through arrays and print each element:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    printf("Array elements:\n");
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        printf("%d ", arr[i]);
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Array elements:
10 20 30 40 50

8. Print Pointers

Pointers store the memory address of variables. You can print these addresses using %p:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int x = 42;
    int *ptr = &x;

    printf("Value of x: %d\n", x);
    printf("Address of x: %p\n", ptr);

    return 0;
}

Output:

Value of x: 42
Address of x: 0x7ffeea5c1a4c  // Example address

Conclusion

The printf function in C is a versatile tool for displaying text, variables, and formatted output. By mastering printf, you gain control over how your program communicates with users. Experiment with different format specifiers and escape sequences to create dynamic and user-friendly output. Happy coding!

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