C Programming Interview Questions and Answers (2024)

Last Updated : 03 Sep, 2024 - prepared by name

1. What's the difference between a variable and a constant?

Variable: A variable is an identifier that comprises one or more characters, including letters, numbers, and certain symbols, and you can alter it throughout the entire program.

Constant: It is Like a variable, a constant is an identifier of one or more characters, including letters, numbers, and a few allowable symbols); you can't change a constant value in the program after you define it.

2. Explain the difference between the local and global variables in C.

Feature Local Variables Global Variables
Definition defined within a specific code block, such as a function or a loop. Defined outside all functions, typically at the top of the program.
Scope Accessible only within the function or block where they are declared. Accessible from any part of the program after their declaration.
Storage Location Stored on the stack. Stored in a fixed memory location
Lifetime Created when the function is called and destroyed when the function exits Exists for the entire duration of the program execution.
Example Function example(){ Int a=10 ;} Int a=10; Function example(){}

3. What is recursion in C?

Recursion is the process of defining something in terms of itself. A recursive function solves a particular problem by calling a copy of itself and solving smaller subproblems that sum up the original issues. Recursion helps to reduce the length of code and make it more understandable.

4. Can you describe the functions of a compiler and an interpreter?

Compiler: The compiler is the primary tool for translating the entire C program's source code into machine code (executable form). C is a compiled language, so the compiler plays a central role in C development.

GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Clang, and Microsoft Visual C++ are commonly used C compilers.

Interpreter: It directly executes instructions written in a programming or scripting language without previously converting them to an object code or machine code. Examples of interpreted languages are Perl, Python, and Matlab.

5. What are some benefits of using C instead of another programming language?

One of the biggest benefits of using C is its efficiency. C language has a fast execution speed compared to languages like Java and Ruby, allowing us to execute your programs in less time. In addition, C typically has lower costs because of its simple structure. I know you're looking to build an application from the ground up, and using C would allow you to get the project started and completed faster.

6. What is the Difference Between Logical, Run-time, and Syntax Errors in Programming?

In programming, errors are categorized into three main types: logical, run-time, and syntax errors.

Logical Errors: These occur when the program runs but produces incorrect results. They happen when the programmer uses the wrong logic, formula, or sequence of commands. Although the program compiles successfully, the output is unexpected due to flawed reasoning or incorrect logic.

Run-time Errors: These errors happen while the program is being executed. They cause the program to halt unexpectedly and typically display an error message indicating the specific line or operation that caused the issue. Common causes include memory overflow, division by zero, or accessing invalid memory locations.

Syntax Errors: Syntax errors occur when the code violates the programming language's rules. They are often the result of typos, such as missing symbols, misspelled commands, or incorrect capitalization. These errors prevent the program from being compiled and must be fixed before the code can run.

7. What is a Comment in C Programming and How to Use It?

In C programming, a comment is used to add explanations or notes about specific code sections. Comments are not executed by the compiler and are purely for reference, making it easier for others to understand the purpose or functionality of the code. They can also be used to describe what the program is intended to do or to aid in debugging.

Ex:- /* This is a comment */

8. Should you declare all header files in every C program?

No, it is not necessary to declare all header files in every C program. You should only include the specific header files that contain the function prototypes and definitions you need for your program to run. Each header file serves a unique purpose, providing access to different functions and libraries.

Including unnecessary header files can increase the file size of your program and potentially slow down the compile time. For efficient coding, it's best to declare only the header files relevant to the commands and functions you are using. This helps optimize performance and maintain a clean, manageable codebase.

9. When Should You Use the Keyword "void" in a C Function?

In C programming, the keyword void is used in function declarations to indicate that the function does not return any value. If a function is designed to act without producing a result, such as printing a message or modifying a variable, you should place a void in the leftmost part of the function header. This tells the compiler that the function will not return any data.

Using void helps improve code readability and ensures the function is used correctly, especially when you don’t expect any output from the function’s execution.

10. Why are algorithms vital to C programming?

Create an algorithm before creating a C program because the algorithm provides a roadmap for how to arrive at a solution. These algorithms act as blueprints for how the program will start, and they determine which processes and computations it will include.

11. How can you sort data in C programming?

In C programming, sorting data efficiently is crucial, especially for large datasets. One of the quickest and most popular methods is using the built-in quicksort function (qsort()), which allows for fast, simple ascending sorting. However, C also offers several other sorting algorithms, such as bubble sort, selection sort, merge sort, heap sort, and insertion sort.

In addition to using predefined sorting algorithms, you can define custom sorting functions in C to handle more complex sorting criteria. This is especially useful when you need to sort data based on multiple variables or specific conditions. Using the right sorting algorithm ensures optimal performance and better management of data in your program.

12. When should you use an array instead of individual variables?

Arrays are preferable when storing multiple related data because arrays need only one word, which you follow with an element number.

For example, if we are storing the names of 10 basic fruit types, I would use only the keyword ‘fruits' and list them like so: fruit[0], fruit[1], fruit[2], and so on until fruit[9]. If I'm using individual variables, each would have a different name based on the number, making an array the preferable option.

13. What's the difference between source codes and object codes?

Source code refers to the human-readable instructions written by programmers in a programming language like C, C++, or Java. These codes use commands, keywords, and syntax that are understandable to developers but not directly executable by the computer. The source code is usually saved in files with extensions like .c, .cpp, or .java

On the other hand, object code is the machine-readable output generated when the source code is translated by a compiler. The computer understands and can execute this code. Object code files typically have extensions like .obj or .o and serve as an intermediary step before creating the final executable program.

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