C Format Specifiers

When working with the C programming language, format specifiers play a crucial role in formatting input and output. They allow you to specify the data type and format of the variables you are working with. In this guide, we will explore the commonly used format specifiers in C, along with examples to help you understand their usage.

1. %d – Integer Format Specifier

The %d format specifier is used to format and print integers. It can be used with the printf() and scanf() functions. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int num = 42;
    printf("The number is: %dn", num);
    return 0;
}

Output:

The number is: 42

2. %f – Float Format Specifier

The %f format specifier is used to format and print floating-point numbers. It can be used with the printf() and scanf() functions. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    float num = 3.14;
    printf("The value of pi is: %fn", num);
    return 0;
}

Output:

The value of pi is: 3.140000

3. %c – Character Format Specifier

The %c format specifier is used to format and print characters. It can be used with the printf() and scanf() functions. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    char letter = 'A';
    printf("The first letter of the alphabet is: %cn", letter);
    return 0;
}

Output:

The first letter of the alphabet is: A

4. %s – String Format Specifier

The %s format specifier is used to format and print strings. It can be used with the printf() and scanf() functions. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    char name[] = "John Doe";
    printf("Hello, %s!n", name);
    return 0;
}

Output:

Hello, John Doe!

5. %p – Pointer Format Specifier

The %p format specifier is used to format and print memory addresses. It can be used with the printf() function. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int num = 42;
    printf("The memory address of num is: %pn", #);
    return 0;
}

Output:

The memory address of num is: 0x7ffc9a8b4a3c

6. %e – Scientific Notation Format Specifier

The %e format specifier is used to format and print numbers in scientific notation. It can be used with the printf() function. Here’s an example:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    float num = 1000000.0;
    printf("The number in scientific notation is: %en", num);
    return 0;
}

Output:

The number in scientific notation is: 1.000000e+06

These are just a few examples of the commonly used format specifiers in C. There are many more format specifiers available, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding and correctly using format specifiers is essential for proper input and output handling in C programming.