Tokens in C

Tokens in C

In the C programming language, a token is the smallest unit of a program that carries meaning. Tokens can be classified into different categories, including keywords, operators, identifiers, strings, special characters, and constants. Let’s explore each of these categories in more detail.

Keywords in C

Keywords in C are reserved words that have a predefined meaning and cannot be used as variable names or identifiers. Some common keywords in C include if, else, for, while, and switch. These keywords are an integral part of the language and are used to define control structures and other programming constructs.

Operators in C

Operators in C are symbols that perform specific operations on operands. C supports a wide range of operators, including arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /), relational operators (==, !=, <, >), logical operators (&&, ||, !), and assignment operators (=, +=, -=). Operators are used to manipulate data and perform calculations in C programs.

Identifiers in C

Identifiers in C are names given to variables, functions, and other entities in a program. An identifier is a sequence of letters, digits, and underscores, and must start with a letter or an underscore. Identifiers are used to represent data and define program elements. For example, int count declares a variable named “count” of type integer.

Strings in C

Strings in C are sequences of characters enclosed in double quotes. They are used to represent textual data. For example, “Hello, World!” is a string literal in C. Strings can be manipulated using various string functions and can be concatenated, compared, or copied.

Special Characters in C

Special characters in C are symbols that have a specific meaning in the language. Some commonly used special characters include ; (semicolon), { (left curly brace), } (right curly brace), ( (left parenthesis), and ) (right parenthesis). These characters are used to define the structure and syntax of C programs.

Constants in C

Constants in C are fixed values that do not change during program execution. They can be of various types, such as integer constants, floating-point constants, character constants, and string constants. For example, const int MAX_VALUE = 100; declares a constant named “MAX_VALUE” with a value of 100. Constants are used to define values that remain constant throughout the program.

Here are some examples of constants in C:

• Integer constant: int age = 25;
• Floating-point constant: float pi = 3.14;
• Character constant: char grade = ‘A’;
• String constant: char name[] = “John”;

In conclusion, understanding tokens in C is essential for writing and understanding C programs. By recognizing and categorizing the different types of tokens, you can effectively communicate and manipulate data within your programs. Whether it’s keywords, operators, identifiers, strings, special characters, or constants, each token plays a vital role in creating functional and meaningful C programs.