Scope of a variable in C language

 

The scope of a variable in C defines the region of the program where the variable can be accessed or modified. It determines where in the program a variable is visible and can be used. There are primarily three scopes in C: block scope, function scope, and file scope (also known as global scope).

1. 1. Block Scope:

   • Variables declared inside a block (within curly braces {}) have block scope.
   • They are visible only within that block.
   • Example:

   #include <stdio.h>
   
   
   int main() 
   {
       
   // block scope for variable x
       
   int x = 10;
   
       
   if (x == 10) 
   {
           // block scope for variable y
           
   int y = 20;
           
   printf("Inside if block: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);
   
    }
   
       // Error: 'y' is not visible here
       
   // printf("Outside if block: y = %d\n", y);
   
       
   return 0;
   
   }
   

2. 2. Function Scope:

   • Variables declared within a function but outside of any block have function scope.
   • They are visible throughout the entire function.
   • Example:

   #include <stdio.h>
   
   
   // function scope for variable globalVar
   
   int globalVar = 100;
   
   
   int main() 
   {
       
   // function scope for variable x
       
   int x = 10;
   
       
   // Accessing globalVar
       
   printf("Inside main function: x = %d, globalVar = %d\n", x, globalVar);
   
       return 0;
   
   }
   

3. 3. File Scope (Global Scope):

   • Variables declared outside of any function or block have file scope.
   • They are visible throughout the entire file (translation unit).
   • Example:

   #include <stdio.h>
   
   
   // file scope for variable globalVar
   
   int globalVar = 100;
   
   
   // file scope for variable x
   
   static int x = 20;
   
   
   int main() 
   {
       
   printf("Inside main function: globalVar = %d, x = %d\n", globalVar, x);
       return 0;
   
   }
   

Note: The use of the static keyword for a global variable limits its visibility to the current file, effectively giving it file scope.

Understanding variable scope is crucial for writing maintainable and bug-free code. It helps prevent unintended interactions between different parts of the program and ensures that variables are used in the appropriate context.