What are the different ways of passing parameters in the C language?
In C programming language, there are several main forms for passing parameters.
- Pass by Value: During a function call, the value of the actual parameter is copied to the formal parameter, any changes made to the formal parameter within the function will not affect the value of the actual parameter.
- Pass by reference: passing the address of the actual parameter to the formal parameter during a function call, allowing the actual parameter’s value to be modified by manipulating the formal parameter.
- Pointer passing: Similar to passing by reference, it is used to modify the value of the actual parameter by passing the address of the actual parameter, but it requires using a pointer to achieve this.
- Passing arrays: By passing the address of an array to a function, you can access and modify the elements of the array using a pointer or reference.
It is important to note that in the C language, parameter passing is done by value, even when using reference passing or pointer passing, only the value of the address or pointer is passed.