What is the scope of variables in C?

What is the scope of variables in C?

In C, the scope of a variable refers to the region of the program where the variable is accessible. There are mainly two types: local and global.

Can you explain local and global scope with examples?

Sure! A local variable is declared within a function and can only be accessed inside that function. For example:

void myFunction() {
    int localVar = 5; // local scope
}

A global variable is declared outside of all functions and can be accessed from any function in the file:

int globalVar = 10; // global scope
void anotherFunction() {
    printf("%d", globalVar); // accessible here
}

What happens if I declare a variable with the same name in both scopes?

If you declare a variable with the same name in both local and global scopes, the local variable will take precedence within its scope. This is known as variable shadowing.

Are there any best practices for using variable scope in C?

Yes, it's best to limit the use of global variables to avoid unintended side effects. Prefer local variables for better encapsulation and maintainability.