why we use assignment operator in c language

• C Programming Tutorial
• C - Overview
• C - Features
• C - History
• C - Environment Setup
• C - Program Structure
• C - Hello World
• C - Compilation Process
• C - Comments
• C - Keywords
• C - Identifiers
• C - User Input
• C - Basic Syntax
• C - Data Types
• C - Variables
• C - Integer Promotions
• C - Type Conversion
• C - Constants
• C - Literals
• C - Escape sequences
• C - Format Specifiers
• C - Storage Classes
• C - Operators
• C - Decision Making
• C - if statement
• C - if...else statement
• C - nested if statements
• C - switch statement
• C - nested switch statements
• C - While loop
• C - For loop
• C - Do...while loop
• C - Nested loop
• C - Infinite loop
• C - Break Statement
• C - Continue Statement
• C - goto Statement
• C - Functions
• C - Main Functions
• C - Return Statement
• C - Recursion
• C - Scope Rules
• C - Properties of Array
• C - Multi-Dimensional Arrays
• C - Passing Arrays to Function
• C - Return Array from Function
• C - Variable Length Arrays
• C - Pointers
• C - Pointer Arithmetics
• C - Passing Pointers to Functions
• C - Strings
• C - Array of Strings
• C - Structures
• C - Structures and Functions
• C - Arrays of Structures
• C - Pointers to Structures
• C - Self-Referential Structures
• C - Nested Structures
• C - Bit Fields
• C - Typedef
• C - Input & Output
• C - File I/O
• C - Preprocessors
• C - Header Files
• C - Type Casting
• C - Error Handling
• C - Variable Arguments
• C - Memory Management
• C - Command Line Arguments
• C Programming Resources
• C - Questions & Answers
• C - Quick Guide
• C - Useful Resources
• C - Discussion
• Selected Reading
• UPSC IAS Exams Notes
• Developer's Best Practices
• Questions and Answers
• Effective Resume Writing
• HR Interview Questions
• Computer Glossary

Assignment Operators in C

In C, the assignment operator stores a certain value in an already declared variable. A variable in C can be assigned the value in the form of a literal, another variable or an expression. The value to be assigned forms the right hand operand, whereas the variable to be assigned should be the operand to the left of = symbol, which is defined as a simple assignment operator in C. In addition, C has several augmented assignment operators.

The following table lists the assignment operators supported by the C language −

Simple assignment operator (=)

The = operator is the most frequently used operator in C. As per ANSI C standard, all the variables must be declared in the beginning. Variable declaration after the first processing statement is not allowed. You can declare a variable to be assigned a value later in the code, or you can initialize it at the time of declaration.

You can use a literal, another variable or an expression in the assignment statement.

Once a variable of a certain type is declared, it cannot be assigned a value of any other type. In such a case the C compiler reports a type mismatch error.

In C, the expressions that refer to a memory location are called "lvalue" expressions. A lvalue may appear as either the left-hand or right-hand side of an assignment.

On the other hand, the term rvalue refers to a data value that is stored at some address in memory. A rvalue is an expression that cannot have a value assigned to it which means an rvalue may appear on the right-hand side but not on the left-hand side of an assignment.

Variables are lvalues and so they may appear on the left-hand side of an assignment. Numeric literals are rvalues and so they may not be assigned and cannot appear on the left-hand side. Take a look at the following valid and invalid statements −

Augmented assignment operators

In addition to the = operator, C allows you to combine arithmetic and bitwise operators with the = symbol to form augmented or compound assignment operator. The augmented operators offer a convenient shortcut for combining arithmetic or bitwise operation with assignment.

For example, the expression a+=b has the same effect of performing a+b first and then assigning the result back to the variable a.

Similarly, the expression a<<=b has the same effect of performing a<<b first and then assigning the result back to the variable a.

Here is a C program that demonstrates the use of assignment operators in C:

When you compile and execute the above program, it produces the following result −

Next: Execution Control Expressions , Previous: Arithmetic , Up: Top   [ Contents ][ Index ]

7 Assignment Expressions

As a general concept in programming, an assignment is a construct that stores a new value into a place where values can be stored—for instance, in a variable. Such places are called lvalues (see Lvalues ) because they are locations that hold a value.

An assignment in C is an expression because it has a value; we call it an assignment expression . A simple assignment looks like

We say it assigns the value of the expression value-to-store to the location lvalue , or that it stores value-to-store there. You can think of the “l” in “lvalue” as standing for “left,” since that’s what you put on the left side of the assignment operator.

However, that’s not the only way to use an lvalue, and not all lvalues can be assigned to. To use the lvalue in the left side of an assignment, it has to be modifiable . In C, that means it was not declared with the type qualifier const (see const ).

The value of the assignment expression is that of lvalue after the new value is stored in it. This means you can use an assignment inside other expressions. Assignment operators are right-associative so that

is equivalent to

This is the only useful way for them to associate; the other way,

would be invalid since an assignment expression such as x = y is not valid as an lvalue.

Warning: Write parentheses around an assignment if you nest it inside another expression, unless that is a conditional expression, or comma-separated series, or another assignment.

Home » Learn C Programming from Scratch » C Assignment Operators

C Assignment Operators

Summary : in this tutorial, you’ll learn about the C assignment operators and how to use them effectively.

Introduction to the C assignment operators

An assignment operator assigns the vale of the right-hand operand to the left-hand operand. The following example uses the assignment operator (=) to assign 1 to the counter variable:

After the assignmment, the counter variable holds the number 1.

The following example adds 1 to the counter and assign the result to the counter:

The = assignment operator is called a simple assignment operator. It assigns the value of the left operand to the right operand.

Besides the simple assignment operator, C supports compound assignment operators. A compound assignment operator performs the operation specified by the additional operator and then assigns the result to the left operand.

The following example uses a compound-assignment operator (+=):

The expression:

is equivalent to the following expression:

The following table illustrates the compound-assignment operators in C:

• A simple assignment operator assigns the value of the left operand to the right operand.
• A compound assignment operator performs the operation specified by the additional operator and then assigns the result to the left operand.

Learn C practically and Get Certified .

Popular Tutorials

Popular examples, reference materials, learn c interactively, introduction.

• Getting Started with C
• Your First C Program
• C Variables, Constants and Literals
• C Data Types
• C Input Output (I/O)

C Programming Operators

Flow control.

C if...else Statement

• C while and do...while Loop
• C break and continue
• C switch Statement
• C goto Statement
• C Functions
• C User-defined functions
• Types of User-defined Functions in C Programming
• C Recursion
• C Storage Class

Programming Arrays

• C Multidimensional Arrays
• Pass arrays to a function in C

Programming Pointers

• Relationship Between Arrays and Pointers
• C Pass Addresses and Pointers
• C Dynamic Memory Allocation
• C Array and Pointer Examples

Programming Strings

• C Programming Strings
• String Manipulations In C Programming Using Library Functions
• String Examples in C Programming

Structure and Union

• C structs and Pointers
• C Structure and Function

Programming Files

• C File Handling
• C Files Examples

Additional Topics

• C Keywords and Identifiers

C Precedence And Associativity Of Operators

C Bitwise Operators

• C Preprocessor and Macros
• C Standard Library Functions

Bitwise Operators in C Programming

• Compute Quotient and Remainder
• Find the Size of int, float, double and char
• Make a Simple Calculator Using switch...case

An operator is a symbol that operates on a value or a variable. For example: + is an operator to perform addition.

C has a wide range of operators to perform various operations.

C Arithmetic Operators

An arithmetic operator performs mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division etc on numerical values (constants and variables).

Example 1: Arithmetic Operators

The operators + , - and * computes addition, subtraction, and multiplication respectively as you might have expected.

In normal calculation, 9/4 = 2.25 . However, the output is 2 in the program.

It is because both the variables a and b are integers. Hence, the output is also an integer. The compiler neglects the term after the decimal point and shows answer 2 instead of 2.25 .

The modulo operator % computes the remainder. When a=9 is divided by b=4 , the remainder is 1 . The % operator can only be used with integers.

Suppose a = 5.0 , b = 2.0 , c = 5 and d = 2 . Then in C programming,

C Increment and Decrement Operators

C programming has two operators increment ++ and decrement -- to change the value of an operand (constant or variable) by 1.

Increment ++ increases the value by 1 whereas decrement -- decreases the value by 1. These two operators are unary operators, meaning they only operate on a single operand.

Example 2: Increment and Decrement Operators

Here, the operators ++ and -- are used as prefixes. These two operators can also be used as postfixes like a++ and a-- . Visit this page to learn more about how increment and decrement operators work when used as postfix .

C Assignment Operators

An assignment operator is used for assigning a value to a variable. The most common assignment operator is =

Example 3: Assignment Operators

C relational operators.

A relational operator checks the relationship between two operands. If the relation is true, it returns 1; if the relation is false, it returns value 0.

Relational operators are used in decision making and loops .

Example 4: Relational Operators

C logical operators.

An expression containing logical operator returns either 0 or 1 depending upon whether expression results true or false. Logical operators are commonly used in decision making in C programming .

Example 5: Logical Operators

Explanation of logical operator program

• (a == b) && (c > 5) evaluates to 1 because both operands (a == b) and (c > b) is 1 (true).
• (a == b) && (c < b) evaluates to 0 because operand (c < b) is 0 (false).
• (a == b) || (c < b) evaluates to 1 because (a = b) is 1 (true).
• (a != b) || (c < b) evaluates to 0 because both operand (a != b) and (c < b) are 0 (false).
• !(a != b) evaluates to 1 because operand (a != b) is 0 (false). Hence, !(a != b) is 1 (true).
• !(a == b) evaluates to 0 because (a == b) is 1 (true). Hence, !(a == b) is 0 (false).

During computation, mathematical operations like: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc are converted to bit-level which makes processing faster and saves power.

Bitwise operators are used in C programming to perform bit-level operations.

Visit bitwise operator in C to learn more.

Other Operators

Comma operator.

Comma operators are used to link related expressions together. For example:

The sizeof operator

The sizeof is a unary operator that returns the size of data (constants, variables, array, structure, etc).

Example 6: sizeof Operator

Other operators such as ternary operator ?: , reference operator & , dereference operator * and member selection operator  ->  will be discussed in later tutorials.

Table of Contents

• Arithmetic Operators
• Increment and Decrement Operators
• Assignment Operators
• Relational Operators
• Logical Operators
• sizeof Operator

Video: Arithmetic Operators in C

Sorry about that.

Related Tutorials

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

4.6: Assignment Operator

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 29038

• Patrick McClanahan
• San Joaquin Delta College

Assignment Operator

The assignment operator allows us to change the value of a modifiable data object (for beginning programmers this typically means a variable). It is associated with the concept of moving a value into the storage location (again usually a variable). Within C++ programming language the symbol used is the equal symbol. But bite your tongue, when you see the = symbol you need to start thinking: assignment. The assignment operator has two operands. The one to the left of the operator is usually an identifier name for a variable. The one to the right of the operator is a value.

The value 21 is moved to the memory location for the variable named: age. Another way to say it: age is assigned the value 21.

The item to the right of the assignment operator is an expression. The expression will be evaluated and the answer is 14. The value 14 would assigned to the variable named: total_cousins.

The expression to the right of the assignment operator contains some identifier names. The program would fetch the values stored in those variables; add them together and get a value of 44; then assign the 44 to the total_students variable.

As we have seen, assignment operators are used to assigning value to a variable. The left side operand of the assignment operator is a variable and right side operand of the assignment operator is a value. The value on the right side must be of the same data-type of the variable on the left side otherwise the compiler will raise an error. Different types of assignment operators are shown below:

• “=” : This is the simplest assignment operator, which was discussed above. This operator is used to assign the value on the right to the variable on the left. For example: a = 10; b = 20; ch = 'y';

If initially the value 5 is stored in the variable a,  then:  (a += 6) is equal to 11.  (the same as: a = a + 6)

If initially value 8 is stored in the variable a, then (a -= 6) is equal to  2. (the same as a = a - 6)

If initially value 5 is stored in the variable a,, then (a *= 6) is equal to 30. (the same as a = a * 6)

If initially value 6 is stored in the variable a, then (a /= 2) is equal to 3. (the same as a = a / 2)

Below example illustrates the various Assignment Operators:

Definitions

 Adapted from:  "Assignment Operator"  by  Kenneth Leroy Busbee , (Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected] ) is licensed under  CC BY 4.0

C Programming Tutorial

• Assignment Operator in C

Last updated on July 27, 2020

We have already used the assignment operator ( = ) several times before. Let's discuss it here in detail. The assignment operator ( = ) is used to assign a value to the variable. Its general format is as follows:

The operand on the left side of the assignment operator must be a variable and operand on the right-hand side must be a constant, variable or expression. Here are some examples:

The precedence of the assignment operator is lower than all the operators we have discussed so far and it associates from right to left.

We can also assign the same value to multiple variables at once.

here x , y and z are initialized to 100 .

Since the associativity of the assignment operator ( = ) is from right to left. The above expression is equivalent to the following:

Note that expressions like:

are called assignment expression. If we put a semicolon( ; ) at the end of the expression like this:

then the assignment expression becomes assignment statement.

Compound Assignment Operator #

Assignment operations that use the old value of a variable to compute its new value are called Compound Assignment.

Consider the following two statements:

Here the second statement adds 5 to the existing value of x . This value is then assigned back to x . Now, the new value of x is 105 .

To handle such operations more succinctly, C provides a special operator called Compound Assignment operator.

The general format of compound assignment operator is as follows:

where op can be any of the arithmetic operators ( + , - , * , / , % ). The above statement is functionally equivalent to the following:

Note : In addition to arithmetic operators, op can also be >> (right shift), << (left shift), | (Bitwise OR), & (Bitwise AND), ^ (Bitwise XOR). We haven't discussed these operators yet.

After evaluating the expression, the op operator is then applied to the result of the expression and the current value of the variable (on the RHS). The result of this operation is then assigned back to the variable (on the LHS). Let's take some examples: The statement:

is equivalent to x = x + 5; or x = x + (5); .

Similarly, the statement:

is equivalent to x = x * 2; or x = x * (2); .

Since, expression on the right side of op operator is evaluated first, the statement:

is equivalent to x = x * (y + 1) .

The precedence of compound assignment operators are same and they associate from right to left (see the precedence table ).

The following table lists some Compound assignment operators:

The following program demonstrates Compound assignment operators in action:

Expected Output:

Load Comments

• Intro to C Programming
• Installing Code Blocks
• Creating and Running The First C Program
• Basic Elements of a C Program
• Keywords and Identifiers
• Data Types in C
• Constants in C
• Variables in C
• Input and Output in C
• Formatted Input and Output in C
• Arithmetic Operators in C
• Operator Precedence and Associativity in C
• Increment and Decrement Operators in C
• Relational Operators in C
• Logical Operators in C
• Conditional Operator, Comma operator and sizeof() operator in C
• Implicit Type Conversion in C
• Explicit Type Conversion in C
• if-else statements in C
• The while loop in C
• The do while loop in C
• The for loop in C
• The Infinite Loop in C
• The break and continue statement in C
• The Switch statement in C
• Function basics in C
• The return statement in C
• Actual and Formal arguments in C
• Local, Global and Static variables in C
• Recursive Function in C
• One dimensional Array in C
• One Dimensional Array and Function in C
• Two Dimensional Array in C
• Pointer Basics in C
• Pointer Arithmetic in C
• Pointers and 1-D arrays
• Pointers and 2-D arrays
• Call by Value and Call by Reference in C
• Returning more than one value from function in C
• Returning a Pointer from a Function in C
• Passing 1-D Array to a Function in C
• Passing 2-D Array to a Function in C
• Array of Pointers in C
• Void Pointers in C
• The malloc() Function in C
• The calloc() Function in C
• The realloc() Function in C
• String Basics in C
• The strlen() Function in C
• The strcmp() Function in C
• The strcpy() Function in C
• The strcat() Function in C
• Character Array and Character Pointer in C
• Array of Strings in C
• Array of Pointers to Strings in C
• The sprintf() Function in C
• The sscanf() Function in C
• Structure Basics in C
• Array of Structures in C
• Array as Member of Structure in C
• Nested Structures in C
• Pointer to a Structure in C
• Pointers as Structure Member in C
• Structures and Functions in C
• Union Basics in C
• typedef statement in C
• Basics of File Handling in C
• fputc() Function in C
• fgetc() Function in C
• fputs() Function in C
• fgets() Function in C
• fprintf() Function in C
• fscanf() Function in C
• fwrite() Function in C
• fread() Function in C

Recent Posts

• Machine Learning Experts You Should Be Following Online
• 4 Ways to Prepare for the AP Computer Science A Exam
• Finance Assignment Online Help for the Busy and Tired Students: Get Help from Experts
• Top 9 Machine Learning Algorithms for Data Scientists
• Data Science Learning Path or Steps to become a data scientist Final
• Enable Edit Button in Shutter In Linux Mint 19 and Ubuntu 18.04
• Python 3 time module
• Pygments Tutorial
• How to use Virtualenv?
• Installing MySQL (Windows, Linux and Mac)
• What is if __name__ == '__main__' in Python ?
• Installing GoAccess (A Real-time web log analyzer)
• Installing Isso

cppreference.com

Assignment operators.

Assignment and compound assignment operators are binary operators that modify the variable to their left using the value to their right.

[ edit ] Simple assignment

The simple assignment operator expressions have the form

Assignment performs implicit conversion from the value of rhs to the type of lhs and then replaces the value in the object designated by lhs with the converted value of rhs .

Assignment also returns the same value as what was stored in lhs (so that expressions such as a = b = c are possible). The value category of the assignment operator is non-lvalue (so that expressions such as ( a = b ) = c are invalid).

rhs and lhs must satisfy one of the following:

• both lhs and rhs have compatible struct or union type, or..
• rhs must be implicitly convertible to lhs , which implies
• both lhs and rhs have arithmetic types , in which case lhs may be volatile -qualified or atomic (since C11)
• both lhs and rhs have pointer to compatible (ignoring qualifiers) types, or one of the pointers is a pointer to void, and the conversion would not add qualifiers to the pointed-to type. lhs may be volatile or restrict (since C99) -qualified or atomic (since C11) .
• lhs is a (possibly qualified or atomic (since C11) ) pointer and rhs is a null pointer constant such as NULL or a nullptr_t value (since C23)

[ edit ] Notes

If rhs and lhs overlap in memory (e.g. they are members of the same union), the behavior is undefined unless the overlap is exact and the types are compatible .

Although arrays are not assignable, an array wrapped in a struct is assignable to another object of the same (or compatible) struct type.

The side effect of updating lhs is sequenced after the value computations, but not the side effects of lhs and rhs themselves and the evaluations of the operands are, as usual, unsequenced relative to each other (so the expressions such as i = ++ i ; are undefined)

Assignment strips extra range and precision from floating-point expressions (see FLT_EVAL_METHOD ).

In C++, assignment operators are lvalue expressions, not so in C.

[ edit ] Compound assignment

The compound assignment operator expressions have the form

The expression lhs @= rhs is exactly the same as lhs = lhs @ ( rhs ) , except that lhs is evaluated only once.

[ edit ] References

• C17 standard (ISO/IEC 9899:2018):
• 6.5.16 Assignment operators (p: 72-73)
• C11 standard (ISO/IEC 9899:2011):
• 6.5.16 Assignment operators (p: 101-104)
• C99 standard (ISO/IEC 9899:1999):
• 6.5.16 Assignment operators (p: 91-93)
• C89/C90 standard (ISO/IEC 9899:1990):
• 3.3.16 Assignment operators

[ edit ] See Also

Operator precedence

[ edit ] See also

• Recent changes
• Offline version
• What links here
• Related changes
• Upload file
• Special pages
• Printable version
• Permanent link
• Page information
• In other languages
• This page was last modified on 19 August 2022, at 08:36.
• This page has been accessed 54,567 times.
• Privacy policy
• About cppreference.com
• Disclaimers

PrepBytes Blog

ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING RELATED TO CODING

Sign in to your account

Forgot your password?

Login via OTP

We will send you an one time password on your mobile number

An OTP has been sent to your mobile number please verify it below

Register with PrepBytes

Assignment operator in c.

Last Updated on June 23, 2023 by Prepbytes

This type of operator is employed for transforming and assigning values to variables within an operation. In an assignment operation, the right side represents a value, while the left side corresponds to a variable. It is essential that the value on the right side has the same data type as the variable on the left side. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the compiler will issue an error.

What is Assignment Operator in C language?

In C, the assignment operator serves the purpose of assigning a value to a variable. It is denoted by the equals sign (=) and plays a vital role in storing data within variables for further utilization in code. When using the assignment operator, the value present on the right-hand side is assigned to the variable on the left-hand side. This fundamental operation allows developers to store and manipulate data effectively throughout their programs.

Example of Assignment Operator in C

For example, consider the following line of code:

Types of Assignment Operators in C

Here is a list of the assignment operators that you can find in the C language:

Simple assignment operator (=): This is the basic assignment operator, which assigns the value on the right-hand side to the variable on the left-hand side.

Addition assignment operator (+=): This operator adds the value on the right-hand side to the variable on the left-hand side and assigns the result back to the variable.

x += 3; // Equivalent to x = x + 3; (adds 3 to the current value of "x" and assigns the result back to "x")

Subtraction assignment operator (-=): This operator subtracts the value on the right-hand side from the variable on the left-hand side and assigns the result back to the variable.

x -= 4; // Equivalent to x = x – 4; (subtracts 4 from the current value of "x" and assigns the result back to "x")

* Multiplication assignment operator ( =):** This operator multiplies the value on the right-hand side with the variable on the left-hand side and assigns the result back to the variable.

x = 2; // Equivalent to x = x 2; (multiplies the current value of "x" by 2 and assigns the result back to "x")

Division assignment operator (/=): This operator divides the variable on the left-hand side by the value on the right-hand side and assigns the result back to the variable.

x /= 2; // Equivalent to x = x / 2; (divides the current value of "x" by 2 and assigns the result back to "x")

Bitwise AND assignment (&=): The bitwise AND assignment operator "&=" performs a bitwise AND operation between the value on the left-hand side and the value on the right-hand side. It then assigns the result back to the left-hand side variable.

x &= 3; // Binary: 0011 // After bitwise AND assignment: x = 1 (Binary: 0001)

Bitwise OR assignment (|=): The bitwise OR assignment operator "|=" performs a bitwise OR operation between the value on the left-hand side and the value on the right-hand side. It then assigns the result back to the left-hand side variable.

x |= 3; // Binary: 0011 // After bitwise OR assignment: x = 7 (Binary: 0111)

Bitwise XOR assignment (^=): The bitwise XOR assignment operator "^=" performs a bitwise XOR operation between the value on the left-hand side and the value on the right-hand side. It then assigns the result back to the left-hand side variable.

x ^= 3; // Binary: 0011 // After bitwise XOR assignment: x = 6 (Binary: 0110)

Left shift assignment (<<=): The left shift assignment operator "<<=" shifts the bits of the value on the left-hand side to the left by the number of positions specified by the value on the right-hand side. It then assigns the result back to the left-hand side variable.

x <<= 2; // Binary: 010100 (Shifted left by 2 positions) // After left shift assignment: x = 20 (Binary: 10100)

Right shift assignment (>>=): The right shift assignment operator ">>=" shifts the bits of the value on the left-hand side to the right by the number of positions specified by the value on the right-hand side. It then assigns the result back to the left-hand side variable.

x >>= 2; // Binary: 101 (Shifted right by 2 positions) // After right shift assignment: x = 5 (Binary: 101)

Conclusion The assignment operator in C, denoted by the equals sign (=), is used to assign a value to a variable. It is a fundamental operation that allows programmers to store data in variables for further use in their code. In addition to the simple assignment operator, C provides compound assignment operators that combine arithmetic or bitwise operations with assignment, allowing for concise and efficient code.

FAQs related to Assignment Operator in C

Q1. Can I assign a value of one data type to a variable of another data type? In most cases, assigning a value of one data type to a variable of another data type will result in a warning or error from the compiler. It is generally recommended to assign values of compatible data types to variables.

Q2. What is the difference between the assignment operator (=) and the comparison operator (==)? The assignment operator (=) is used to assign a value to a variable, while the comparison operator (==) is used to check if two values are equal. It is important not to confuse these two operators.

Q3. Can I use multiple assignment operators in a single statement? No, it is not possible to use multiple assignment operators in a single statement. Each assignment operator should be used separately for assigning values to different variables.

Q4. Are there any limitations on the right-hand side value of the assignment operator? The right-hand side value of the assignment operator should be compatible with the data type of the left-hand side variable. If the data types are not compatible, it may lead to unexpected behavior or compiler errors.

Q5. Can I assign the result of an expression to a variable using the assignment operator? Yes, it is possible to assign the result of an expression to a variable using the assignment operator. For example, x = y + z; assigns the sum of y and z to the variable x.

Q6. What happens if I assign a value to an uninitialized variable? Assigning a value to an uninitialized variable will initialize it with the assigned value. However, it is considered good practice to explicitly initialize variables before using them to avoid potential bugs or unintended behavior.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Linked List
• Segment Tree
• Backtracking
• Dynamic Programming
• Greedy Algorithm
• Operating System
• Company Placement
• Interview Tips
• General Interview Questions
• Data Structure
• Other Topics
• Computational Geometry
• Game Theory

Related Post

Null character in c, ackermann function in c, median of two sorted arrays of different size in c, number is palindrome or not in c, implementation of queue using linked list in c, c program to replace a substring in a string.

Mastering The Art Of Assignment: Exploring C Assignment Operators

Dive into the world of C Assignment Operators in our extensive guide. Understand the syntax, deep-dive into variables, and explore complex techniques and practical applications.

💡 KEY INSIGHTS

• Assignment operators in C are not just for basic value assignment; they enable simultaneous arithmetic operations, enhancing code efficiency and readability.
• The article emphasizes the importance of understanding operator precedence in C, as misinterpretation can lead to unexpected results, especially with compound assignment operators.
• Common mistakes like confusing assignment with equality ('=' vs '==') are highlighted, offering practical advice for avoiding such pitfalls in C programming.
• The guide provides real-world analogies for each assignment operator, making complex concepts more relatable and easier to grasp for programmers.

Welcome, bold programmers and coding enthusiasts! Let's set the stage: you're at your desk, fingers hovering over the keyboard, ready to embark on a journey deep into the belly of C programming. You might be wondering, why do I need to know about these 'assignment operators'?

Well, imagine trying to build a house with a toolbox that only has a hammer. You could probably make something that vaguely resembles a house, but without a screwdriver, wrench, or saw, it's going to be a bit...wobbly. This, my friends, is the importance of understanding operators in C. They're like the indispensable tools in your coding toolbox. And today, we're honing in on the assignment operators .

Now, our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to delve into the world of assignment operators in C. Like secret agents discovering the inner workings of a villain's lair, we're going to uncover the secrets that these '=' or '+=' symbols hold.

To all the night owls out there, I see you, and I raise you an operator. Just like how a cup of coffee (or three) helps us conquer that midnight oil, mastering operators in C can transform your coding journey from a groggy stumble to a smooth sprint.

But don't just take my word for it. Let's take a real-world example. Imagine you're coding a video game. You need your character to jump higher each time they collect a power-up. Without assignment operators, you'd be stuck adding numbers line by line. But with the '+=' operator, you can simply write 'jumpHeight += powerUpBoost,' and your code becomes a thing of elegance. It's like going from riding a tricycle to a high-speed motorbike.

In this article, we're going to unpack, examine, and get intimately acquainted with these assignment operators. We'll reveal their secrets, understand their behaviors, and learn how to use them effectively to power our C programming skills to new heights. Let's strap in, buckle up, and get ready for takeoff into the cosmic realms of C assignment operators!

The Basics Of C Operators

Deep dive into assignment operators in c, detailed exploration of each assignment operator, common use cases of assignment operators, common mistakes and how to avoid them, practice exercises, references and further reading.

Alright, get ready to pack your mental suitcase as we prepare to embark on the grand tour of C operators. We'll be stopping by the various categories, getting to know the locals (the operators, that is), and understanding how they contribute to the vibrant community that is a C program.

What Are Operators In C?

Operators in C are like the spicy condiments of coding. Without them, you'd be left with a bland dish—or rather, a simple list of variables. But splash on some operators, and suddenly you've got yourself an extravagant, dynamic, computational feast. In technical terms, operators are special symbols that perform specific operations on one, two, or three operands, and then return a result . They're the magic sauce that allows us to perform calculations, manipulate bits, and compare data.

Categories Of Operators In C

Now, just as you wouldn't use hot sauce on your ice cream (unless that's your thing), different operators serve different purposes. C language has been generous enough to provide us with a variety of operator categories, each with its distinct charm and role.

Let's break it down:

Imagine you're running a pizza shop. The arithmetic operators are like your basic ingredients: cheese, sauce, dough. They form the foundation of your pizza (program). But then you want to offer different pizza sizes. That's where your relational operators come in, comparing the diameter of small, medium, and large pizzas.

You're going well, but then you decide to offer deals. Buy two pizzas, get one free. Enter the logical operators , evaluating whether the conditions for the deal have been met. And finally, you want to spice things up with some exotic ingredients. That's your bitwise operators , working behind the scenes, adding that unique flavor that makes your customers keep coming back.

However, today, we're going to focus on a particular subset of the arithmetic operators: the assignment operators . These are the operators that don't just make the pizza but ensure it reaches the customer's plate (or in this case, the right variable).

Next up: We explore these unsung heroes of the programming world, toasting their accomplishments and discovering their capabilities. So, hold onto your hats and glasses, folks. This here's the wildest ride in the coding wilderness!

Prepare your diving gear and adjust your oxygen masks, friends, as we're about to plunge deep into the ocean of C programming. Hidden in the coral reef of code, you'll find the bright and beautiful creatures known as assignment operators.

What Are Assignment Operators?

In the broad ocean of C operators, the assignment operators are the dolphins - intelligent, adaptable, and extremely useful. On the surface, they may appear simple, but don't be fooled; these creatures are powerful. They have the capability to not only assign values to variables but also perform arithmetic operations concurrently.

The basic assignment operator in C is the '=' symbol. It's like the water of the ocean, essential to life (in the world of C programming). But alongside this staple, we have a whole family of compound assignment operators including '+=', '-=', '*=', '/=', and '%='. These are the playful dolphins leaping out of the water, each adding their unique twist to the task of assignment.

Syntax And Usage Of Assignment Operators

Remember, even dolphins have their ways of communicating, and so do assignment operators. They communicate through their syntax. The syntax for assignment operators in C follows a simple pattern:

In this dance, the operator and the '=' symbol perform a duet, holding onto each other without a space in between. They're the dancing pair that adds life to the party (aka your program).

Let's say you've won the lottery (congratulations, by the way!) and you want to divide your winnings between your three children. You could write out the arithmetic long-hand, or you could use the '/=' operator to streamline your process:

Just like that, your winnings are divided evenly, no calculator required.

List Of Assignment Operators In C

As promised, let's get to know the whole family of assignment operators residing in the C ocean:

Alright, we've taken the plunge and gotten our feet wet (or fins, in the case of our dolphin friends). But the dive is far from over. Next up, we're going to swim alongside each of these assignment operators, exploring their unique behaviors and abilities in the wild, vibrant world of C programming. So, keep your scuba gear on and get ready for more underwater adventure!

Welcome back, dear diver! Now that we've acquainted ourselves with the beautiful pod of dolphins, aka assignment operators, it's time to learn about each dolphin individually. We're about to uncover their quirks, appreciate their styles, and recognize their talents.

The Simple Assignment Operator '='

Let's start with the leader of the pack: the '=' operator. This unassuming symbol is like the diligent mail carrier, ensuring the right packages (values) get to the correct houses (variables).

Take a look at this:

In this code snippet, '=' ensures that the value '5' gets assigned to the variable 'chocolate'. Simple as that. No muss, no fuss, just a straightforward delivery of value.

The Addition Assignment Operator '+='

Next, we have the '+=' operator. This operator is a bit like a friendly baker. He takes what he has, adds more ingredients, and gives you the result - a delicious cake! Or, in this case, a new value.

Consider this:

We started with 12 doughnuts. But oh look, a friend dropped by with 3 more! So we add those to our box, and now we have 15. The '+=' operator made that addition quick and easy.

The Subtraction Assignment Operator '-='

Following the '+=' operator, we have its twin but with a different personality - the '-=' operator. If '+=' is the friendly baker, then '-=' is the weight-conscious friend who always removes extra toppings from their pizza. They take away rather than add.

For instance:

You've consumed 2000 calories today, but then you went for a run and burned 500. The '-=' operator is there to quickly update your calorie count.

The Multiplication Assignment Operator '*='

Say hello to the '*=' operator. This one is like the enthusiastic party planner who multiplies the fun! They take your initial value and multiply it with another, bringing more to the table.

Check this out:

You're at a level 7 excitement about your upcoming birthday, but then you learn that your best friend is flying in to celebrate with you. Your excitement level just doubled, and '*=' is here to make that calculation easy.

The Division Assignment Operator '/='

Here's the '/=' operator, the calm and composed yoga teacher of the group. They're all about division and balance. They take your original value and divide it by another, bringing harmony to your code.

You're pretty anxious about your job interview - let's say a level 10 anxiety. But then you do some deep breathing exercises, which helps you halve your anxiety level. The '/=' operator helps you reflect that change in your code.

The Modulus Assignment Operator '%='

Finally, we meet the quirky '%=' operator, the mystery novelist of the group. They're not about the whole story but the remainder, the leftovers, the little details others might overlook.

Look at this:

You have 10 books to distribute equally among your 3 friends. Everyone gets 3, and you're left with 1 book. The '%=' operator is there to quickly calculate that remainder for you.

That's the end of our detailed exploration. I hope this underwater journey has provided you with a greater appreciation and understanding of these remarkable creatures. Remember, each operator, like a dolphin, has its unique abilities, and knowing how to utilize them effectively can greatly enhance your programming prowess.

Now, let's swerve away from the theoretical and deep-dive into the practical. After all, C assignment operators aren't just sparkling little seashells you collect and admire. They're more like versatile tools in your programming Swiss Army knife. So, let's carve out some real-world use cases for our cherished assignment operators.

Variable Initialization And Value Change

Assignment operators aren't just for show; they've got some moves. Take our plain and humble '='. It's the bread-and-butter operator used in variable initialization and value changes, helping your code be as versatile as a chameleon.

In this scenario, our friend '=' is doing double duty—initializing 'a' with the value 10 and then changing it to 20. Not flashy, but oh-so-vital.

Calculation Updates In Real-Time Applications

Assignment operators are like those awesome, multitasking waitstaff you see in busy restaurants, juggling multiple tables and orders while still managing to serve everyone with a smile. They are brilliant when you want to perform real-time updates to your data.

In this scenario, '+=' and '-=' are the maitre d' of our code-restaurant, updating the user's balance with each buy or sell order.

Running Totals And Averages

Assignment operators are great runners - they don't tire and always keep the tally running.

Here, the '+=' and '-=' operators keep a running tally of points, allowing the system to adjust to the ebbs and flows of the school year like a seasoned marathon runner pacing themselves.

Iterations In Loop Constructs

The '*=' and '/=' operators often lurk within loop constructs, handling iterations with the grace of a prima ballerina. They're the choreographers of your loops, making sure each iteration flows seamlessly into the next.

In this case, '/=' is the elegant dancer gracefully halving 'i' with each twirl across the dance floor (iteration).

Working With Remainders

And let's not forget our mysterious '%=', the detective of the bunch, always searching for the remainder, the evidence left behind.

Here, '%=' is the sleuth, determining whether a number is even or odd by examining the remainder when divided by 2.

So, these are just a few examples of how assignment operators flex their muscles in the real world. They're like superheroes, each with their unique powers, ready to assist you in writing clean, efficient, and understandable code. Use them wisely, and your code will be as smooth as a well-choreographed ballet.

Let's face it, even the best of us trip over our own feet sometimes. And when it comes to assignment operators in C, there are some pitfalls that could make you stumble. But don't worry! We've all been there. Let's shed some light on these common mistakes so we can step over them with the grace of a ballet dancer leaping over a pit of snapping alligators.

Confusing Assignment With Equality

A surprisingly common misstep is confusing the assignment operator '=' with the equality operator '=='. It's like mixing up salt with sugar while baking. Sure, they might look similar, but one will definitely not sweeten your cake.

In this snippet, instead of checking if 'a' equals 10, we've assigned 'a' the value 10. The compiler will happily let this pass and might even give you a standing ovation for your comedy of errors. The correct approach?

Overlooking Operator Precedence

C operators are a bit like the characters in "Game of Thrones." They've got a complex hierarchy and they respect the rule of precedence. Sometimes, this can lead to unexpected results. For instance, check out this bit of misdirection:

Here, '/=' doesn't immediately divide 'a' by 2. It waits for the multiplication to happen (due to operator precedence), and then performs the operation. So it's actually doing a /= (2*5), not (a/=2)*5. It's like arriving late to a party and finding out all the pizza is gone. To ensure you get your slice, use parentheses:

Misusing Modulo With Floats

Ah, the modulo operator, always looking for the remainder. But when you ask it to work with floats, it gets as confused as a penguin in a desert. It simply can't compute.

Modulo and floats go together like oil and water. The solution? Stick to integers when dealing with '%='.

So there you have it. Some common missteps while dancing with assignment operators and the quick moves to avoid them. Just remember, every great coder has tripped before. The key is to keep your chin up, learn from your stumbles, and soon you'll be waltzing with assignment operators like a seasoned pro.

Alright, amigos! It's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. After all, becoming a master in the art of C assignment operators is not a walk in the park, it's a marathon run on a stony path with occasional dance-offs. So brace yourselves and let's get those brain cells pumping.

Exercise 1: The Shy Variable

Your task here is to write a C program that initializes an integer variable to 10. Then, using only assignment operators, make that variable as shy as a teenager at their first dance. I mean, reduce it to zero without directly assigning it to zero. You might want to remember the '/=' operator here. He's like the high school wallflower who can suddenly breakdance like a champ when the music starts playing.

Exercise 2: Sneaky Increment

The '+=' operator is like the mischievous friend who always pushes you into the spotlight when you least expect it. Create a program that initializes an integer to 0. Then, using a loop and our sneaky '+=' friend, increment that variable until it's equal to 100. Here's the catch: You can't use '+=' with anything greater than 1. It's a slow and steady race to the finish line!

Exercise 3: Modulo Madness

Remember the modulo operator? It's like the friend who always knows how much pizza is left over after a party. Create a program that counts from 1 to 100. But here's the twist: for every number that's divisible by 3, print "Fizz", and for every number divisible by 5, print "Buzz". If a number is divisible by both 3 and 5, print "FizzBuzz". For all other numbers, just print the number. This will help you get better acquainted with our friend '%='.

Exercise 4: Swapping Values

Create a program that swaps the values of two variables without using a third temporary variable. Remember, your only allies here are the assignment operators. This is like trying to switch places on the dance floor without stepping on anyone's toes.

Exercise 5: Converting Fahrenheit To Celsius

Let's play with the ' =' operator. Write a program that converts a temperature in Fahrenheit to Celsius. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is (Fahrenheit - 32) * 5 / 9 . As a challenge, try doing the conversion in a single line using the '-=', ' =' and '/=' operators. It's like preparing a complicated dinner recipe using only a few simple steps.

Remember, practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to mastering C assignment operators. Don't be disheartened if you stumble, just dust yourself off and try again. Because as the saying goes, "The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried". So, good luck, and happy coding!

References and Further Reading

So, you've reached the end of this riveting journey through the meadows of C assignment operators. It's been quite a ride, hasn't it? We've shared laughs, shed tears, and hopefully, we've learned a thing or two. But remember, the end of one journey marks the beginning of another. It's like eating at a buffet – you might be done with the pasta, but there's still the sushi to try! So, here are some materials to sink your teeth into for the next course of your coding feast.

1. The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie

This book, also known as 'K&R' after its authors, is the definitive guide to C programming. It's like the "Godfather" of programming books – deep, powerful, and a little intimidating at times. But hey, we all know that the best lessons come from challenging ourselves.

2. Expert C Programming by Peter van der Linden

Consider this book as the "Star Wars" to the "Godfather" of 'K&R'. It has a bit more adventure and a lot of real-world applications to keep you engaged. Not to mention some rather amusing footnotes.

3. C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide by Greg Perry and Dean Miller

This one's for you if you're still feeling a bit wobbly on your C programming legs. Think of it as a warm hug from a friend who's been there and done that. It's simple, straightforward, and gently walks you through the concepts.

4. The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas

Even though it's not about C specifically, this book is a must-read for any serious programmer. It's like a mentor who shares all their best tips and tricks for mastering the craft. It's filled with practical advice and real-life examples to help you on your programming journey.

This is a great online resource for interactive C tutorials. It's like your favorite video game, but it's actually helping you become a better programmer.

6. Cprogramming.com

This website has a vast collection of articles, tutorials, and quizzes on C programming. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for your hungry, coding mind.

Remember, every master was once a beginner, and every beginner can become a master. So, keep reading, keep practicing, and keep coding. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun while you're at it. After all, as Douglas Adams said, "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." Here's to ending up where you need to be in your coding journey!

As our immersive journey into C Assignment Operators culminates, we've unraveled the nuanced details of these powerful tools. From fundamental syntax to intricate applications, C Assignment Operators have showcased their indispensability in coding. Equipped with this newfound understanding, it's time for you to embark on your coding adventures, mastering the digital realm with the prowess of C Assignment Operators!

Which C assignment operator adds a value to a variable?

Please submit an answer to see if you're correct!

Continue Learning With These C Guides

• C Syntax Explained: From Variables To Functions
• C Programming Basics And Its Applications
• Basic C Programming Examples For Beginners
• C Data Types And Their Usage
• C Variables And Their Usage

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to be notified of new content on marketsplash..

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

C Assignment Operators

• 6 contributors

An assignment operation assigns the value of the right-hand operand to the storage location named by the left-hand operand. Therefore, the left-hand operand of an assignment operation must be a modifiable l-value. After the assignment, an assignment expression has the value of the left operand but isn't an l-value.

assignment-expression :   conditional-expression   unary-expression assignment-operator assignment-expression

assignment-operator : one of   = *= /= %= += -= <<= >>= &= ^= |=

The assignment operators in C can both transform and assign values in a single operation. C provides the following assignment operators:

In assignment, the type of the right-hand value is converted to the type of the left-hand value, and the value is stored in the left operand after the assignment has taken place. The left operand must not be an array, a function, or a constant. The specific conversion path, which depends on the two types, is outlined in detail in Type Conversions .

• Assignment Operators

Was this page helpful?

Coming soon: Throughout 2024 we will be phasing out GitHub Issues as the feedback mechanism for content and replacing it with a new feedback system. For more information see: https://aka.ms/ContentUserFeedback .

Submit and view feedback for

Additional resources

C Data Types

C operators.

• C Input and Output
• C Control Flow
• C Functions
• C Preprocessors

C File Handling

• C Cheatsheet

C Interview Questions

• C Programming Language Tutorial
• C Language Introduction
• Features of C Programming Language
• C Programming Language Standard
• C Hello World Program
• Compiling a C Program: Behind the Scenes
• Tokens in C
• Keywords in C

C Variables and Constants

• C Variables
• Constants in C
• Const Qualifier in C
• Different ways to declare variable as constant in C
• Scope rules in C
• Internal Linkage and External Linkage in C
• Global Variables in C
• Data Types in C
• Literals in C
• Escape Sequence in C
• Integer Promotions in C
• Character Arithmetic in C
• Type Conversion in C

C Input/Output

• Basic Input and Output in C
• Format Specifiers in C
• printf in C
• Scansets in C
• Formatted and Unformatted Input/Output functions in C with Examples

Operators in C

• Arithmetic Operators in C
• Unary operators in C
• Relational Operators in C
• Bitwise Operators in C
• C Logical Operators
• Assignment Operators in C
• Increment and Decrement Operators in C
• Conditional or Ternary Operator (?:) in C
• sizeof operator in C

Operator Precedence and Associativity in C

C control statements decision-making.

• Decision Making in C (if , if..else, Nested if, if-else-if )
• C - if Statement
• C if...else Statement
• C if else if ladder
• Switch Statement in C
• Using Range in switch Case in C
• while loop in C
• do...while Loop in C
• For Versus While
• Continue Statement in C
• Break Statement in C
• goto Statement in C
• User-Defined Function in C
• Parameter Passing Techniques in C
• Function Prototype in C
• How can I return multiple values from a function?
• main Function in C
• Implicit return type int in C
• Callbacks in C
• Nested functions in C
• Variadic functions in C
• _Noreturn function specifier in C
• Predefined Identifier __func__ in C
• C Library math.h Functions

C Arrays & Strings

• Properties of Array in C
• Multidimensional Arrays in C
• Initialization of Multidimensional Array in C
• Pass Array to Functions in C
• How to pass a 2D array as a parameter in C?
• What are the data types for which it is not possible to create an array?
• How to pass an array by value in C ?
• Strings in C
• Array of Strings in C
• What is the difference between single quoted and double quoted declaration of char array?
• C String Functions
• Pointer Arithmetics in C with Examples
• C - Pointer to Pointer (Double Pointer)
• Function Pointer in C
• How to declare a pointer to a function?
• Pointer to an Array | Array Pointer
• Difference between constant pointer, pointers to constant, and constant pointers to constants
• Pointer vs Array in C
• Dangling, Void , Null and Wild Pointers in C
• Near, Far and Huge Pointers in C
• restrict keyword in C

C User-Defined Data Types

• C Structures
• dot (.) Operator in C
• Structure Member Alignment, Padding and Data Packing
• Flexible Array Members in a structure in C
• Bit Fields in C
• Difference Between Structure and Union in C
• Anonymous Union and Structure in C
• Enumeration (or enum) in C

C Storage Classes

• Storage Classes in C
• extern Keyword in C
• Static Variables in C
• Initialization of static variables in C
• Static functions in C
• Understanding "volatile" qualifier in C | Set 2 (Examples)
• Understanding "register" keyword in C

C Memory Management

• Memory Layout of C Programs
• Dynamic Memory Allocation in C using malloc(), calloc(), free() and realloc()
• Difference Between malloc() and calloc() with Examples
• What is Memory Leak? How can we avoid?
• Dynamic Array in C
• How to dynamically allocate a 2D array in C?
• Dynamically Growing Array in C

C Preprocessor

• C Preprocessor Directives
• How a Preprocessor works in C?
• Header Files in C
• What’s difference between header files "stdio.h" and "stdlib.h" ?
• How to write your own header file in C?
• Macros and its types in C
• Interesting Facts about Macros and Preprocessors in C
• # and ## Operators in C
• How to print a variable name in C?
• Multiline macros in C
• Variable length arguments for Macros
• Branch prediction macros in GCC
• typedef versus #define in C
• Difference between #define and const in C?
• Basics of File Handling in C
• C fopen() function with Examples
• EOF, getc() and feof() in C
• fgets() and gets() in C language
• fseek() vs rewind() in C
• What is return type of getchar(), fgetc() and getc() ?
• Read/Write Structure From/to a File in C
• C Program to print contents of file
• C program to delete a file
• C Program to merge contents of two files into a third file
• What is the difference between printf, sprintf and fprintf?
• Difference between getc(), getchar(), getch() and getche()

Miscellaneous

• time.h header file in C with Examples
• Input-output system calls in C | Create, Open, Close, Read, Write
• Signals in C language
• Program error signals
• Socket Programming in C
• _Generics Keyword in C
• Multithreading in C
• C Programming Interview Questions (2024)
• Commonly Asked C Programming Interview Questions | Set 1
• Commonly Asked C Programming Interview Questions | Set 2
• Commonly Asked C Programming Interview Questions | Set 3

In C language, operators are symbols that represent operations to be performed on one or more operands. They are the basic components of the C programming. In this article, we will learn about all the built-in operators in C with examples.

What is a C Operator?

An operator in C can be defined as the symbol that helps us to perform some specific mathematical, relational, bitwise, conditional, or logical computations on values and variables. The values and variables used with operators are called operands. So we can say that the operators are the symbols that perform operations on operands.

For example,

Here, ‘+’ is the operator known as the addition operator, and ‘a’ and ‘b’ are operands. The addition operator tells the compiler to add both of the operands ‘a’ and ‘b’.

Types of Operators in C

C language provides a wide range of operators that can be classified into 6 types based on their functionality:

• Arithmetic Operators
• Relational Operators
• Logical Operators
• Bitwise Operators
• Assignment Operators
• Other Operators

1. Arithmetic Operations in C

The arithmetic operators are used to perform arithmetic/mathematical operations on operands. There are 9 arithmetic operators in C language:

Example of C Arithmetic Operators

2. relational operators in c.

The relational operators in C are used for the comparison of the two operands. All these operators are binary operators that return true or false values as the result of comparison.

These are a total of 6 relational operators in C:

Example of C Relational Operators

Here, 0 means false and 1 means true.

3. Logical Operator in C

Logical Operators are used to combine two or more conditions/constraints or to complement the evaluation of the original condition in consideration. The result of the operation of a logical operator is a Boolean value either true or false .

Example of Logical Operators in C

4. bitwise operators in c.

The Bitwise operators are used to perform bit-level operations on the operands. The operators are first converted to bit-level and then the calculation is performed on the operands. Mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. can be performed at the bit level for faster processing.

There are 6 bitwise operators in C:

Example of Bitwise Operators

5. assignment operators in c.

Assignment operators are used to assign value to a variable. The left side operand of the assignment operator is a variable and the right side operand of the assignment operator is a value. The value on the right side must be of the same data type as the variable on the left side otherwise the compiler will raise an error.

The assignment operators can be combined with some other operators in C to provide multiple operations using single operator. These operators are called compound operators.

In C, there are 11 assignment operators :

Example of C Assignment Operators

6. other operators.

Apart from the above operators, there are some other operators available in C used to perform some specific tasks. Some of them are discussed here: 

sizeof Operator

• sizeof is much used in the C programming language.
• It is a compile-time unary operator which can be used to compute the size of its operand.
• The result of sizeof is of the unsigned integral type which is usually denoted by size_t.
• Basically, the sizeof the operator is used to compute the size of the variable or datatype.

To know more about the topic refer to this article.

Comma Operator ( , )

• The comma operator (represented by the token) is a binary operator that evaluates its first operand and discards the result, it then evaluates the second operand and returns this value (and type).
• The comma operator has the lowest precedence of any C operator.
• Comma acts as both operator and separator. 

Conditional Operator ( ? : )

• The conditional operator is the only ternary operator in C++.
• Here, Expression1 is the condition to be evaluated. If the condition(Expression1) is True then we will execute and return the result of Expression2 otherwise if the condition(Expression1) is false then we will execute and return the result of Expression3.
• We may replace the use of if..else statements with conditional operators.

dot (.) and arrow (->) Operators

• Member operators are used to reference individual members of classes, structures, and unions.
• The dot operator is applied to the actual object. 
• The arrow operator is used with a pointer to an object.

To know more about dot operators refer to this article and to know more about arrow(->) operators refer to this article.

Cast Operator

• Casting operators convert one data type to another. For example, int(2.2000) would return 2.
• A cast is a special operator that forces one data type to be converted into another. 
• The most general cast supported by most of the C compilers is as follows −   [ (type) expression ] .

addressof (&) and Dereference (*) Operators

• Pointer operator & returns the address of a variable. For example &a; will give the actual address of the variable.
• The pointer operator * is a pointer to a variable. For example *var; will pointer to a variable var. 

Example of Other C Operators

Unary, binary and ternary operators in c.

Operators can also be classified into three types on the basis of the number of operands they work on:

• Unary Operators: Operators that work on single operand.
• Binary Operators: Operators that work on two operands.
• Ternary Operators: Operators that work on three operands.

In C, it is very common for an expression or statement to have multiple operators and in these expression, there should be a fixed order or priority of operator evaluation to avoid ambiguity.

Operator Precedence and Associativity is the concept that decides which operator will be evaluated first in the case when there are multiple operators present in an expression.

The below table describes the precedence order and associativity of operators in C. The precedence of the operator decreases from top to bottom. 

To know more about operator precedence and associativity, refer to this article – Operator Precedence and Associativity in C

In this article, the points we learned about the operator are as follows:

• Operators are symbols used for performing some kind of operation in C.
• There are six types of operators, Arithmetic Operators, Relational Operators, Logical Operators, Bitwise Operators, Assignment Operators, and Miscellaneous Operators.
• Operators can also be of type unary, binary, and ternary according to the number of operators they are using.
• Every operator returns a numerical value except logical, relational, and conditional operator which returns a boolean value (true or false).
• There is a Precedence in the operators means the priority of using one operator is greater than another operator.

FAQs on C Operators

Q1. what are operators in c.

Operators in C are certain symbols in C used for performing certain mathematical, relational, bitwise, conditional, or logical operations for the user.

Q2. What are the 7 types of operators in C?

There are 7 types of operators in C as mentioned below: Unary operator Arithmetic operator Relational operator Logical operator Bitwise operator Assignment operator Conditional operator

Q3. What is the difference between the ‘=’ and ‘==’ operators?

‘=’ is a type of assignment operator that places the value in right to the variable on left, Whereas ‘==’ is a type of relational operator that is used to compare two elements if the elements are equal or not.

Q4. What is the difference between prefix and postfix operators in C?

In prefix operations, the value of a variable is incremented/decremented first and then the new value is used in the operation, whereas, in postfix operations first the value of the variable is used in the operation and then the value is incremented/decremented. Example: b=c=10; a=b++; // a==10 a=++c; // a==11

Q5. What is the Modulo operator?

The Modulo operator(%) is used to find the remainder if one element is divided by another. Example: a % b (a divided by b) 5 % 2 == 1

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• C-Operators

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

• Design Pattern
• Interview Q

C Control Statements

C functions, c dynamic memory, c structure union, c file handling, c preprocessor, c command line, c programming test, c interview.

• Send your Feedback to [email protected]

Help Others, Please Share

Learn Latest Tutorials

Transact-SQL

Reinforcement Learning

R Programming

React Native

Python Design Patterns

Python Pillow

Python Turtle

Preparation

Verbal Ability

Interview Questions

Company Questions

Trending Technologies

Artificial Intelligence

Cloud Computing

Data Science

Machine Learning

B.Tech / MCA

Data Structures

Operating System

Computer Network

Compiler Design

Computer Organization

Discrete Mathematics

Ethical Hacking

Computer Graphics

Software Engineering

Web Technology

Cyber Security

C Programming

Control System

Data Mining

Data Warehouse

C Functions

C structures, c operators.

Operators are used to perform operations on variables and values.

In the example below, we use the + operator to add together two values:

Although the + operator is often used to add together two values, like in the example above, it can also be used to add together a variable and a value, or a variable and another variable:

C divides the operators into the following groups:

• Arithmetic operators
• Assignment operators
• Comparison operators
• Logical operators
• Bitwise operators

Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform common mathematical operations.

Assignment Operators

Assignment operators are used to assign values to variables.

In the example below, we use the assignment operator ( = ) to assign the value 10 to a variable called x :

The addition assignment operator ( += ) adds a value to a variable:

A list of all assignment operators:

Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are used to compare two values (or variables). This is important in programming, because it helps us to find answers and make decisions.

The return value of a comparison is either 1 or 0 , which means true ( 1 ) or false ( 0 ). These values are known as Boolean values , and you will learn more about them in the Booleans and If..Else chapter.

Comparison operators are used to compare two values.

Note: The return value of a comparison is either true ( 1 ) or false ( 0 ).

In the following example, we use the greater than operator ( > ) to find out if 5 is greater than 3:

A list of all comparison operators:

Logical Operators

You can also test for true or false values with logical operators.

Logical operators are used to determine the logic between variables or values:

C Exercises

Test yourself with exercises.

Fill in the blanks to multiply 10 with 5 , and print the result:

Start the Exercise

COLOR PICKER

Contact Sales

If you want to use W3Schools services as an educational institution, team or enterprise, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Report Error

If you want to report an error, or if you want to make a suggestion, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Top Tutorials

Top references, top examples, get certified.

Assignment and shorthand assignment operator in C

Quick links.

• Shorthand assignment

Assignment operator is used to assign value to a variable (memory location). There is a single assignment operator = in C. It evaluates expression on right side of = symbol and assigns evaluated value to left side the variable.

For example consider the below assignment table.

The RHS of assignment operator must be a constant, expression or variable. Whereas LHS must be a variable (valid memory location).

Shorthand assignment operator

C supports a short variant of assignment operator called compound assignment or shorthand assignment. Shorthand assignment operator combines one of the arithmetic or bitwise operators with assignment operator.

For example, consider following C statements.

The above expression a = a + 2 is equivalent to a += 2 .

Similarly, there are many shorthand assignment operators. Below is a list of shorthand assignment operators in C.

• C - Introduction
• C - Comments
• C - Data Types
• C - Type Casting
• C - Operators
• C - Strings
• C - Booleans
• C - If Else
• C - While Loop
• C - For Loop
• C - goto Statement
• C - Continue Statement
• C - Break Statement
• C - Functions
• C - Scope of Variables
• C - Pointers
• C - Typedef
• C - Format Specifiers
• C Standard Library
• C - Data Structures
• C - Examples
• C - Interview Questions

• Programming Languages
• Web Technologies
• Database Technologies
• Microsoft Technologies
• Python Libraries
• Data Structures
• Interview Questions
• PHP & MySQL
• C++ Standard Library
• Java Utility Library
• Java Default Package
• PHP Function Reference

C - Bitwise OR and assignment operator

The Bitwise OR and assignment operator (|=) assigns the first operand a value equal to the result of Bitwise OR operation of two operands.

(x |= y) is equivalent to (x = x | y)

The Bitwise OR operator (|) is a binary operator which takes two bit patterns of equal length and performs the logical OR operation on each pair of corresponding bits. It returns 1 if either or both bits at the same position are 1, else returns 0.

The example below describes how bitwise OR operator works:

The code of using Bitwise OR operator (|) is given below:

The output of the above code will be:

Example: Find largest power of 2 less than or equal to given number

Consider an integer 1000. In the bit-wise format, it can be written as 1111101000. However, all bits are not written here. A complete representation will be 32 bit representation as given below:

Performing N |= (N>>i) operation, where i = 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 will change all right side bit to 1. When applied on 1000, the result in 32 bit representation is given below:

Adding one to this result and then right shifting the result by one place will give largest power of 2 less than or equal to 1000.

The below code will calculate the largest power of 2 less than or equal to given number.

The above code will give the following output:

• Data Structures Tutorial
• Algorithms Tutorial
• JavaScript Tutorial
• Python Tutorial
• MySQLi Tutorial
• Java Tutorial
• Scala Tutorial
• C++ Tutorial
• C# Tutorial
• PHP Tutorial
• MySQL Tutorial
• SQL Tutorial
• PHP Function reference
• C++ - Standard Library
• Java.lang Package
• Ruby Tutorial
• Rust Tutorial
• Swift Tutorial
• Perl Tutorial
• HTML Tutorial
• CSS Tutorial
• AJAX Tutorial
• XML Tutorial
• Online Compilers
• QuickTables
• NumPy Tutorial
• Pandas Tutorial
• Matplotlib Tutorial
• SciPy Tutorial
• Seaborn Tutorial