Arrays can be passed as parameters to the functions in the following ways:
a) Passing by data values
In the above example, one element of the array is passed to the called function.
b) Passing addresses
1. Passing individual elements of the array
Individual elements of an array can be passed to a function either by passing their address or the data values.a) Passing by data values
- The elements can be passed in the same manner as we pass the variables of other data type.
- The only thing is that the data type of the array element should match the type of the function parameter.
Example
void main() // Calling function
{
int score[5] = {2,4,6,8,10};
func (score[3]);
}
void func (int n) // Called function
{
printf("%d",n);
}
In the above example, one element of the array is passed to the called function.
b) Passing addresses
- We can pass the elements by using the address operator (&) to the elements referenced index.
- Since, we need to pass an address to the function we will use the indirection (*) operator.
Example
void main() // Calling function
{
int score[5] = {2,4,6,8,10};
func (score[3]);
}
void func (int *n) // Called function
{
printf("%d",n);
}
2. Passing the entire array
- While passing an entire array to a function we need to write only the name without the square brackets and the subscripts.
- The formal argument which is corresponding is written in the same way but is declared inside the function.
- The array dimension cannot be included in the formal declaration of the array.
Example
void main() // Calling function
{
int score[5] = {2,4,6,8,10};
func (score);
}
void func (int score[5]) // Called function
{
int i;
for (i=0; i<5; i++)
printf("%d",score[i]);
}
