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A global variable is a variable that is declared at global scope, rather than file, namespace, function, class or nested scope. Global variables are usually declared with external linkage within a header and initialised in one (and only one) source file. Any file that includes the header (which includes the source file that initialised the global variable) then has unrestricted access to the variable. It is globally visible and any code can alter it.

Global variables should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If the vast majority of the functions in your program require access to a particular variable, then a global variable makes perfect sense and is by far the simplest solution. However, a variable that is only used by a handful of functions can hardly be described as a global entity, thus it has no place within the global namespace and should be scoped to those functions that actually require it instead.

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10y ago
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13y ago

Global variables are named storage locations that are allocated (and possibly initialized) when the program is loaded. Global variables are accessible by name from within any function. In C source, a global is a variable that is declared outside of any function, without an extern or static storage class specifier.

The use of global variables without good justification is generally considered bad programming style, as it creates cohesion between functions and between modules, allows functions to have side-effects, and causes lots of confusion if some functions declare automatic variables with the same names as global variables.

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12y ago

The question should be "what is ... definition ...?" It does not really matter where you declare a variable. Declaration is only a compiler directive telling it information about an object you intend to define later. Definition is what is important. Declaration and definition can be done at the same time, however; its just that they are two distinct actions. Global definition, now, is where the variable (or object) is defined at file scope, i.e. outside of any block, i.e. outside of any enclosing braces.

With global definition, you have global scope, i.e. visibility. Unless you also specified static, you also have program scope, i.e. inter-module scope or visibility.

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12y ago

When a variable is declared inside the function/ main functions, the variable is called a local variable.

On the other hand, when a variable is declared outside of the function/main function, the variable is called a global variable.

For Example:

#include

int a;

int main()

{

int c;

return 0;

}

On the above program "int c" is a local variable & "int a" is a global variable.

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12y ago

Global variables can be seen in all blocks of your program, when local variables are visible only within the block where it's declared. hope this helps ...harry hill

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11y ago

When the scope of the variable is throughout then such variable is called global.

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Q: What is global variable in C programming?
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What is printing out and inputting variable in C programming?

input and output


What does increments mean in C programming?

It has nothing to do with C, it simply means: add 1 to a variable.


Why use static variable in programming language?

For C programming, the use of a static variable has two uses: One reason is to hide the variable from other modules. The scope of the static variable is limited to the compilation unit that it is described in. The second use of a static variable is to keep the value of the variable intact through the entire program execution unit.


Is a global variable a non-local variable?

True, a variable cannot be both global and local. But if a global and a local variable share the same name, the local one will hide the global.


How do you swap in c programming?

the simple way can be explained by example as: let there be two integers as : int a=10,b=5; if we want to use third variable then let third variable be int c; and sorting is done as : c=a; a=b; b=c; if it is to be done by without using third variable then : a=a+b; b=a-b; a=a-b; at last the variable is sorted.

Related questions

What is printing out and inputting variable in C programming?

input and output


What is Variable Scope?

The scope of a variable is the range, or area, in which a variable exists. // this c is global and can be referenced from anywhere int c = 1; void foo() { // this c is local to function foo and can't be referenced from the outside int c = 2; } void bar() { // if we try to reference c here, we get the value 1 from the global variable }


What does increments mean in C programming?

It has nothing to do with C, it simply means: add 1 to a variable.


Global variable in c?

Useable, but not recommended. Common example: errno


What are the value and preference of global variable?

Global variables can have any value, in C they are aumaticatically initialized to zero.


What is 'variable' in C programming?

It's a part of the program's data, which has a name,type and value.


How do you create a global variable in a program?

1.In computer programming, a global variable is a variable that is accessiblein every scope.2.There are some variables that are used in more than one function.suchvariables are called global variables.3.Usually,they are declared in global declaration section that is outsideof all functions.4.In this section,we can also declare all user-defined functions.DECLARATION:int global =5;


Why c in and c out used in c?

In the programming language C++, cin is used to input the variable and cout is used to print a certain message or result.


What is the definition of the term C static?

The term C static is a variable within computer programming in particular C Language. When set static the variable inside a function keeps its value between invocations.


Why use static variable in programming language?

For C programming, the use of a static variable has two uses: One reason is to hide the variable from other modules. The scope of the static variable is limited to the compilation unit that it is described in. The second use of a static variable is to keep the value of the variable intact through the entire program execution unit.


Is a global variable a non-local variable?

True, a variable cannot be both global and local. But if a global and a local variable share the same name, the local one will hide the global.


How do you swap in c programming?

the simple way can be explained by example as: let there be two integers as : int a=10,b=5; if we want to use third variable then let third variable be int c; and sorting is done as : c=a; a=b; b=c; if it is to be done by without using third variable then : a=a+b; b=a-b; a=a-b; at last the variable is sorted.