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Statements

What is a Statement in C?

A statement in C programming is a single instruction or command that the computer executes. It’s like a sentence in a language that tells the program to perform a specific action. Statements are the building blocks of a C program, and they are executed one after another in the order they appear in the code.

In simpler terms, a statement is a line of code that does something, like printing output. Each statement typically ends with a semicolon (;), which acts like a period in a sentence, telling the compiler that the statement is complete.

Key Characteristics of Statements

  • Executable: A statement tells the computer to perform an action.
  • Semicolon-terminated: Most statements in C end with a ;.
  • Single Purpose: Each statement usually performs one specific task.
  • Part of a Program: Statements combine to form the logic of a program.

Example

printf("Hello, World!\n");

This statement tells the computer to print the text "Hello, World!" on the screen.

Why Are Statements Important?

  • Control Program Flow: Statements define what the program does and in what order.
  • Simplicity: Each statement focuses on one task, making code easier to read and understand.
  • Flexibility: By combining statements, you can create programs to solve various problems.