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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Programming & Software

Think You Can Ace the C Language Exam?

Ready for the C Programming Exam? Challenge Yourself Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for C language quiz featuring code snippets pointers loops data types on dark blue background.

Ready to ace the c language exam with confidence? Dive into our free c programming exam designed to challenge your understanding of pointers, loops, and data types while preparing you for real-world coding scenarios. Whether you're brushing up for an online c language exam or taking a quick c language quiz to benchmark your skills, this engaging c quiz will put you to the test. Ideal for students and developers aiming to sharpen their logic, our interactive c programming test offers instant feedback and detailed explanations. Ready to level up? Start now and see how you stack up!

What is the output of the following code snippet: printf("%d", 5 + 3 * 2);
13
11
16
10
In C, multiplication has higher precedence than addition, so 3 * 2 is evaluated first giving 6, then 5 + 6 equals 11. Operator precedence in C determines the order in which operations are performed. Operator precedence in C
Which of the following correctly declares and initializes an integer variable named count to 0?
int = count;
count int = 0;
int count = 0;
int count; = 0;
The correct C syntax to declare and initialize an integer is int count = 0;. The type comes first, then the variable name, then the initialization. Variable definitions in C
What is the size (in bytes) of the int data type on a typical 32-bit system using modern compilers?
4
Depends on the value
8
2
On most 32-bit and 64-bit systems with modern C compilers, an int is 4 bytes (32 bits). This is part of the C standard's minimum storage requirements. C fundamental types
Which header file must you include to use printf and scanf functions?
The standard I/O functions printf and scanf are declared in the header. Including it allows the compiler to recognize these functions and avoid warnings. C input/output library
How do you write a single-line comment in C?
/* This is a comment */
\ This is a comment
// This is a comment
C uses // for single-line comments. Anything following // on that line is ignored by the compiler. Block comments use /* ... */ instead. Comments in C
What is the result of evaluating the expression (7 / 2) in C when both operands are integers?
Undefined
3.5
3
4
Integer division in C truncates toward zero, so 7 / 2 yields 3. Decimal fractions are discarded. Arithmetic operators
Which of the following correctly declares a null-terminated string literal in C?
char s[] = Hello;
char s[] = "Hello";
char *s = 'Hello';
char s = "Hello";
A string literal must be in double quotes and is automatically null-terminated. Declaring it as char s[] copies the literal into an array. String literals in C
What is the default return type of main in C if not specified explicitly (pre-C99)?
char
int
float
void
In older C standards (pre-C99), if no return type is specified, functions default to int. Modern C standards require explicitly writing int main. main function
Which loop will always execute its body at least once?
for loop
while loop
do...while loop
All of the above
A do...while loop tests its condition after executing the loop body, ensuring that the body runs at least once no matter what. do-while loop
Which of these is a valid way to increment the variable x by 1?
All of the above
++x
x = x + 1
x++
All three forms (x++, ++x, and x = x + 1) increment x by one. Note: x++ and ++x differ if used inside larger expressions, but each adds one to x. Increment and decrement operators
What character is used to terminate a string in C?
\0
EOF
\n
;
Strings in C end with the null character '\0', which marks the end of character arrays used as strings. Functions rely on this to know where the string ends. String copying and termination
Which keyword is used to define a constant variable in C?
static
const
immutable
readonly
The const keyword specifies that a variable's value cannot be modified after initialization. This enforces read-only behavior. Type qualifiers
What does the following declaration mean: int *p;
p is a function returning int
p is a pointer to an int
p is an int
p is an array of ints
int *p declares p as a pointer variable that holds the address of an int. You must allocate or assign the address of an int before dereferencing. Pointers in C
Which function is used to dynamically allocate memory for an array of 10 integers?
alloc(10)
malloc(10 * sizeof(int))
malloc(10)
calloc(1,10)
malloc(10 * sizeof(int)) allocates contiguous memory for 10 integers. calloc could also allocate but requires two arguments (count and size). malloc documentation
What will be the output of this code? int a = 5; printf("%d %d", a++, ++a);
5 7
6 6
6 7
Undefined behavior
Modifying and accessing a variable without an intervening sequence point leads to undefined behavior in C. The order of side effects is unspecified. Evaluation order in C
How do you pass an array to a function in C?
By passing a pointer to its first element
By copying each element
By passing the array size only
By value
Arrays decay to pointers when passed to functions, so you pass the address of the first element. The function parameter is declared as type name[]. Arrays and function parameters
What does const int *ptr mean?
ptr is a constant pointer to int
ptr is a pointer to int, int is constant pointer
ptr is an int constant
ptr points to a constant int
const int *ptr declares ptr as a pointer to an integer that cannot be modified through ptr. The pointer itself can be changed to point elsewhere. Type qualifiers in C
Which of the following correctly defines a function prototype for a function named add returning int and taking two int parameters?
int add(int a, int b);
int add(a, b) int a; int b;
add(int a, int b) -> int;
function add(int, int);
The correct C prototype is int add(int a, int b);. It declares the return type, name, and parameter types. Functions in C
What is the purpose of the free() function?
Duplicate a memory block
Deallocate previously allocated memory
Reset memory to zero
Allocate memory
free() releases memory that was previously allocated by malloc, calloc, or realloc back to the system. Failing to free leads to memory leaks. free function
Which function reads a line from stdin into a buffer safely?
scanf("%s")
fgets()
gets_s()
gets()
fgets(buffer, size, stdin) reads at most size-1 characters and appends a null terminator, preventing buffer overflow. gets() is unsafe and removed from later standards. fgets documentation
What is structure padding?
Unused union fields
Filling arrays with zeros
Manual padding by programmer
Extra bytes added by compiler for alignment
Compilers add padding between struct members to align data for performance. This can increase struct size. Structures in C
How do you declare a two-dimensional array of ints with 3 rows and 4 columns?
int arr[][3];
int arr[4][3];
int arr[3][4];
int arr(3,4);
int arr[3][4]; declares a 2D array with 3 subarrays, each containing 4 ints. The size of each dimension is fixed. Arrays in C
What is a pointer to a pointer and how is it declared for an integer?
int **pp;
int *pp;
pointer pp;
int &*pp;
int **pp; declares pp as a pointer to a pointer to int. The first * indicates a pointer and the second indicates the target is also a pointer. Pointer declarations
How do you declare an array of function pointers that point to functions returning int and taking no parameters?
int (*arr[])();
int (*arr())[ ]
int arr*[]();
int arr[]();
int (*arr[])(); declares arr as an array of pointers to functions returning int with no parameters. Parentheses are necessary to bind *arr first. Function pointers
What is the difference between a union and a struct in C?
Unions are slower at access
Structs cannot contain pointers
Unions share memory among members, structs allocate separate memory for each member
Structs share memory, unions allocate separate memory
In a union, all members share the same memory location, and its size equals its largest member. Struct members have distinct storage. Unions in C
Which mode opens a file for reading and writing, truncating the file if it exists?
"r+"
"rw"
"a+"
"w+"
The mode "w+" opens a file for update (reading and writing) and truncates it to zero length if it exists. fopen modes
What does the errno variable represent?
A macro for exit code
The last system call return value
Error number set by system/library calls on failure
Number of errors encountered
errno is set by library functions to indicate the error number when a function fails. Inspecting errno helps diagnose the cause. errno in C
How are bitfields declared within a struct?
int flag:1;
bit flag = 1;
char flag:8;
int flag(1);
Declaring int flag:1; inside a struct allocates a single bit for flag. Bitfields allow compact data representation. Bit-fields in C
What is the purpose of the volatile keyword?
Declare constant variables
Indicate that a variable can be changed outside program control
Allocate on stack
Optimize variable access
volatile tells the compiler that the value of the variable may change at any time (e.g., hardware registers), preventing certain optimizations. volatile qualifier
How do you allocate a dynamic two-dimensional array of ints with 3 rows and 4 columns using malloc?
int arr[3][4] = malloc(...);
int (*arr)[4] = malloc(3 * sizeof *arr);
int **arr = malloc(3 * 4 * sizeof(int));
int *arr = malloc(12);
int (*arr)[4] = malloc(3 * sizeof *arr); allocates memory for three arrays of 4 ints each. This preserves correct indexing arr[i][j]. 2D dynamic arrays
What causes a segmentation fault?
Missing return statements
Infinite recursion
Using undeclared variables
Dereferencing invalid pointers
A segmentation fault occurs when a program accesses memory it shouldn't, such as dereferencing a NULL or invalid pointer. This violates memory protection. Segmentation fault
What is the difference between realloc(ptr, newSize) and free(ptr); ptr = malloc(newSize);?
free then malloc is faster
realloc always leaks memory
realloc may expand/shrink in place and preserve content
They are identical
realloc tries to resize the existing block and preserve its content up to the lesser of old and new sizes, avoiding copy if possible. free+malloc always allocates new memory and drops old data. realloc
How can you copy a struct variable s1 to another struct s2?
You cannot copy structs
s2 = &s1;
memcpy(&s2, &s1, sizeof(s1));
strcpy(s2, s1);
In C, you can directly assign structs (s2 = s1;) or use memcpy to copy bytes. memcpy(&s2, &s1, sizeof(s1)); duplicates the entire struct. memcpy
Why is using gets() considered unsafe and removed from newer C standards?
It cannot read binary files
It has no buffer overflow protection
It adds a null terminator automatically
It doesn't compile on modern compilers
gets() reads input until a newline but cannot limit the number of characters read, leading to buffer overflow vulnerabilities. It was removed in C11. gets documentation
Which printf format specifier should you use for size_t type?
%lu
%d
%zd
%zu
The correct specifier for size_t is %zu (or %zd for signed types). Using the wrong specifier can lead to incorrect output or undefined behavior. fprintf and format specifiers
What is the difference between extern and static for global variables in C?
There is no difference
extern gives internal linkage, static gives external
extern declares global visibility, static restricts to file scope
extern allocates memory, static does not
extern on a global variable tells the compiler it's defined elsewhere and allows external linkage. static at global scope limits the variable's visibility to the current translation unit. Storage duration and linkage
How do you declare an inline function in C99?
inline int add(int a, int b);
__inline int add(int a, int b);
static inline add(int,int);
int inline add(int a, int b);
C99 introduced the inline keyword. The correct syntax is inline int add(int a, int b) { ... }. __inline is compiler-specific. Inline functions
What is the purpose of the restrict keyword in C99?
Indicates pointer will not be NULL
Allows compiler to assume no aliasing through that pointer
Marks variables as volatile
Defines thread-local storage
restrict tells the compiler that for the lifetime of the pointer, only it (or a value derived from it) will be used to access the object, enabling better optimizations by assuming no aliasing. restrict keyword
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand C Data Types -

    Understand the characteristics and memory requirements of primary C data types. This knowledge helps you tackle variable and storage questions in a c language exam.

  2. Apply Pointer Operations -

    Apply pointer syntax and arithmetic to solve common pointer challenges. Gain confidence in handling pointers for both c programming exam and real-world code.

  3. Analyze Loop Constructs -

    Analyze for, while, and do-while loops to determine their flow and output. Sharpen your ability to predict loop behavior under different conditions in a c language quiz.

  4. Identify Common Errors -

    Identify typical C programming mistakes, such as off-by-one errors and null-pointer dereferences. Improve your debugging skills for faster error detection in a c programming test.

  5. Differentiate Function Usage -

    Differentiate between function declaration, definition, and invocation to structure modular C programs. This distinction is essential for both online c language exam formats and interviews.

  6. Optimize Code Snippets -

    Optimize small C code examples for readability and performance. Practice refactoring techniques that can boost your score on any c programming exam challenge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mastering Pointers and Memory Management -

    Understanding pointers is crucial for the c programming exam and real-world C projects. Study how to declare pointers (e.g., int *ptr;), dereference them (*ptr), and perform pointer arithmetic to traverse arrays. Mnemonic: treat a pointer as an "address detective" that always tells you where your data lives.

  2. Control Flow: Loops and Conditionals -

    Control structures such as for, while, do - while, and switch are the backbone of any c language quiz. Practice writing loop constructs like for(int i=0; i

  3. Understanding Data Types and Sizes -

    The C standard (ISO/IEC 9899) defines fundamental types like char, int, float, and double with implementation-dependent sizes. Use sizeof(type) during your c programming exam review to verify storage and understand range limits, and always consider signed vs unsigned variants. A quick trick: remember, "char is tiny, double is mighty."

  4. Effective Use of Functions and Recursion -

    Breaking code into functions improves clarity and reuse; always declare prototypes before main to avoid implicit declaration errors in a c programming test. Practice passing arrays or struct addresses for efficient call-by-reference behavior and implement simple recursive functions like factorial to solidify stack concepts. Recall the motto: "Divide tasks, conquer problems."

  5. Working with Arrays and Strings -

    Arrays and strings are stored contiguously in memory, so pointer notation often applies directly to array elements - e.g., *(arr + i) equals arr[i]. Review common string functions (strlen, strcpy, strcmp) from and always ensure a null terminator at the end of char arrays to prevent buffer overruns. In your c language exam prep, practice off-by-one scenarios to avoid common pitfalls.

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