C Keywords

C has a set of reserved keywords that define the syntax and structure of C programs. These keywords have specific meanings and cannot be used as names for variables, functions, or other identifiers, ensuring clarity and consistency in code.

C Keywords

C has a set of reserved keywords that are used to define the syntax and structure of C programs. These keywords have specific meanings and cannot be used for naming variables, functions, or other identifiers.

List of C Keywords

Below is a list of important C keywords along with their descriptions:

Keyword	Description
`break`	Breaks out of a loop or a `switch` block.
`case`	Marks a block of code in `switch` statements.
`char`	A data type that can store a single character.
`const`	Defines a variable or parameter as constant (unchangeable).
`continue`	Continues to the next iteration of a loop.
`default`	Specifies the default block of code in a `switch` statement.
`do`	Used together with `while` to create a `do/while` loop.
`double`	A data type (usually 64 bits) that can store fractional numbers.
`else`	Used in conditional statements.
`enum`	Declares an enumerated type.
`float`	A data type (usually 32 bits) that can store fractional numbers.
`for`	Creates a `for` loop.
`goto`	Jumps to a line of code specified by a label.
`if`	Makes a conditional statement.
`int`	A data type (usually 32 bits) that can store whole numbers.
`long`	Ensures that an integer is at least 32 bits long. Use `long long` to ensure 64 bits.
`return`	Used to return a value from a function.
`short`	Reduces the size of an integer to 16 bits.
`signed`	Specifies that an `int` or `char` can represent both positive and negative values.
`sizeof`	An operator that returns the amount of memory occupied by a variable or data type.
`static`	Specifies that a variable in a function keeps its value after the function ends.
`struct`	Defines a structure (custom data type).
`switch`	Selects one of many code blocks to be executed.
`typedef`	Defines a custom data type using an alias.
`unsigned`	Specifies that an `int` or `char` should only represent positive values.
`void`	Indicates a function that does not return a value or specifies a pointer to a data with an unspecified type.
`while`	Creates a `while` loop.

Example: Using C Keywords

Here is a simple example of how some C keywords are used in a program:

Example: Basic C Program with Keywords


#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int x = 10;

    if (x > 0) {
        printf("x is a positive number.\n");
    } else {
        printf("x is a negative number.\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Output:

Output


x is a positive number.

This program demonstrates the use of several keywords such as int, if, else, and return.