Operators and Expressions in C

Introduction

Operators in C programming are symbols that instruct the compiler to perform specific mathematical or logical manipulations. Expressions are combinations of variables, constants, and operators that are evaluated to yield a result. Together, operators and expressions form the backbone of computations and logic in C programs.

Types of Operators in C

Arithmetic Operators

• Addition (+): sum = a + b;
• Subtraction (-): difference = a - b;
• Multiplication (*): product = a * b;
• Division (/): quotient = a / b;
• Modulus (%): remainder = a % b;

Relational Operators

• Equal to (==): if(a == b)
• Not equal to (!=): if(a != b)
• Greater than (>): if(a > b)
• Less than (<): if(a < b)
• Greater than or equal to (>=): if(a >= b)
• Less than or equal to (<=): if(a <= b)

Logical Operators

• Logical AND (&&): if(a > 0 && b > 0)
• Logical OR (||): if(a > 0 || b > 0)
• Logical NOT (!): if(!a)

Bitwise Operators

• AND (&): c = a & b;
• OR (|): c = a | b;
• XOR (^): c = a ^ b;
• NOT (~): c = ~a;
• Left shift (<<): c = a << 2;
• Right shift (>>): c = a >> 2;

Expressions in C

Expressions involve variables, constants, and operator combinations, evaluated to produce a value.

• Arithmetic Expression: total = price * quantity;
• Relational Expression: is_equal = (a == b);
• Logical Expression: is_valid = (a > b) && (c < d);

Usage in C Programs

#include<stdio.h>

int main() {
    int a = 5, b = 10, sum, product;
    int is_equal, is_greater;
    
    // Arithmetic Operators
    sum = a + b;
    product = a * b;
    
    // Relational Operators
    is_equal = (a == b);
    is_greater = (a > b);
    
    printf("Sum: %d, Product: %d\n", sum, product);
    printf("Is Equal: %d, Is Greater: %d\n", is_equal, is_greater);
    
    return 0;
}

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing operators and expressions in C is pivotal for computations, decision-making, and controlling the program flow. As you delve deeper into C programming, mastering operators and creating expressions will allow you to develop robust algorithms and solve complex computational problems.

Additional Resources

• C Programming for Beginners - Master the C Language
• Programming in C