What is the default return type of a function in C if no return type is specified?

What is the default return type of a function in C if no return type is specified?

• A. void
• B. int
• C. char
• D. float

Answer: (B)

In C, if a function does not have a specified return type, the default return type is automatically assumed to be `int`. This is a feature of the C programming language that allows for more straightforward function declarations and calls. When a function is defined without an explicit return type, it’s important to recognize that returning an integer type is presumed by the compiler. This convention holds particularly true in cases where the function is invoked in contexts where an integer is expected. For example, if a programmer calls such a function in an expression where an integer is needed, the absence of a specified return type signals to the compiler that it should treat the return value as an integer. By contrast, while `void` might seem like a reasonable option since it indicates no return value, it cannot be assumed to be the default if a return type is missing. Other types like `char` and `float` do not serve as defaults in this context. Understanding this rule is crucial for ensuring accurate function implementation and expected behaviors in C programming.

In C, if a function does not have a specified return type, the default return type is automatically assumed to be int. This is a feature of the C programming language that allows for more straightforward function declarations and calls. When a function is defined without an explicit return type, it’s important to recognize that returning an integer type is presumed by the compiler.

This convention holds particularly true in cases where the function is invoked in contexts where an integer is expected. For example, if a programmer calls such a function in an expression where an integer is needed, the absence of a specified return type signals to the compiler that it should treat the return value as an integer.

By contrast, while void might seem like a reasonable option since it indicates no return value, it cannot be assumed to be the default if a return type is missing. Other types like char and float do not serve as defaults in this context.

Understanding this rule is crucial for ensuring accurate function implementation and expected behaviors in C programming.