In which scenarios would it be beneficial to use double pointers in C?
- Dynamic memory allocation
- Linked lists
- Matrix operations
- String manipulations
Double pointers are often used in scenarios like linked lists, where you need to manage a list of pointers. They also come in handy when dealing with matrices and strings, as they allow you to have multiple levels of indirection for better control and memory management.
When reading a file in C, which function can be used to check if the end of the file has been reached?
- endOfFile()
- feof()
- fileEOF()
- file_end()
The correct function is feof(), which stands for "file end of file." It returns a non-zero value if the end of the file has been reached, indicating that there are no more characters to read.
When using typedef to create a function pointer alias, what aspect of the function signature must be included in the alias?
- Function name
- Return type
- Parameter types
- Number of parameters
The correct option is b) Return type. When using typedef to create a function pointer alias, you must include the return type of the function in the alias. This ensures that the alias correctly represents the function pointer's signature, allowing you to use it to declare and call functions.
What function is commonly used in C for taking user input?
- gets
- printf
- puts
- scanf
The 'scanf' function is commonly used in C for taking user input. It allows you to read input values from the user and store them in variables.
How can you position the file pointer to the end of a file using fseek?
- fseek(file, SEEK_END)
- fseek(file, FILE_END)
- setpos(file, END)
- setfilepos(file, SEEK_END)
The correct option is fseek(file, SEEK_END). This command uses the fseek function to move the file pointer to the end of the file, facilitating operations like appending data to the end of a file in C.
How does using pointers with arrays affect the performance of a C program?
- It always degrades performance
- It can improve performance in some cases
- It has no effect on performance
- It only affects memory usage, not performance
Using pointers with arrays in a C program can actually improve performance in some cases. By using pointers, you can manipulate array elements more efficiently and access them directly, reducing the overhead of array indexing. This can lead to better performance. However, it's essential to use pointers carefully to avoid issues like memory corruption.
Which of the following best describes the concept of recursion in C programming?
- A function calling itself directly or indirectly
- A loop mechanism for repeating a set of instructions
- A method to divide a problem into smaller subproblems
- A way to define constant values
Recursion in C programming involves a function calling itself either directly or indirectly. It's a technique used to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller instances, making it an essential concept in programming.
In the context of file handling, what is the advantage of using binary files over text files?
- Data preservation
- Human readability
- Portability
- Smaller file size
One of the advantages of using binary files over text files in file handling is data preservation. Binary files store data as a sequence of bytes, preserving the exact representation of data without any character encoding or formatting. This makes them suitable for storing complex data structures and preserving data integrity.
Why might a programmer choose to use an array of structures in a C program?
- To create global variables
- To perform text formatting
- To sort data
- To store related data efficiently
Programmers use arrays of structures to efficiently manage and organize related data.
In the context of searching algorithms, why might a binary search be preferred over a linear search?
- Binary search guarantees to find the target quickly
- Binary search is always faster
- Binary search requires sorted data
- Binary search works for unsorted data
Binary search is preferred when data is sorted as it allows for efficient searching, while a linear search works for unsorted data.
You're developing a database system and need to frequently update records. What file handling technique would you use to efficiently update specific records without reading the entire file?
- Direct File Updating
- Indexed File Updating
- Random File Updating
- Sequential File Updating
Indexed File Updating would be the most efficient technique for frequently updating specific records in a database system. With an index, the system can quickly locate and update the desired record without the need to read the entire file sequentially. This reduces the time and resources required for updates, making it a suitable choice for scenarios where frequent record updates are a common operation in a database.
What does the fseek function do in a C program?
- Sets the file position indicator to the beginning
- Moves the file position indicator to the end
- Positions the file pointer to a specified location
- Closes the file
The correct option is c. Positions the file pointer to a specified location. The fseek() function in C is used to set the file position indicator to a specific location within the file, allowing random access and manipulation of file contents.