Return Codes and Error Checking
In C programming, it is common to use return codes to signal whether a function has succeeded or failed. This convention allows you to detect and respond to errors at runtime. Typically, a function will return 0 to indicate success and a negative value (such as -1) to indicate failure.
main.c
1234567891011121314151617181920#include <stdio.h> int divide(int numerator, int denominator, int *result) { // Division by zero error if (denominator == 0) return -1; *result = numerator / denominator; return 0; } int main() { int res; int status = divide(10, 0, &res); if (status != 0) printf("Error: Division by zero.\n"); else printf("Result: %d\n", res); return 0; }
Always check the return value of any function that uses this pattern. Ignoring return codes can lead to undetected failures, causing your program to behave unpredictably, crash, or even corrupt data. By consistently checking return values, you make your code more robust and safe.
Many standard C library functions use return codes to indicate success or failure. Understanding and checking these return values helps you detect errors early and prevent unexpected behavior. Here are some common examples:
By consistently checking these return values, you ensure your programs can detect problems early, handle them safely, and remain stable even in unexpected conditions.
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In C programming, it is common to use return codes to signal whether a function has succeeded or failed. This convention allows you to detect and respond to errors at runtime. Typically, a function will return 0 to indicate success and a negative value (such as -1) to indicate failure.
main.c
1234567891011121314151617181920#include <stdio.h> int divide(int numerator, int denominator, int *result) { // Division by zero error if (denominator == 0) return -1; *result = numerator / denominator; return 0; } int main() { int res; int status = divide(10, 0, &res); if (status != 0) printf("Error: Division by zero.\n"); else printf("Result: %d\n", res); return 0; }
Always check the return value of any function that uses this pattern. Ignoring return codes can lead to undetected failures, causing your program to behave unpredictably, crash, or even corrupt data. By consistently checking return values, you make your code more robust and safe.
Many standard C library functions use return codes to indicate success or failure. Understanding and checking these return values helps you detect errors early and prevent unexpected behavior. Here are some common examples:
By consistently checking these return values, you ensure your programs can detect problems early, handle them safely, and remain stable even in unexpected conditions.
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