Operators in C are symbols that perform specific operations on one or more operands. They are fundamental to C programming, allowing you to manipulate data and control program flow efficiently.

Types of C Operators

1. Arithmetic Operators

These operators perform mathematical calculations:

+ (addition)
- (subtraction)
* (multiplication)
/ (division)
% (modulus)

2. Relational Operators

Used for comparing values:

== (equal to)
!= (not equal to)
> (greater than)
< (less than)
>= (greater than or equal to)
<= (less than or equal to)

3. Logical Operators

These operators perform logical operations:

&& (logical AND)
|| (logical OR)
! (logical NOT)

4. Bitwise Operators

Operate on individual bits of integer values:

& (bitwise AND)
| (bitwise OR)
^ (bitwise XOR)
~ (bitwise NOT)
<< (left shift)
>> (right shift)

5. Assignment Operators

Used to assign values to variables:

= (simple assignment)
+=, -=, *=, /=, %= (compound assignment)

Examples of C Operators in Action

Arithmetic and Assignment Operators


#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int a = 10, b = 5;
    int result;

    result = a + b;
    printf("Addition: %d\n", result);

    result = a - b;
    printf("Subtraction: %d\n", result);

    result *= 2;
    printf("Multiplication and assignment: %d\n", result);

    return 0;
}

Relational and Logical Operators


#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    int x = 5, y = 10;

    if (x < y && x != 0) {
        printf("x is less than y and not equal to zero\n");
    }

    if (x == 5 || y > 15) {
        printf("Either x is 5 or y is greater than 15\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Operator Precedence

C operators follow a specific order of precedence. Understanding this order is crucial for writing correct expressions. For instance, multiplication has higher precedence than addition.

Best Practices

Use parentheses to clarify complex expressions and override default precedence.
Be cautious with C Type Casting when using operators with different data types.
Avoid using the comma operator in complex expressions to maintain readability.

Related Concepts

To deepen your understanding of C operators, explore these related topics:

Mastering C operators is essential for effective C programming. They form the backbone of expressions and control structures in your code. Practice using different operators to become proficient in manipulating data and controlling program flow.