Static functions in C

A static function in C language is a function whose scope is limited to its target file. This means that the static function is only visible in its target file. A function can be declared as a static function by placing the static keyword before the function name.

The following is an example to prove this point-

There are two files first_file.c and second_file.c. The content of these files is as follows:-

Content of first_file.c

static void staticFunc(void)
{
　　　printf("Inside the static function staticFunc() ");
}

Content of second_file.c

int main() {
　　　staticFunc();
　　　return 0;
}

Now, if the above code is compiled, an error will be obtained, namely "undefined reference to correct"staticFunc()"This happens because the functionstaticFunc()is a static function and is only visible in its target file.

The following program demonstrates a static function in C language:-

Example

#include <stdio.h>
static void staticFunc(void) {
　　　printf("Inside the static function staticFunc() ");
}
int main() {
　　　staticFunc();
　　　return 0;
}

Output Result

The output of the above program is as follows-

Inside the static function staticFunc()

In the above program, the functionstaticFunc()is a static function that prints "Inside the static function" staticFunc()"Thismain()Function CallstaticFunc()This program can work normally because it can only call static functions from its own target file.