C Exercises: Show a function returning pointer

Last update on March 19 2025 12:40:35 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

15. Function Returning a Pointer

Write a C program to demonstrate how a function returns a pointer.

Visual Presentation:

Sample Solution:

C Code:

#include <stdio.h>

// Function prototype declaration
int* findLarger(int*, int*);

int main() {
    // Initializing variables
    int numa = 0;
    int numb = 0;
    int *result;

    // Displaying the purpose of the program
    printf("\n\n Pointer : Show a function returning pointer :\n");
    printf("--------------------------------------------------\n");

    // Inputting the first number
    printf(" Input the first number : ");
    scanf("%d", &numa);

    // Inputting the second number
    printf(" Input the second number : ");
    scanf("%d", &numb);

    // Calling the function to find the larger number
    result = findLarger(&numa, &numb);

    // Displaying the larger number found by the function
    printf(" The number %d is larger.  \n\n", *result);
}

// Function definition to find the larger number
int* findLarger(int *n1, int *n2) {
    // Checking which number is larger
    if (*n1 > *n2)
        return n1; // Return the address of n1 if it's larger
    else
        return n2; // Return the address of n2 if it's larger
}

Sample Output:

 Pointer : Show a function returning pointer :                                                                
--------------------------------------------------                                                            
 Input the first number : 5                                                                                   
 Input the second  number : 6                                                                                 
 The number 6 is larger.

Flowchart:

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

• Write a C program where a function returns a pointer to the maximum of two numbers.
• Write a C program in which a function returns a pointer to a dynamically allocated array containing computed results.
• Write a C program to implement a function that returns a pointer to a structure after processing input data.
• Write a C program to write a function that returns a pointer to a string after performing some modifications on it.

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