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C Macros

A macro is a segment of code which is replaced by the value of macro. Macro is defined by #define directive. There are two types of macros:

  1. Object-like Macros
  2. Function-like Macros

Object-like Macros

The object-like macro is an identifier that is replaced by value. It is widely used to represent numeric constants. For example:

Here, PI is the macro name which will be replaced by the value 3.14.

Function-like Macros

The function-like macro looks like function call. For example:

Here, MIN is the macro name.

Visit #define to see the full example of object-like and function-like macros.


C Predefined Macros

ANSI C defines many predefined macros that can be used in c program.

No. Macro Description
1 _DATE_ represents current date in “MMM DD YYYY” format.
2 _TIME_ represents current time in “HH:MM:SS” format.
3 _FILE_ represents current file name.
4 _LINE_ represents current line number.
5 _STDC_ It is defined as 1 when compiler complies with the ANSI standard.

C predefined macros example

File: simple.c

Output:

File :simple.c Date :Dec 6 2015 Time :12:28:46 Line :6 STDC :1 
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