What does scanf mean in c language?

The scanf function is a function in C language that reads user input data. It stores data into variables according to the specified format string and returns the number of data items read. The scanf function uses formatting characters such as %c, %d, %f, and %s to specify the input format and can specify field widths and limits. It's easy to use, but has the risk of buffer overflows and can only read simple data types.

The meaning of scanf function in C language

The scanf function is used in C language to read from standard input Function that takes data and stores it into a variable.

Usage

The syntax of the scanf function is as follows:

<code class="c">int scanf(const char *format, ...);</code>

Among them:

• format: Pointer to a format string that specifies the format of the input data.
• ...: Variable parameter list, pointing to the variable to store the input data.

Format string

The format string is a series of characters describing the format of the input data. It specifies the format using the following characters:

• %c: Reads the characters
• %d: Reads the integer number
• %f: Read floating point number
• %s: Read string

Also, formatting strings is OK Specify additional options such as field width and min/max values.

Return value

The scanf function returns the number of successfully read data items. If the read fails, -1 is returned.

Example

The following example code demonstrates how to use the scanf function:

<code class="c">int num;
float price;
char name[20];

printf("输入整数：");
scanf("%d", &num);

printf("输入浮点数：");
scanf("%f", &price);

printf("输入名字：");
scanf("%s", name);

printf("读取的数据：num = %d, price = %f, name = %s\n", num, price, name);</code>

Advantages and Disadvantages

## The #scanf function is easy to use and can read multiple data items at once. However, it also has the following disadvantages:

Unsafe: If the input data does not conform to the specified format, the scanf function may cause a buffer overflow.
• Inflexible: The scanf function can only read simple data types. For complex structures or unions, other functions need to be used.

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