3.1 Introduction to Operators and Expression

Operators and Expressions 

 

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Introduction

C supports a rich set if build in operators. An operator is a symbol that tells the computer to perform mathematical or logical manipulations. Operators are used in programs to manipulate data and variables. They usually form a part of mathematical or logical expressions. C operators can be classified into a number of categories. 

For example in the expression: c = a+b 

Operators are = and +

Operand are a,b and c

On the basis of number of operand :

1. Unary Operator : This operator requires only one operand.

Eg: ++(increment), --(decrement)

Expression: ++a,  --b

2. Binary operators: This operator requires two operands.

Eg: +,-,*,/

Expression: a+b,  a/b

3. Ternary operator: This operator requires three operands.

Eg: (? :) conditional operator

Expression: (a>b)? a:b 

On the basis of function

1. Arithmetic operators
2. Relational operators
3. Logical operators
4. Assignment operators
5. Increment and Decrement operators
6. Conditional operator
7. Bitwise Operator
8. Special Operator