Thread: Little bit of variable declaration syntax

  1. #1
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    Little bit of variable declaration syntax

    Hi, there's a little bit of syntax I can't seem to find advice on through Google. The following struct has members with a colon and then a number afterward, is this the value to which the variable is to be first set?

    Code:
    struct {
            unsigned myVariable:1;
    ...
    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Kernel hacker
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    No, it's the number of bits you want the variable to have. In this instance, the value is 1 bit, which means that the only possible values are 0 and 1.

    --
    Mats
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    Please don't PM me for help - and no, I don't do help over instant messengers.

  3. #3
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    Awesome, thanks!

  4. #4
    Registered User slingerland3g's Avatar
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    Such code is used to force padding of the structure to fit within certain boundaries, ideal for embedded system architectures.

  5. #5
    C++まいる!Cをこわせ!
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    Not only. It's ideal to assign the bits within the structs.
    It's only a shame that the use of it is usually non-portable due to alignment.
    But it's useful is you know data is compromised of n number of bits of n sections with data.
    Quote Originally Posted by Adak View Post
    io.h certainly IS included in some modern compilers. It is no longer part of the standard for C, but it is nevertheless, included in the very latest Pelles C versions.
    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    You mean it's included as a crutch to help ancient programmers limp along without them having to relearn too much.

    Outside of your DOS world, your header file is meaningless.

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