extern variable is not working as expected

extern variable tell to compiler about scope

I've declare variable x in file1.c
file1.c

Code:

---

extern int x;

---

I want use the variable x in main.c file

main.c

Code:

---

#include<stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    x = 10;
    printf("x=%d ", x);
    return 0;
}

---

when i compile code I get error: 'x' undeclared (first use in this function)

What's wrong in code ? How can I use variable in main.c that is declarered in another file

Code:

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extern int x;

---

Put the above code in a header file.

Include the header file by the two .c files.

Code:

---

int x;

---

Put the above code in only one of the .c files

Edit: The above method uses global scope; which is what the "extern" keyword is normally used for. I know of no way to use extern in C and not have it be global; but an C expert might.

Tim S.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stahta01

Code:

---

extern int x;

---

Put the above code in a header file.

Include the header file by the two .c files.

Tim S.

---

sorry I didn't understand what you mean.

Do you mean I need three files main.c file1.c and file1.h

Code:

---

#include<stdio.h>
#include"file1.h"
int main(void)
{
    x = 10;
    printf("x=%d ", x);
    return 0;
}

---

What should I keep inside header file ?

Code:

---

// file1.c
int x;


// file1.h
extern int x;


// main.c
#include<stdio.h>
#include"file1.h"
int main(void)
{
    x = 10;
    printf("x=%d ", x);
    return 0;
}

---

Then compile with say
gcc main.c file1.c

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salem

[code]
Then compile with say
gcc main.c file1.c

---

Thank you so much. Can you tell me the reason why variable x being declared in two place (file1.c and file1.h)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rahul11

Thank you so much. Can you tell me the reason why variable x being declared in two place (file1.c and file1.h)

---

Because if you do it that way; the compiler checks for mistakes like type changes and typos; when in the future the program is modified it helps from spending hours looking for stupid mistakes.

FYI: It is only defined in one place and declared in the other place.

Tim S.

The compiler must know about the identifiers it is using... So, you can do:

Code:

---

// file1.c
int x = 10;

---

Code:

---

// main.c

// The compiler must know that 'x' exists elsewhere!
extern int x;

int main( void )
{ printf( "x=%d\n", x ); }

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rahul11

sorry I didn't understand what you mean.

Do you mean I need three files main.c file1.c and file1.h
What should I keep inside header file ?

---

First of all, you should avoid global variables if at all possible. Define them in main() and pass them to functions called by main().

A simple program may only consist of a few functions in one .c file. When you create larger programs, you will need to put functions in several files. Then you will need a header file to place the extern function declaration/prototypes, struct declarations, etc... along with minimal global variables.

You would place the extern variables in the header file. A very simplistic example of a multiple module program, programmed on Linux:

foo.h

Code:

---

#ifndef FOO_H
#define FOO_H  // To prevent multiple inclusion of the header file

extern int result; // Declaration only, will be defined later

int square(const int val); // Function prototype (Declaration)

#endif // FOO_H

---

foo.c

Code:

---

#include <stdio.h>

#include "foo.h"  // Your variable & function declarations

int main(void)
{
  int num = 10; // Always initialize local varaibles

  result = square(num);

  printf("num == %d, result == %d\n", num, result);

  return 0;
}

---

bar.c

Code:

---

#include "foo.h"

// For illustration purposes only, normally would be defined in foo.c
int result = 0;  // Definition of the global variable

int square(const int val)  // Function prototype (Declaration)
{
  return val * val;
}

---

Output:

Code:

---

  $./foo
  num == 10, result == 100

---

I'm getting confused with definition of extern keyword. My understand is extern is keyword that tell a compiler variable or function is define in another file

we have three files
file1.h
file1.c
main.c

which is that another file in my example file1.c or file1.h ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rahul11

I'm getting confused with definition of extern keyword. My understand is extern is keyword that tell a compiler variable or function is define in another file

we have three files
file1.h
file1.c
main.c

which is that another file in my example file1.c or file1.h ?

---

Code:

---

extern int x;

---

extern is used to DELCARE a variable, and specify that it is of type int. This line should go into file1.h.

The line:

Code:

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#include "file1.h"

---

should be in both "file1.c and "main.c".

In one of the two files, file1.c or main.c, but NOT both, you should have a global variable DEFINED as:

Code:

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int x = 0;

---

A DECLARATION does not create the variable in memory. It is information for the compiler so when it sees the variable in use, it knows how to handle it.

A DEFINITION creates the actual variable in memory. Both the declaration and definition of the variable, must match in name and data type.

When you compile the two .c files together, then the linker will resolve the DECLARATION, DEFINITION, and the use of "x" in main() all to the same variable.

If you are not taking a course from a qualified instructor, or trying to learn from inadequate online videos or tutorials:

You need to study a good book on the C Programming Language, cover to cover, and do all the exercises at the end of each chapter! Choose one of the three listed below:

C Programming, A Modern Approach
Author: K. N. King

C Primer Plus, 6th Edition
Stephen Prata

C How to Program, 8/e
Deitel & Deitel

This would give you a detailed tutorial about this, and all the other features of the C Programming Language.

Hope this helps to clear up your confusion.