using a Void Function?

Im new to C programming, so bear with me. I've created a couple of functions, but have never used one of the void type.
Eventually I will have it draw a rectangle that displays 1 character across for every unit of width, and the same for the height, but first I just want to get the syntax correct just to make it print one character. Basically I just want to know how the void function works and understand how to use it.

Code:

---

void drawRect (int width, char character);    /*prototype*/


printf ("%c\n", drawRect (width, character) );  /*function call*/



void drawRect (int width, char character)      /*function*/
{
        if (width > 0)
        {
                printf ("%c\n",character);
               
        };
       
}

---

These are all in the correct places in the code, because my other functions are working properly. When I compile, I keep getting this error 'printf' : actual parameter has type 'void' : parameter 2.

Thanks.

a function of type void (this is true in java, i'm assuming it's the same in C), it doesn't return anything.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by inkedmn
a function of type void (this is true in java, i'm assuming it's the same in C), it doesn't return anything.

---

You are correct.

As such, this is the reason the original poster is getting an error.

The way printf works is that for every format specifier you use, you have to be putting some value in it.

When you use a function call as one of the parameters of printf, it expects it to be returning a value to put in the specifier you've matched it up with.

Since your function is void, it doesn't return anything, and so, the format specifier doesn't have anything going into it.

Quzah.

This is for a class, so our handout specifically says to use void....

void drawRect (int width, int height, char character)

If this isnt going to work, what are some examples of why you would use void?

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Smoot
This is for a class, so our handout specifically says to use void....

void drawRect (int width, int height, char character)

If this isnt going to work, what are some examples of why you would use void?

---

Your function will work on its own, just don't put it as a parameter to a printf statement. That's your only problem, and I've explained why.

Quzah.

something like this:

Code:

---

void showMe(int i) {
    printf("my number: %d", i);
}

---

basic example (and i don't know if it works) :)

and to get you off on the right foot...never type

Code:

---

void main();

---

A guy at work explained it to me. All I had to do was use this: drawRect (width, character); as the function call, and eliminate the whole printf line.

Thanks, quzah, now that I know how to do it your post makes sense. The problem is this is my first programming class and when I read your post I didn't really understand what you were telling me.

Anyway it works now. :)