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Arrays of Structures in C

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Introduction

In C programming, when we need to store multiple records of the same structure, we use arrays of structures.

👉 It helps manage large amounts of structured data efficiently.

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What is an Array of Structures?

An array of structures is:
👉 A collection of structure variables stored in an array

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Why Use Arrays of Structures?

• ✔ Store multiple records
• ✔ Easy data management
• ✔ Used in real-world applications
• ✔ Efficient memory usage

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Syntax

struct structure_name array_name[size];

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Example: Basic Array of Structures

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
    float marks;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s[2] = {
        {1, 85.5},
        {2, 90.0}
    };

    int i;

    for (i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
        printf("ID = %d, Marks = %.1f\n", s[i].id, s[i].marks);
    }

    return 0;
}

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Output

ID = 1, Marks = 85.5
ID = 2, Marks = 90.0

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Taking Input in Array of Structures

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
    float marks;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s[2];
    int i;

    for (i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
        printf("Enter ID and Marks: ");
        scanf("%d %f", &s[i].id, &s[i].marks);
    }

    for (i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
        printf("ID = %d, Marks = %.1f\n", s[i].id, s[i].marks);
    }

    return 0;
}

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Sample Output

Enter ID and Marks: 1 80.5
Enter ID and Marks: 2 90.0
ID = 1, Marks = 80.5
ID = 2, Marks = 90.0

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Accessing Elements

👉 Use index + dot operator

s[0].id
s[1].marks

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Array of Structures Using Pointer

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s[2] = {{1}, {2}};
    struct Student *ptr = s;

    printf("ID1 = %d\n", ptr->id);
    printf("ID2 = %d\n", (ptr + 1)->id);

    return 0;
}

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Output

ID1 = 1
ID2 = 2

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Advantages Table

Feature	Benefit
Multiple Records	Stores many data entries
Organization	Structured data handling
Efficiency	Better memory usage

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Important Notes

• Use index carefully
• Use . for access
• Use -> for pointer
• Structure array works like normal array

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Common Mistakes

• ❌ Wrong indexing
• ❌ Missing & in scanf
• ❌ Confusing pointer access
• ❌ Incorrect structure usage

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Pro Tips

• ✔ Use loops for structures
• ✔ Combine with pointers
• ✔ Practice input/output programs
• ✔ Use meaningful structure names

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Conclusion

Arrays of structures are very useful for storing multiple structured data efficiently. They are widely used in real-world applications.

Master this concept for advanced programming.

👉 This article is part of Dharani Tech Edu Hub — where learning programming is made simple and practical.