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Structures in C

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Introduction

In C programming, sometimes we need to store different types of data together.
This is done using structures.

👉 Structures allow grouping of different data types into a single unit.

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What is a Structure?

A structure is:
👉 A user-defined data type that groups different data types together

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Why Use Structures?

• ✔ Store related data together
• ✔ Handle complex data easily
• ✔ Improve code organization
• ✔ Useful in real-world applications

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Syntax of Structure

struct structure_name {
    data_type member1;
    data_type member2;
};

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Example: Structure Declaration & Usage

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
    char name[20];
    float marks;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s1 = {1, "Dharani", 85.5};

    printf("ID = %d\n", s1.id);
    printf("Name = %s\n", s1.name);
    printf("Marks = %.2f\n", s1.marks);

    return 0;
}

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Output

ID = 1
Name = Dharani
Marks = 85.50

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Accessing Structure Members

👉 Use dot (.) operator

s1.id
s1.name
s1.marks

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Array of Structures

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
    float marks;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s[2] = {
        {1, 80.5},
        {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 = 80.5
ID = 2, Marks = 90.0

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Pointer to Structure

#include <stdio.h>

struct Student {
    int id;
};

int main() {
    struct Student s1 = {10};
    struct Student *ptr = &s1;

    printf("ID = %d", ptr->id);

    return 0;
}

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Output

ID = 10

👉 -> is used with pointer

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Structure vs Array Table

Feature	Structure	Array
Data Type	Different types	Same type
Access	Using dot operator	Using index
Purpose	Group different data	Store similar data

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Important Notes

• Structure size depends on members
• Use . for variable
• Use -> for pointer
• Can contain arrays and pointers

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Common Mistakes

• ❌ Forgetting struct keyword
• ❌ Wrong member access
• ❌ Not initializing properly
• ❌ Confusing . and ->

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Pro Tips

• ✔ Use structures for real-world data
• ✔ Combine with arrays & pointers
• ✔ Use meaningful names
• ✔ Practice structure programs

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Conclusion

Structures are essential for handling complex data in C. They help organize and manage related data efficiently.

Master structures to build real-world applications.

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