Difference between Keyword and Identifier.pdf

In the world of programming, especially in the realm of the C programming language, keywords and identifiers are two fundamental concepts that every programmer needs to understand. These concepts play a crucial role in defining and structuring the code. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between keywords and identifiers in C, shedding light on their respective roles and functionalities.

1. Understanding the key concepts and terms in programming languages is essential for
any developer. When working with the C programming language, it is crucial to
differentiate between keywords and identifiers. In this article, we will explore the
difference between these two fundamental elements and highlight their significance in
C programming.
Keyword Vs. Identifier: Explore the difference between
Keyword and Identifier
In the realm of programming languages, keywords, and identifiers play distinct roles.
While both are essential for writing code, they serve different purposes and have
varying characteristics. Let’s delve deeper into each of these components and unravel
their dissimilarities.
What is a Keyword?
Keywords are reserved words in a programming language that hold predefined
meanings. The language’s syntax includes them as an integral part, and they cannot
serve as identifiers or variable names. C language, being no exception, has its own
set of keywords that perform specific tasks or operations.
Difference between Keyword
and Identifier
BHUPESH KUMAR
October 5, 2023
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2. In C, programmers use keywords to define control flow, data types, and other
language constructs. For instance, “if,” “for,” and “while” are keywords that control
decision-making and looping in C. Similarly, programmers use keywords like “int,”
“float,” and “char” to define different data types.
Programmers cannot redefine or modify keywords, as they possess special
significance. The compiler recognizes and treats them differently, depending on their
purpose within the language. It is crucial to strictly adhere to the usage guidelines of
keywords to ensure the proper functioning of the code.
What is an Identifier?
On the other hand, programmers give user-defined names, called identifiers, to
various program elements such as variables, functions, and labels. Unlike keywords,
these identifiers are not reserved words and programmers can choose them based on
their preferences. These names convey meaning and aid in understanding the purpose
of different program elements.
In C, identifiers can consist of letters, digits, and underscores, but must begin with a
letter or an underscore. They are case-sensitive, meaning that uppercase and
lowercase letters are distinct. Choosing meaningful and descriptive identifiers
enhances code readability and maintainability.
Identifiers are crucial for establishing connections between different parts of a
program. So, programmers use them to declare variables, define functions, and create
user-defined data types. A well-chosen identifier can make code more intuitive and
easier to comprehend for both the programmer and other readers of the code.
Difference between Keyword and Identifier
While both keywords and identifiers are imperative in C programming, they serve
different purposes and have contrasting characteristics. The following points highlight
the key differences between keywords and identifiers:
1. Nature: Keywords are predefined and reserved words with fixed meanings,
whereas identifiers are user-defined names chosen by programmers.
2. Purpose: Keywords have specific roles in controlling the language syntax and
defining language constructs, while identifiers represent various program
elements such as variables, functions, and labels.
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3. 3. Restrictions: Keywords have restrictions on their usage, as they cannot be used
as identifiers or modified by programmers. On the other hand, identifiers follow
certain naming conventions but offer flexibility and freedom in choosing names to
describe program elements.
4. Recognition: Keywords are recognized by the compiler and treated differently
based on their predefined meanings, while identifiers are treated as user-defined
names, and their meaning is determined by the programmer.
Keyword Characteristics
Keywords are pre-defined and reserved by the C language.
They have a specific meaning assigned, aiding in establishing the syntax and logic
of the code.
Keywords cannot be used as identifiers or variable names, as they are exclusively
utilized by the compiler.
Examples of keywords in C include if, else, while, for, int, and return.
Identifier Characteristics
Programmers assign identifiers to denote variables, functions, or user-defined
elements.
They provide unique names to refer to specific memory locations within the
program.
Identifiers enhance code readability and understanding by conveying the purpose
and functionality of elements.
C follows certain rules for identifiers, such as starting with a letter or underscore,
and allowing a combination of letters, digits, and underscores. Case sensitivity is
also crucial.
Examples of identifiers in C include count, variable_name, and calculate_area.
While both keywords and identifiers contribute to the construction of a C program,
their roles are distinct and essential. Keywords act as predefined instructions, allowing
for structured programming, while identifiers serve as user-defined labels, enhancing
code readability and facilitating efficient data manipulation within the program.
FAQ’s
Q: Can identifiers be the same as keywords in C?
A: No, in C programming language, identifiers cannot be the same as keywords as it
may lead to syntax errors or unexpected behaviors.
Q: Are keywords case-sensitive in C?
A: No, keywords in C are not case-sensitive. Using uppercase or lowercase letters in
keywords does not alter their meaning.
Q: Can identifiers start with a digit in C?
A: Can identifiers start with a digit in C?
Q: Can identifiers be of any length in C?
A: Identifiers in C can be of any length, but only the first 31 characters are significant.
Furthermore, the uniqueness of identifiers may not remain.
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4. Q: Is it possible to use a keyword as an identifier in C?
A: No, C language reserves keywords for specific purposes and prohibits their usage
as identifiers. Attempting to use a keyword as an identifier will result in a compilation
error.
Q: How can I choose meaningful identifiers for my variables and
functions in C?
A: It is crucial to select meaningful and descriptive identifiers to enhance code
readability. So, consider the purpose and functionality of your variables or functions
and choose names that accurately convey their role within the program.
Conclusion
By comprehending the dissimilarities between keywords and identifiers in C,
programmers can effectively harness the language’s features and create well-
structured and understandable code. Thus, understanding how k eywords and
identifiers function within the programming paradigm is a crucial step toward
mastering the C language.
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