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C++ Function Creation and Usage Guide

C++ functions are blocks of code that run when called and can accept parameters for data input. Functions are defined with a specific syntax and can be declared before or after the main function, with the option to separate declaration and definition for better organization. They allow for code reuse by enabling the same function to be called multiple times within a program.

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4 views3 pages

C++ Function Creation and Usage Guide

C++ functions are blocks of code that run when called and can accept parameters for data input. Functions are defined with a specific syntax and can be declared before or after the main function, with the option to separate declaration and definition for better organization. They allow for code reuse by enabling the same function to be called multiple times within a program.

Uploaded by

olive.rachel2009
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

C++ Functions

A function is a block of code which only runs when it is called.

You can pass data, known as parameters, into a function.

Functions are used to perform certain actions, and they are important for reusing code:
Define the code once, and use it many times.

Create a Function
C++ provides some pre-defined functions, such as main(), which is used to execute
code. But you can also create your own functions to perform certain actions.

To create (often referred to as declare) a function, specify the name of the function,
followed by parentheses ():

Syntax

void myFunction() {
// code to be executed
}

Example Explained

myFunction() is the name of the function


void means that the function does not have a return value. You will learn more
about return values later in the next chapter
inside the function (the body), add code that defines what the function should do

Call a Function
Declared functions are not executed immediately. They are "saved for later use", and will
be executed later, when they are called.

To call a function, write the function's name followed by two parentheses () and a
semicolon ;

In the following example, myFunction() is used to print a text (the action), when it is
called:

Example

Inside main, call myFunction():

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// Create a function
void myFunction() {
cout << "I just got executed!";
}

int main() {
myFunction(); // call the function
return 0;
}

// Outputs "I just got executed!"


A function can be called multiple times:

Example
void myFunction() {
cout << "I just got executed!\n";
}

int main() {
myFunction();
myFunction();
myFunction();
return 0;
}

// I just got executed!


// I just got executed!
// I just got executed!

Function Declaration and Definition


A C++ function consist of two parts:

Declaration: the return type, the name of the function, and parameters (if any)
Definition: the body of the function (code to be executed)

void myFunction() { // declaration


// the body of the function (definition)
}

Note: If a user-defined function, such as myFunction() is declared after the main()


function, an error will occur:

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Example
int main() {
myFunction();
return 0;
}

void myFunction() {
cout << "I just got executed!";
}

// Error

However, it is possible to separate the declaration and the definition of the function - for
code optimization.

You will often see C++ programs that have function declaration above main(), and
function definition below main(). This will make the code better organized and easier to
read:

Example
// Function declaration
void myFunction();

// The main method


int main() {
myFunction(); // call the function
return 0;
}

// Function definition
void myFunction() {
cout << "I just got executed!";
}

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