Literals
Each type can have values expressed as literals or constants, such as
234 | an int |
23.4 | a float |
'2' | a char |
013 |
an int written in octal (base 8), denoted by initial zero |
0x14 |
an int written in hexadecimal (base 16), denoted by initial zero x |
There are also string literals, but these do not match a C type directly. They can be stored in arrays of
type char and must be terminated there with a null character (value zero). But direct assignment of
strings is not allowed. Instead a library of string handling functions is provided.
"hi there!" - a string
Escapes and control characters
It is possible to include control characters, such as the newline character and certain other problem
characters, in string literals and character literals by using an escape sequence, written as the
backslash character, \, followed by another character. below is a complete list of these escapes.
\" | double quote |
\' | single quote |
\\ | backslash |
\0 | the null character, marks end of strings |
\a | alert |
\b | backspace |
\f | form feed |
\n | the newline character |
\r | the return character |
\t | tab |
\v | vertical tab |
It is actually possible to define any character as an octal or hexadecimal escape sequence:
'\013' | carriage return in octal |
'\x1a' | control-z in hexadecimal |
Exercises on this section.
Next.
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