Can C 's Ternary Operator Be Used as an Lvalue?

Hidden Gems within the Expansive Realm of C

Despite the vast popularity of C , discussions on its hidden features seem to be overlooked. Unveiling these hidden capabilities empowers programmers to harness C 's true potential.

A Multifaceted Ternary Operator: Beyond a Simple Expression

One remarkable feature that often goes unnoticed is the versatility of the ternary operator. Known primarily as a conditional expression, it possesses a hidden ability to serve as an lvalue, going beyond mere variable assignments.

Consider the following code:

(a == 0 ? a : b) = 1;

This expression may seem unconventional, but it effectively translates to the following if-else block:

if (a == 0)
    a = 1;
else
    b = 1;

By leveraging the ternary operator in this manner, programmers can achieve concise and efficient code. However, it is crucial to exercise caution, as misinterpretations can arise if not handled carefully.

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