Is sum a keyword in C language?

The sum keyword does not exist in C language, it is a normal identifier and can be used as a variable or function name. But to avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to avoid using it for identifiers of mathematical-related codes. More descriptive names such as array_sum or calculate_sum can be used to improve code readability.

sum is not a keyword in C language, and this thing has caused many novices to fall into the trap. Keywords are reserved by the compiler and have special meanings, such as int , for , while . As for sum , it is just an ordinary identifier. You can use it as a variable name or function name. Use it as it wants, as long as it does not conflict with other defined identifiers.

However, although sum is not a keyword, using it as a variable name or function name, especially in mathematical calculation-related code, is easy to misunderstand. Imagine that you wrote a function called sum , which is used to calculate the sum of array elements, which looks quite intuitive, but if one day you maintain the code, or someone else reads your code and sees sum , your first reaction may be "the system comes with the sum function?", and it turns out that it is not, which is troublesome.

So, my personal advice is to try to avoid using sum as an identifier. Choose clearer and more descriptive names, such as array_sum , calculate_sum , total , etc., so that the code will be much more readable and reduce potential ambiguity. It's like writing an article. You have to use precise words to accurately express your meaning, and the same is true for the code.

For example, take a look at the following two ways of writing:

 <code class="c">#include <stdio.h> int sum(int arr[], int n) { int result = 0; for (int i = 0; i </stdio.h></code>

This code uses sum as the function name, which looks concise, but not clear enough. Let's change:

 <code class="c">#include <stdio.h> int calculate_array_sum(int arr[], int n) { int result = 0; for (int i = 0; i </stdio.h></code>

The second version of the code, the function name calculate_array_sum , directly tells you the function of the function and is clear at a glance. The variable names are also clearer, avoiding potential ambiguity. Although the code is a little longer, the readability and maintainability have been greatly improved, which is the real efficiency. Remember, when writing code, you are not competing with the compiler, but communicating with others. Clear code is the best code. Don’t leave hidden dangers in order to save trouble in a while. This is my insightful insight from many years of programming experience!

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