Static functions

C

Reference manual

In C a static function is a type of function declared using the static keyword that is limited in scope to the translation unit (source file) where it is defined.

Syntax

static return_type function_name(parameters)
{
    // Function body
}

Characteristics

• Static functions are local to the source file in which they are defined, and they are not visible to other source files.

• Static functions are not exposed in the program’s symbol table, reducing the risk of naming collisions with functions from other parts of the program.

• Static functions are not accessible via function pointers, making them more secure and predictable in terms of their behavior.

Use Cases

• Encapsulation: Static functions are commonly used to encapsulate functionality within a source file, providing a level of abstraction and preventing external code from interfering with or accessing internal implementation details.

• Avoiding Naming Collisions: By using static functions, you can define functions with common names without causing naming conflicts when linking multiple source files.

• Code Organization: Static functions are useful for organizing code within a source file, separating related functionality into smaller, manageable units.