A

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Q. What is the output of this C code?

Code:
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
char chr;
chr = 128;
printf("%d
", chr);
return 0;
}
  • (A) 128
  • (B) -128
  • (C) Depends on the compiler
  • (D) None of the mentioned
  • Correct Answer - Option(B)
  • Views: 38
  • Filed under category C Programming
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Explanation by: Admin

In C, char is typically a signed data type unless explicitly declared as unsigned char. The range of a signed char is -128 to 127 (for 8-bit systems).

What happens when chr = 128; ?

  1. 128 is out of the valid range of a signed char (-128 to 127).
  2. Since char is signed by default, 128 undergoes integer overflow (wrap-around behavior).
  3. The value stored in chr becomes -128 if char is signed.

However, the output depends on the compiler settings:

  • If char is signed (default in most compilers) → Output: -128
  • If char is unsigned → Output: 128

Thus, the output depends on the compiler and its default char behavior.

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