In the previous unit, we discussed numeric arrays, a powerful data storage method for grouping same-type data items under one name. Elements in an array are identified using a subscript after the array name. Arrays are useful for repetitive data processing tasks and must be declared before use, with optional initialization during declaration. We also introduced character arrays, or strings, which are single-dimensional character type arrays. C language does not have intrinsic string types but includes library functions for string manipulation, such as comparison, copying, and concatenation. These functions operate on null-terminated arrays of characters and require the <string.h> header.

Objectives

After going through this unit, you will be able to:

1. define, declare and initialize a string;
2. discuss various formatting techniques to display the strings; and
3. discuss various built-in string functions and their use in manipulation of strings.