totn C Functions

C Language: sprintf function
(Formatted String Write)

In the C Programming Language, the sprintf function writes formatted output to an object pointed to by s.

Syntax

The syntax for the sprintf function in the C Language is:

int sprintf(char *s, const char *format, ...);

Parameters or Arguments

s
An array where the output will be written.
format

Describes the output as well as provides a placeholder to insert the formatted string. Here are a few examples:

FormatExplanationExample
%dDisplay an integer10
%fDisplays a floating-point number in fixed decimal format10.500000
%.1fDisplays a floating-point number with 1 digit after the decimal10.5
%eDisplay a floating-point number in exponential (scientific notation)1.050000e+01
%gDisplay a floating-point number in either fixed decimal or exponential format depending on the size of the number (will not display trailing zeros)10.5

Returns

The sprintf function returns the number of characters stored in the array (not including the null character).

Required Header

In the C Language, the required header for the sprintf function is:

#include <stdio.h>

Applies To

In the C Language, the sprintf function can be used in the following versions:

  • ANSI/ISO 9899-1990

Similar Functions

Other C functions that are similar to the sprintf function:

See Also

Other C functions that are noteworthy when dealing with the sprintf function: