C++ Functions | C++ Programming for Beginners - Class 10 PDF Download

C++ Functions

• A function is a block of code which only runs when it is called.
• You can pass data, known as parameters, into a function.
• Functions are used to perform certain actions, and they are important for reusing code: Define the code once, and use it many times.

Create a Function

• C++ provides some pre-defined functions, such as main(), which is used to execute code. But you can also create your own functions to perform certain actions.
• To create (often referred to as declare) a function, specify the name of the function, followed by parentheses ():

Syntax

void myFunction() {

  // code to be executed

}

Example Explained

• myFunction() is the name of the function
• void means that the function does not have a return value. You will learn more about return values later in the next chapter
• inside the function (the body), add code that defines what the function should do

Call a Function

• Declared functions are not executed immediately. They are "saved for later use", and will be executed later, when they are called.
• To call a function, write the function's name followed by two parentheses () and a semicolon ;
• In the following example, myFunction() is used to print a text (the action), when it is called:

Example

Inside main, call myFunction():

// Create a function

void myFunction() {

  cout << "I just got executed!";

}

int main() {

  myFunction(); // call the function

  return 0;

}

// Outputs "I just got executed!"

A function can be called multiple times:
Example

void myFunction() {

  cout << "I just got executed!\n";

}

int main() {

  myFunction();

  myFunction();

  myFunction();

  return 0;

}

// I just got executed!

// I just got executed!

// I just got executed!

Function Declaration and Definition

A C++ function consist of two parts:

• Declaration: the return type, the name of the function, and parameters (if any)
• Definition: the body of the function (code to be executed)

void myFunction() { // declaration

  // the body of the function (definition)

}

Note: If a user-defined function, such as myFunction() is declared after the main() function, an error will occur:

Example

int main() {

  myFunction();

  return 0;

}

void myFunction() {

  cout << "I just got executed!";

}

// Error

However, it is possible to separate the declaration and the definition of the function - for code optimization.
You will often see C++ programs that have function declaration above main(), and function definition below main(). This will make the code better organized and easier to read:

Example

// Function declaration

void myFunction();

// The main method

int main() {

  myFunction();  // call the function

  return 0;

}

// Function definition

void myFunction() {

  cout << "I just got executed!";

}