Question

If a function is defined as static, it means

• A. The value returned by the function does not change
• B. all the variable declared inside the function automatically will be assigned initial value of zero
• C. It should be called only within the same source code program file.
• D. None of the other choices as it is wrong to add static prefix to a function

Hint:

Using static on functions is a common and excellent practice in C programming to hide helper functions from the global scope, effectively achieving a form of encapsulation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to identify the specific behavior or restriction that applies to a function when it is defined with the static keyword in languages like C or C++.


Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In programming languages like C and C++, the static keyword has multiple specific uses depending on its context (variables vs. functions).
When the static keyword is applied to a global function definition, it changes the function's linkage type from external linkage to internal linkage.
This restricts the scope and visibility of the function exclusively to the translation unit or the specific source code file in which it is declared.
Consequently, it cannot be accessed or called from other separate program files, which helps prevent naming conflicts in large, multi-file projects.


Step 3: Final Answer:
It should be called only within the same source code program file.