In C, the **`scanf()` function** is used to read formatted data from the console.

# Syntax

The general syntax of `scanf` is as follows:

```C
int scanf(const char *format, Object *arg(s))
```

# Parameters

* `Object`: Address of the variable(s) which will store data

* `char *`: This contains the _format specifiers_ 

## Format Specifier

**Format specifier** is a special character which is used to specify the data type of the value being read.

Some of the frequently used specifiers are as follows:

  * **s** - strings
  * **d** – decimal integers
  * **f** – floating-point numbers
  * **c** – a single character

# Return value

* If the function successfully reads the data, the number of items read is returned

* In case of unsuccessful execution, a negative number is returned

* If there is an input failure, `EOF` is returned

<br>

# Code

## 1. Reading an integer _and_ a floating point value

#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
  int a;
  float b;
  int x = scanf("%d%f", &a, &b);
  printf("Decimal Number is : %d\n",a);
  printf("Floating-Point Number is : %f\n",b);
  printf("Return Value: %d",x);
  return 0;
}

> **Note:**
> * To use the `scanf()` function, the `stdio.h` library must be included
>
> * The `scanf()` function requires the **address** of the variable, not the actual variable itself. This is done to store the value at the memory location of the variable. 

#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
  char name[20];
  scanf("%s", &name);
  printf("Your name is: %s", name);
  return 0;
}

> **Note:**
> In C, a `string` is the address of the character buffer which is why we do not need *&* with the variable.

How to read data using scanf() in C

scanf() reads formatted data from the console, using format specifiers to identify data types. It returns the number of items read, or a negative number on failure.

How to read data using scanf() in C

Syntax

Parameters

Format Specifier

Return value

Code

1. Reading an integer and a floating point value

2. Reading a string