CPT 262 - Function Prototypes and Calls


Overview

This lesson will introduce you to nonmember (free) functions in C++.  You will learn about function prototypes, function headings, and how to use a function.  

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
  • use existing & user-defined functions in your programs
  • declare a function by writing a function prototype
  • define and identify 
    • function prototype
    • function signature
    • function header
    • function body
    • parameter-list
    • argument
    • return value
  • call a function using pass-by-value arguments
  • assign default values to function parameters

Readings

Mercer Chapter 3
Sections 3.1 and  3.2 show you how to use existing C++ functions, primarily from the cmath library.  Section 3.3 introduces the use of function headings  What the book calls a function heading, most other authors (and I) call a function prototype.  You turn a function heading into a function prototype by adding a ; to the end of the function heading.  This is the method we will be using in this class, complete with pre- and post- conditions.

Functions 

Functions Tutorial (an alpha site)

Functions Handout

Class Prep

Complete Exercises 4 and 6 on page 100 of the Mercer text.  Write the function heading, including pre- and post conditions, for Exercise 6.

Examples

  • Functions
  • Martian Conversion

  • Comments to Course Coordinator: Professor Fernandez

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