Table of Contents
What is the difference between printf, sprintf and fprintf?
Printf function
The printf function is primarily used to display a character stream of data on the console (stdout) in programming
Syntax
printf(const char* str, ...);
Example
// simple print on stdout
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
printf("hello skillvertex");
return 0;
}Output
Hello SkillvertexSprintf Function:
The sprintf function is similar to printf, but instead of printing the character stream on the console, it stores the formatted output into a specified character buffer. This allows you to capture and manipulate the formatted string within your program rather than displaying it immediately on the console.
Syntax
sprintf(char *str, const char *string,...);
Example
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
int i, n = 2;
char str[50];
// open file sample.txt in write mode
FILE* fptr = fopen("sample.txt", "w");
if (fptr == NULL) {
printf("Could not open file");
return 0;
}
for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
puts("Enter a name");
gets(str);
fprintf(fptr, "%d.%s\n", i, str);
}
fclose(fptr);
return 0;
}Output
Sum of 10 and 20 is 30
fprintf Function:
The fprintf function is employed to print the content of a string or other formatted data into a file, rather than displaying it on the standard output console (stdout). This function allows you to direct the output to a specified file, providing a way to store formatted information in a file within your program.
fprintf(FILE *fptr, const char *str, ...);
Example
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
int i, n = 2;
char str[50];
// open file sample.txt in write mode
FILE* fptr = fopen("sample.txt", "w");
if (fptr == NULL) {
printf("Could not open file");
return 0;
}
for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
puts("Enter a name");
gets(str);
fprintf(fptr, "%d.%s\n", i, str);
}
fclose(fptr);
return 0;
}Input
Enter a name Skillvertex
Enter a name SkillQuizOutput
0. Skillvertex
1. SkillQuizFAQ- What is the difference between printf, sprintf and fprintf?
Q1. What is the difference between sprintf and fprintf?
Ans.fprintf vs. printf:
fprintf:
Writes formatted output to a specified file or stream.
Example: fprintf(filePointer, "The value is %d", value);
printf:
Writes formatted output to the standard output console (stdout).
Example: printf("The value is %d", value);
In essence, fprintf deals with files or streams, while printf outputs to the console.
Q2. What is fprintf () used for?
Ans.fprintf:
Writes information to a specified file or stream.
Useful for user interaction and screen or file output.
printf:
Stands for “formatted print.”
Prints data to the console with a specified format, enhancing readability.
Q3. What is the difference between printf and print format?
Ans. printf():
Prints a formatted string to the standard output console (stdout).
Example: printf("Formatted data: %d", formattedValue);
sprintf():
Returns a formatted string that can be assigned to a variable.
Example: char buffer[20]; sprintf(buffer, "Formatted data: %d", formattedValue);
Hello, I’m Hridhya Manoj. I’m passionate about technology and its ever-evolving landscape. With a deep love for writing and a curious mind, I enjoy translating complex concepts into understandable, engaging content. Let’s explore the world of tech together