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scanf Return Value

1. Function Prototype

The scanf function is declared in the standard input/output header file:

#include <stdio.h>

Function Prototype

int scanf(const char *format, ...);

2. Return Value of the function scanf

Return Value Meaning Typical Scenario
Positive N Successfully read N items scanf("%d %f", &a, &b) returns 2
0 No items successfully read Input doesn't match format
EOF(end-of-file,usually -1) End of file or error User presses Ctrl+D or input stream closes