Skip to content

The typedef keyword in C

An introduction to the typedef keyword in C

The typedef keyword in C allows you to defined new types.

Starting from the built-in C types, we can create our own types, using this syntax:

typedef existingtype NEWTYPE

The new type we create is usually, by convention, uppercase.

This it to distinguish it more easily, and immediately recognize it as type.

For example we can define a new NUMBER type that is an int:

typedef int NUMBER

and once you do so, you can define new NUMBER variables:

NUMBER one = 1;

Now you might ask: why? Why not just use the built-in type int instead?

Well, typedef gets really useful when paired with two things: enumerated types and structures.

→ Download my free C Handbook!

THE VALLEY OF CODE

THE WEB DEVELOPER's MANUAL

You might be interested in those things I do:

  • Learn to code in THE VALLEY OF CODE, your your web development manual
  • Find a ton of Web Development projects to learn modern tech stacks in practice in THE VALLEY OF CODE PRO
  • I wrote 16 books for beginner software developers, DOWNLOAD THEM NOW
  • Every year I organize a hands-on cohort course coding BOOTCAMP to teach you how to build a complex, modern Web Application in practice (next edition February-March-April-May 2024)
  • Learn how to start a solopreneur business on the Internet with SOLO LAB (next edition in 2024)
  • Find me on X

Related posts that talk about clang: