In C printf, assume the intent is to print a decimal integer with a minimal field width of 1. What does this program output (ignoring a stray non-printing control glyph in the source)?
#include
int main()
{
int a = 250;
printf("%1d", a); /* treat the strange trailing glyph as a typo and consider %1d */
return 0;
}
-
A1250
-
B2
-
C50
-
D250
-
EUndefined behavior
Answer
Correct Answer: 250
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The original snippet shows "%1d" followed by an unusual control character. Applying the Recovery-First Policy, we interpret the intent as printing the integer with the standard format "%1d". Field width 1 is the minimum width, so any multi-digit number prints fully.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- a = 250.
- Format is effectively "%1d" (minimum width 1).
- No additional flags or precision are set.
Concept / Approach:In printf, the field width is a minimum. If the value needs more columns, it expands to fit. Therefore, a three-digit number like 250 prints as "250" without truncation.
Step-by-Step Solution:Compute textual representation of 250 → "250".Compare with field width 1 → width is satisfied; no padding necessary.Printed result is exactly "250".
Verification / Alternative check:Testing with widths smaller or larger (e.g., %5d) changes only padding, not the digits themselves.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:"2" or "50" would imply truncation, which printf does not do for integers. "1250" would require a different argument, not present here.
Common Pitfalls:Misunderstanding field width as a directive to clip digits rather than a minimum width for padding.
Final Answer:250