Explain formatted and preformatted input and output ?

Here’s a breakdown of formatted input/output (I/O) and preformatted I/O in C:

Formatted I/O:

• Definition: Involves using format specifiers to control the appearance and interpretation of data during input and output operations.
• Functions:
  • printf for formatted output
  • scanf for formatted input
• Format Specifiers: Special characters within format strings that dictate how variables are displayed or parsed.
• Examples:
  • printf("Age: %d\n", age); prints an integer as a decimal number.
  • scanf("%f", &price); reads a floating-point number.

Preformatted I/O:

• Definition: Reading or writing data in its exact, unformatted form, byte-by-byte.
• Functions:
  • getchar for single character input
  • putchar for single character output
  • fgets for reading a line of text
  • fputs for writing a string
• No Format Specifiers: Data is handled as-is, without interpretation or modification.
• Examples:
  • char ch = getchar(); reads a single character without formatting.
  • fputs(message, stdout); writes a string directly to the console.

Key Differences:

When to Use Each:

• Formatted I/O: Ideal for presenting data in a human-readable manner or reading data in specific formats.
• Preformatted I/O: Suitable for handling raw data, files, or text that doesn’t require formatting.

Choosing the Right Approach:

• Consider the type of data you’re working with and the desired output or input format.
• For presenting data in a structured and readable way, formatted I/O is often preferred.
• For handling raw data or text without modification, preformatted I/O is more suitable.