Recognizing the Tiniest Components That Create Effective Programs
Tokens are smaller components that make up each line of C++ code you write. Consider tokens as the building blocks of your program, similar to how sentences are made up of words and punctuation. Writing clear, error-free, and syntactically sound C++ code is made easier when you understand tokens, semicolons, and braces.
In C++, what are tokens?
The smallest units that convey meaning to the compiler in C++ are called tokens. All of your code is a token, including operators, keywords, and variable names.
In C++, What Are Tokens?
| Token Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword | Reserved words with special meaning | int, if, return |
| Identifier | Names for variables, functions, etc. | main, age, sum |
| Literal | Constant values used in code | 5, 3.14, 'A' |
| Operator | Symbols that perform operations | +, -, *, == |
| Separator | Used to separate code components | ;, ,, {}, () |
1. Keywords in C++
In C++, keywords are reserved, predefined words with particular functions. They cannot be used as names for variables or functions.
Common keywords in C++ are:
int, float, return, if, else, while, for, break, continue, class, public, private
Example
int age=20
Here, int is a keyword, and age is an identifier.
2. Identifiers in C++
Programmers give different elements, such as variables, arrays, functions, etc., names called identifiers.
Rules for Identifiers: –
- Identifiers must start with a letter (A-Z or a-z) or underscore (_).
- Not able to start with a number
- Unable to use keywords in C++
- Are they case-sensitive?
Valid Identifier:
myAge, _total, result1
Invalid Identifiers:
2sum, float, my-age
3. Symbols and Separators in C++
To define structure, C++ uses special symbols as separators and operators.
For instance:
The operators +, -, *, /, ==, >=, and &&
Separators:
- A statement is concluded with a semicolon.
- () (parentheses): utilized in conditions and functions
- , (comma): divides several variables or values
- A block of code is defined by {} (braces).
Importance of Semicolons (;)
The compiler is informed that the current statement has ended by the semicolon. In C++, a semicolon must come at the end of each executable statement.
Missing Semicolon Example:
This will throw an error.
Correct Code:
Importance of Braces {}
Braces are used to group multiple statements into a single block. They are essential in:
- function main()
- Loops (while, for)
- Conditionals (else, if)
- Functions and Classes
Example:
If you forget the closing brace}, the compiler will generate an error and may confuse the block scope.
Diagram: C++ Statement Breakdown
In conclusion
Despite their seemingly insignificant appearance, tokens, semicolons, and braces are essential components of writing proper C++ code. Compile-time errors and annoying bugs are frequently the result of misusing or forgetting them. You can create habits that will help you at every stage of programming by learning the distinction between keywords and identifiers, correctly using semicolons to end your statements, and enclosing logic in structured braces.