Within-function static variables

[Bendistocratic]

May I know what is the use for such variable, as stated in the code below?

...
void pencilcase ()
{
    static int x = 10;
    int y = 20;
}
...

I know 'y' gets destroyed when out of scope and not for 'x'. However, I cannot access 'x' outside the 'pencilcase()' function. I understand that by including "static" variable 'x' still exists in memory? Or am I wrong?

Thank you!

[Codermik]

static means that x will retain its value once you leave the function... so, for example, if you were to increase x by 1 at the end of the function and go back in it would be 11 not 10.

Take away the static and x would be initialised to 10 each time you call the function.

x and y are local variables and not global, only pencilcase will see and use it unless you return its value.

[Duthomhas]

In a very real sense x is a global variable -- it exists throughout the entire run of your program in a global data segment and everything; but only the function pencilcase() knows about it.

Hope this helps.

[Bendistocratic]

Thanks!