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Expression

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we use a set of symbols(operator) and operand makes an expression to perform the task. In the C programming language, an expression is defined as follows.

Definition

An expression is a collection of operators and operands which reduces to a single value.

An Operator is a symbol that performs tasks like Arithmetic operator, Relational operator, Logical operator and Conditional operator, etc.

Operands are the values on which the operators perform the task. Here operand can be a direct value or variable or address of memory location.

In the C programming language, expressions are divided into 3 types. They are as follows...

• Infix Expression
• Prefix Expression
• Postfix Expression

Infix Expression

Operators are written in-between their operands. This is the usual way we write expressions.

Examples

a+b
a+b*c
a*(b+c)

An expression such as A * ( B + C ) is usually taken to mean something like: "First add B and C together, then multiply the result by A to give the final answer."

Prefix Expression

Operators are written before their operands.

Examples

+ab
+a*bc
*a+bc

Postfix Expression

Operators are written after their operands

Examples

ab+
abc*+
abc+*

In all three Expressions, the operands occur in the same order, and just the operators have to be moved to keep the meaning correct.

Examples

Infix	Prefix	Postfix
a*b	*ab	ab*
a+b*c	+a*bc	abc*+
a*b+c	+*abc	ab*c+

Note: Prefix and postfix notations are methods of writing mathematical expressions without parenthesis

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