What does the escape sequence \x4d represent in C?

[Math Is Hard]

Here's a question I am working on for a c programming assignment.

If the following printf statement was part of a complete program, what would it print?

printf("%c",'\x4d');

Now, I know this prints M because I ran it, and I know the output is a single character because %c is a single character conversion spec. But I don't understand what value '\x4d' is returning. Is it just producing the character M and if so why?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Muzza]

'\x4d' simply produces the character which has the ASCII code 4D (or 77 in decimal). It happens to be M.

 

[chroot]

the \xhh form, where hh are two hex digits, is interpreted by the compiler into the actual byte hh.

- Warren

 

[Math Is Hard]

ahhh.. I wondered if it might be ASCII.
Thanks, Muzza, you're a peach!

 

[Math Is Hard]

Come again, Warren..? So I am dealing with a hex #?

 

[e(ho0n3]

Come again, Warren..? So I am dealing with a hex #?

All ASCII characters are encoded as a binary number using eight binary digits. Out of conveniance, it is easier to write the equivalent hexadecimal number rather than the binary. It's just maths.

 

[Math Is Hard]

OK, I think I get it. I have forgotten hexadecimal notation and had to punch it in a calculator for hex to base 10 translation.

If i had used '\d77' would I have gotten the same result?

 

[Math Is Hard]

hmm.. I guess not. I just tried it.