Understanding an array of structures

Before we begin with the next set of changes, make a copy of carddeck_0.c and rename it carddeck_1.c. In this section, we will make changes to carddeck_1.c.

Probably the simplest of the complex structures we will explore in this chapter is an array of structures. Recall that all the elements of an array are of a single type and size. Before, we created arrays of one intrinsic type or another; now, we will create an array of a single custom type, Card.

Creating an array of structures

In the carddeck_1.c program, we need to model a deck of cards. To do this, we will create an array of the Card structures, as follows:

Card deck[52];

With this statement, we have created an array of 52 cards.

Note how, in the preceding definition, 52 is a magic number; that is, it is a literal number that has a special meaning. However, there is no context associated with that number unless it is stated in the comments. One problem with magic numbers...