How to create a function that tests bits in a byte, and it returns

Hi all,
I just started taking the C programming class and all of a sudden we getting bombarded with a bit harder questions. So I needed your assistance. I don't know to begin here. I learned about bit shifting, bit setting/resetting and the likes. But I know how to implement it using a function here. Thanks DJ

Devise a function to test bits in a byte, and it returns
a) success or failure,
b) count of bits that are set (“==â€) in the byte,
c) position of bit(s) in the byte.

 

A function can only return 1 value. So how can one function "return" those multiple values?
You could call it a bunch of times with different values... (yuk)
or You could call it once with something like this:

Code:

int function(int *numcount, int *b1, int *b2, int *b3, int *b4, int *b5, int *b6, int *b7, int *b8)
{
- - do the stuff to find the desired values 
- - ASSIGN those values to the variabe addresses, ...(and NOT actually RETURN them)
- - return a value for success or falure say (1 or 0)
}

Since those values are all integers you could use an array instead:

Code:

#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
  unsigned int sucess, bitinfo[9] = {0};
  
  success = function( bitinfo, sizeof(bitinfo) );
. . .
int function( unsigned int *bitinfo , unsigned int size_of_bitinfo)

Alternatively, bitinfo[] could be defined as chars for a smaller footprint since the values will be fairly small!
You could also use a structure.
Make any sense?

 

Thanks a lot HowardL. I appreciate for you help. As newbie a make sense to some extent I don't if there is a simpler way you can put it. But aleast you gave me a starting point.

 

HOWARDL, can you help me with one too. Thanks a lot again
a function to toggle the case of string argument, and returns success/failure, the toggled content, and the number of conversions.
Hint: If a char is in lower-case convert to upper-case, or vice versa.

 

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking.
Why don't you post what you have written so far? (enclosed in code tags)
It will give me a better idea of what level your thinking is.
I can use it as a reference to make suggestions.
OK?