Call stack behavior - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the call stack in C programming?

The call stack is a special area in memory that stores information about active function calls, including local variables, return addresses, and parameters. It helps the program keep track of where to return after a function finishes.

beginner

What happens to the call stack when a function is called?

When a function is called, a new stack frame is pushed onto the call stack. This frame contains the function's parameters, local variables, and the return address to continue after the function finishes.

beginner

What is a stack frame?

A stack frame is a block of memory on the call stack that holds data for one function call, including its parameters, local variables, and return address.

beginner

What happens when a function returns in terms of the call stack?

When a function returns, its stack frame is popped off the call stack, and the program continues execution from the return address stored in that frame.

intermediate

What is a stack overflow and when can it happen?

A stack overflow happens when the call stack grows beyond its limit, usually because of too many nested function calls or infinite recursion, causing the program to crash.

What does the call stack store during program execution?

A Information about active function calls

B Global variables only

C Only the program's source code

D Output data for the user

The call stack stores information about active function calls, including local variables, parameters, and return addresses.

What happens to the call stack when a function finishes executing?

A A new stack frame is pushed

B The entire stack is cleared

C The current stack frame is popped

D Nothing changes

When a function finishes, its stack frame is popped off the call stack to return control to the caller.

Which of the following can cause a stack overflow?

A Too many nested function calls

B Using global variables

C Declaring large arrays globally

D Printing output to the console

Too many nested function calls or infinite recursion can cause the call stack to exceed its limit, causing a stack overflow.

What is stored in a stack frame?

A Only the function's name

B Function parameters, local variables, and return address

C The entire program's code

D User input data

A stack frame stores the function's parameters, local variables, and the return address.

When a function calls another function, what happens to the call stack?

A The current stack frame is removed

B The program pauses

C The stack is reset

D A new stack frame is added on top

Calling a function adds a new stack frame on top of the call stack.

Explain how the call stack manages function calls and returns in C.

Think about what happens when a function starts and ends.

Describe what causes a stack overflow and how it relates to the call stack.

Consider what happens if the call stack grows too big.