Hiding variable and function names with static

C programmers use the static attribute to hide variable and function declarations inside modules, much as you would use public and private declarations in Java and C++. C source file play the role of modules. Any global variable or function declared with static attribute is private to that module. Similarly, any global variable or function declared without the static attribute is public and can be accessed by any other module. It is good programming practice to protect your variables and functions with the static attribute wherever possible.