Why can C functions not return arrays?

Question

In C, a struct (record data structure) can be the return type of a function, but an array cannot be. What design characteristics of the C Language cause arrays to b

Answer 1

The characteristic is that in the small and speedy C language you don't want the equivalent of large memcpy operations when returning. If you badly need arrays returned, make them a member of a struct, and voila, array return in C. Sort of, starting with C89 :-)

Or use a memcpy yourself when and where you need it.