How return a sprintf variable from a function

[steveinaustria]

I want to use a function to perform the following:

char getRTCtime(){
   M5.RTC.getTime(&RTCtime);
  sprintf(timeStrbuff, "%02d:%02d:%02d", RTCtime.hour, RTCtime.min, RTCtime.sec);
  return timeStrbuff;
}

But if I define the function as char, as in the example and call the function with

timeStrbuff = getRTCtime();

I get the error invalid conversion from 'char' to 'char*' [-fpermissive]

If I label the function as a String I get an incompatible error. How can I use a funtion to pass the timeStrbuff variable?

[UKHeliBob]

Your snippet of code makes it look like timeStrbuff is a global variable. If so then you don't need to return it from the function

[steveinaustria]

Thanks. Brain fog! I'll leave the rest of the coding till tomorrow.

[david_2018]

You do need to be careful when returning a char* from a function. If timeStrbuff had been declared as a local variable inside the function, then it will cease to exist when the function exits (unless it is declared as static).