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C Introduction

Learn about C language history, features & why C?

C Language

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Fundamentals

  1. 1 Introduction
  2. 2 Compiler & Installation
  3. 3 Program Structure
  4. 4 Data Types
  5. 5 Reserved Keywords
  6. 6 Basic Operators
  7. 7 I/O Functions

Control Statement

  1. 8 Statements
  2. 9 if-else Statement
  3. 10 Nested if-else Statement
  4. 11 switch Statement

Loop Statements

  1. 12 Loops
  2. 13 for Loop
  3. 14 Nested for Loop
  4. 15 while Loop
  5. 16 do-while Loop
  6. 17 Jump Statement

Arrays

  1. 18 Array Declaratiosn
  2. 19 Array Dimensions

String

  1. 20 Strings
  2. 21 String Functions

Functions

  1. 22 Function Declaration
  2. 23 Function Calling & Arguments
  3. 24 Local or Global Function
  4. 25 Storage Classes

Structure and Unions

  1. 26 C Structure & Union
  2. 27 Structure Declaration
  3. 28 Union Declaration
  4. 29 C enum
  5. 30 C typedef
  6. 31 sizeof() Operator

Pointers

  1. 32 Pointer Declaration
  2. 33 Pointer Arguments
  3. 34 Memory Allocation
  4. 35 Linked List

Files

  1. 36 File Processing
  2. 37 Handling File Accessing
  3. 38 Errors Handling

QnA

  1. 39 Interview QnA

History:

The C Language is a powerful programming language used to write computer programs for various applications. Dennis Ritchie developed it at Bell Laboratories in the 1970s. It was named 'C' because many of its features were derived from an earlier language called 'B' (BCPL).

Throughout its history, C has been a highly influential language, serving as the foundation for many other programming languages (such as C++, C#, and Objective-C) and playing a crucial role in the development of operating systems (including Unix) and software applications. Its simplicity, efficiency, and portability have contributed to its enduring popularity among programmers.

Why C language?

C has flexible features to write programs for numerical, commercial, and graphical applications. It is also used by engineers to write programs for lower-level access along with assembly language. Many operating system programs for the latest computers and compilers are written using C language. Some main points are mentioned below:

  1. Portability: C is known for its portability, meaning that C programs can be written once and run on various computer systems without modification. This portability is due to C's minimal reliance on hardware-specific features and its use of a straightforward and consistent syntax. As a result, C has been used to develop software that can run on a wide range of platforms.
  2. Efficiency: C is a low-level programming language that provides a high level of control over a computer's hardware. This control allows programmers to write code that is highly efficient in terms of memory usage and execution speed. C's efficiency makes it well-suited for tasks where performance is critical, such as system programming, real-time applications, and embedded systems.
  3. System Programming: C was initially designed for system programming. It has been used to build operating systems (including Unix and its variants), device drivers, and other low-level software components that form the foundation of modern computing systems. Without C, it would be challenging to create and maintain the software that underlies our operating systems.
  4. Large Software Projects: C is often used as a foundational language for large software projects. While it's a low-level language, its simplicity and powerful features allow developers to build complex and efficient software systems. Higher-level languages can also be built on top of C, providing a bridge between low-level hardware interactions and high-level application logic.
  5. Legacy Codebases: Many legacy software systems and libraries are written in C. Maintaining and interfacing with these existing codebases requires knowledge of the C language. Therefore, C remains relevant for maintaining and evolving critical software systems.
  6. Education: C is often the first programming language taught in computer science and programming courses. It provides a solid foundation in programming principles, memory management, and algorithm design. Learning C can help individuals understand fundamental programming concepts that apply to a wide range of languages.
  7. Open Source Software: A significant portion of open-source software, including the Linux kernel and various libraries, is written in C. This makes C knowledge valuable for contributing to open-source projects and collaborating with the open-source community.

Features of C language:

C is a powerful and widely used programming language known for its simplicity, efficiency, and low-level control over hardware. Here are some key features of the C programming language:

  1. Procedural Language: C is a procedural programming language, which means it follows a linear flow of control. Programs are structured as a sequence of functions or procedures.
  2. Low-Level Language: C provides direct access to memory and hardware resources, allowing for low-level manipulation. It's often used for system programming, embedded systems, and device drivers.
  3. Static Typing: C is statically typed, which means variable types are determined at compile time, ensuring type safety and efficiency.
  4. Rich Standard Library: C provides a comprehensive standard library that includes functions for I/O, string manipulation, math operations, memory allocation, and more. This library makes it easier to write programs without reinventing the wheel.
  5. Modularity: C supports modular programming through functions and libraries. You can break down a program into smaller, reusable functions for easier maintenance and debugging.
  6. Inline Assembly: C allows inline assembly language code, which can be used to access and manipulate hardware directly.

Quick Information about C Language:

In 1988, C was formalized by American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
C is a successor of ‘Basic Combined Programming Language’ (BPCL) called B language.
C has been written in assembly language.
C is highly portable, programs once written in C can be run on another machines with minor or no modification.
The UNIX operating system's development started in 1969, and its code was rewritten in C in 1972.
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