The C programming language is a versatile, procedural, and organized programming language created by Dennis Ritchie at AT&T Bell Labs in the early 1970s. Initially employed in building the UNIX Operating System, it has now become the most extensively utilized programming language.
C is primarily designed for developing system applications that engage directly with hardware components like drivers and kernels. It serves as the foundation for various programming languages, earning its title as the cornerstone language.
C Hello World Program
In this guide, each C program is provided with a C compiler. Modifying the C program is simple if adjustments are needed.
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
printf("Hello, World!\n");
return 0;
}
C Programming Definition
It can be defined in the following ways:
Here, we will learn these definitions one by one.
1) C as a Mother Language
C programming language is widely regarded as the foundational language for all contemporary programming languages. C is instrumental in creating a multitude of software components like compilers, JVMs, and operating system kernels. Many programming languages, including C++, Java, and C#, adopt C's syntax. Essential concepts such as arrays, strings, functions, and file manipulation are fundamental in languages like C++, Java, and C#.
2) C as a System Programming Language
A system programming language is employed in developing system software. C language is classified as a system programming language due to its capability to perform low-level programming tasks, such as creating drivers and kernel. It is commonly utilized in developing hardware devices, operating systems, drivers, kernels, and more. Notably, the Linux kernel is coded in C. Unlike languages like Java, .Net, and PHP, C is not suitable for internet programming.
3) C as a Procedural Language
A process can be referred to as a function, method, routine, subroutine, and so on. C is categorized as a procedural language that outlines a sequence of instructions for the program to address the issue at hand. This type of language disassembles the program into functions, data structures, and more. Within C, it is required to declare variables and function prototypes prior to their utilization.
4) C as a Structured Programming Language
A structured programming language represents a segment of the procedural language. The concept of structure involves dividing a program into segments or blocks to enhance comprehension. In the C programming language, we segment the program using functions, which simplifies comprehension and facilitates modifications.
5) C as a Mid-Level Programming Language
C is categorized as a middle-level programming language due to its ability to encompass characteristics of both low-level and high-level languages. When a C program is compiled, it is translated into assembly code, enabling operations like pointer arithmetic (typical of low-level languages), while still maintaining machine independence (a trait associated with high-level languages).
Why Learn the C Programming Language?
The C programming language is crucial for individuals aiming to excel as software developers, whether they are students or professionals. This language offers a variety of beneficial characteristics, contributing to its widespread adoption in the programming community. Key features include:
Here, we will explore the advantages of C programming sequentially.
1) Foundation of Programming
The C programming language is often known as the Mother of all languages because several other programming languages, such as C++, Java, C#, Python, and JavaScript, are influenced by this language. It helps to create a strong foundation in main concepts, such as variables, data types, loops, functions, and memory management.
2) Fast and Efficient
C programming language delivers swifter execution when compared to certain other high-level programming languages. Its speed and efficiency stem from the absence of extra processing overhead, such as garbage collection, memory leak prevention, and various other functionalities.
3) Embedded Programming
The C programming language is extensively used in Embedded Systems Development. It is also referred to as microcontroller programming, where a C program is frequently employed to manage microcontrollers. Embedded programming finds application in various domains, including automotive, robotics, hardware, and more.
4) Portability
C programming language is renowned for its exceptional portability, enabling code to be compiled and run on various platforms with little to no adjustments. This independence from specific machines allows for the development of applications that can operate seamlessly across diverse operating systems and hardware configurations. This versatility has led to the widespread adoption of C programming in fields such as system programming, embedded systems, and the creation of cross-platform software solutions.
5) Ease of Learning
C programming proves to be a beginner-friendly language thanks to its uncomplicated syntax and organized methodology. The language offers easy-to-understand mathematical expressions, making it accessible for newcomers. Additionally, it includes a variety of elements like functions, loops, and operators, which aid in the swift comprehension of fundamental programming principles.
Where is C Programming Used?
The C programming language is frequently employed in various fields that demand high performance, effectiveness, and precise management. Some applications of the C programming language include:
Here, we will discuss these uses one by one.
1) Operating System
Multiple operating systems, like Windows, Linux, and the UNIX OS, are constructed using the C programming language. This language offers direct memory access and quick performance, making it ideal for crafting kernels, drivers, and programs at the system level. Thanks to its enhanced efficiency and versatility, it stands as a superior choice for building contemporary operating systems.
2) Game Development
C language can be utilized for creating video games and various multimedia applications. It offers rapid execution speed and effective memory handling, allowing for the management of graphics, computations, and real-time interactions.
3) Creating Databases
The C programming language is commonly employed for developing databases like Oracle and MySQL, allowing programmers to generate, store, retrieve, and modify data. This language offers rapid performance, effectiveness, and precise memory control, crucial for managing extensive data and intricate inquiries. Its versatility facilitates the operation of these databases across various platforms.
4) Compilers and Interpreters
Compilers and interpreters can be created using the C programming language, which is employed in various programming languages like C#, C++, Python, and more. Its superior efficiency, portability, and support for hardware features simplify the conversion of high-level code into machine code efficiently.
5) Networking
C programming language is employed in the creation of various networking protocols and applications that facilitate communication between multiple devices on a network. Its efficiency and ability to manage resources effectively make it a preferred choice for developing protocols, routers, and network drivers.
C Basics
This segment will discuss the fundamental principles of the C programming language, including its Background, Characteristics, Setup Process, Initial C Program, Printf and Scanf Functions, Variables, Data Categories, Reserved Words, Operators, Comments, Escape Sequences, and Fixed Values.
C Control Statements
In this section of the tutorial, you will learn about the control statements in detail, with topics such as If-else, Switch, Loops, for loops, while loops, Do-while loops, Break, continue, Goto, and Type casting.
- C if-else
- C switch
- C Loops
- C do-while loop
- C while loop
- C for loop
- C break
- C continue
- C goto
- Type Casting
C Functions
In this section, you will learn about the fundamental topics of C functions, including Call by Value, Call by Reference, Recursion, and Storage Classes. After understanding all the C functions, you can write more reusable and modular code.
- What is function
- Call: Value & Reference
- Recursion in c
- Storage Classes
C Array
In this section, you will gain a complete understanding of how arrays work in C from basic to advanced. You will explore several array-related concepts, such as how arrays function, 2-D Arrays, and Array to Function.
- C Array
- 2-D Array
- Array to Function
C Pointers
In this section, you will gain a complete understanding of pointers in C from basic to advanced. It will cover pointers, pointer to pointer, and pointer arithmetic.
- C Pointers
- C Pointer to Pointer
- C Pointer Arithmetic
C Dynamic Memory
In this part, you will be introduced to the concept of dynamic memory allocation in the C programming language. Dynamic memory allocation enables you to reserve memory for variables or data structures during program execution.
C Strings
This part delves into the functionality of strings in the C programming language. It will also delve into various string operations like input-output functions, string length determination with strlen, string copying with strcpy, string concatenation with strcat, string comparison with strcmp, string reversal with strrev, changing to lowercase with strlwr, converting to uppercase with strupr, and string searching with strstr. By the end of this section, you will have the skills to effectively generate, alter, and handle strings in the C programming language.
C Math
In this part, you'll gain an understanding of how mathematical functions operate within the C programming language. The content will delve into the structure, applications, and illustrations of frequently employed mathematical functions like sqrt, pow, abs, ceil, round, sin, cos, tan, log, fmod, and various other functions.
- C Math Functions
C Structure Union
This section will explore structures and unions in the C programming language. It will also cover an Array of structures, Nested structures, Union, and Structure Test. After completing this section, you can use and design structures and unions to organize and handle complex data in your C programs.
- C Structure
- C Array of Structures
- C Nested Structure
- C Union
- C Structure Test
C File Handling
In this section, you will learn how to handle files in the C programming language using the standard library functions. It enables a program to read, write, store, and manipulate the data. It will also covers several function, such as fprintf and fscanf, fputc and fgetc, fputs and fgets, fseek, rewind, and ftell function.
- C File Handling
- C fprintf fscanf
- C fputc fgetc
- C fputs fgets
- C fseek
- C rewind
- C ftell
C Preprocessor
Throughout this part of the guide, you will delve into the functionality of preprocessor directives within the C programming language. These directives are frequently employed for tasks such as incorporating files, substituting macros, executing conditional compilation, and providing compiler-specific instructions. Furthermore, this segment will discuss Macros, #include, #define, #undef, #ifdef, #ifndef, #if, #else, #error, and #pragma directives.
C Command Line Arguments
This segment delves into the command-line parameters in the C programming language, allowing users to input values into the program while it runs directly from the terminal or command prompt.
C Programming Test
In this section, you will explore the C programming test to evaluate your understanding of the language. It will contain several multiple-choice questions (MCQs), coding problems, and topic-wise exercises that cover all basic to advanced topics.
- C Programming Test
C Programs
In this part, you can explore a set of fundamental and frequently inquired C programs. These programs in C are beneficial for grasping essential principles like iterations, conditional statements, recursive functions, arrays, user-defined functions, the Fibonacci sequence, exchanging values, multiplying matrices, and displaying patterns. Every piece of code is crafted to be straightforward, easy to comprehend, and suitable for beginners.
Upon completing the full range of subjects from fundamental to complex, this particular segment holds significance as it addresses numerous C interview inquiries. Familiarizing yourself with these queries will equip you to adeptly navigate technical interviews and coding evaluations.
Prerequisite
Prior to delving into C Programming, it is essential to possess a foundational understanding of Computer Fundamentals.
Audience
Our tutorial on C Programming is tailored to assist novices and experts alike. This resource caters to individuals pursuing education, working professionals, and enthusiasts keen on delving into system programming, embedded systems, and grasping fundamental programming principles.