A Guide to learn C programming Language

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Introduction

C is one of the most well-known programming languages. It is used as a standard language for computer science instruction worldwide. C is the language that people study the most in school along with Python and Java. It is not just a language that students use to study. It's not a studious language. C programming is a relatively low-level programming language, so you can say that it isn't the most comfortable language. C is mostly used in embedded appliances. It supports most Internet servers, which are created using Linux. The Linux kernel is made using C. This means that C controls Android devices. You can say that C code manages a good percentage of the whole world. 

In the old days, this was not a situation at all. The c programming language was easy to implement. The c compiler could easily fit into different machines. C is a compiled programming language, like java, Rust, Swift, or Go. JavaScript, Python, J, or Ruby are other famous programming languages that are interpreted. The difference is constant, a compiled language yields a binary file that can be directly managed and distributed.

The C programming language handles memory ourselves. It's a difficult job and needs a lot of engagement to prevent bugs. But this makes C suitable to create programs for embedded devices.

Advantages Of C Programming 

C is a very famous language across the world. This is perfect for the beginner. There is less terminology to learn, simple syntax, and the structure is easy.

The C language is easy to understand. There are various Libraries available.

This language is very easy to write. You can execute the application fast. Since C uses fewer instructions. This C language is portable as it is based on ASCII characters. It performs well with different platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, etc. Also, it is easy to debug.

C provides fast compilation. Its compiler creates efficient codes that support fast execution. The usage of data structures and algorithms creates program measures incredibly fast.

Our Learners Also Read: What Is The Future Of R Programming?
 

Disadvantages of C language

It is a very extensive and strong language. " C" just tracks the procedure programming and its method. It doesn't expand its help to the idea of OOPs. C Language manages all assigned resources for you. But if you want to use active assignment then you should give dynamically by using malloc function. Garbage collection is a quality that automatically retrieves no longer memory from objects. But in this language, there are no garbage collection qualities. During run-time checking, mistakes are not noticed after each code line.

C does not conceal the sophistication and abilities of the machine underneath. You have a lot of control, once you understand what you are capable of.

Here you can see the first C program which you will call "Hello, friend!"

#include

int main(void) {

    printf("Hello, friend!");

}

C is a fairly small language. If anything that is not part of the core is delivered by libraries. These libraries are available for others, for their use. Some other libraries are made into the compiler like stdio and many others. This stdio delivers the printf() function. This function is bound into a main() function. The main() function is the access point of any C program.

But you have to understand what function means. The main function is a component of ‘C’ program. You can define the main function in different forms, like int main(), void main(), main(), void main(void), int main(void), main(void). The empty parentheses signify that this function does not take any value, parameter, or argument.

About source code
 

After the main function has been stated, you have to establish the closing and opening parentheses. Starting and end of the program are indicated by Curly brackets { }. After the main function, you should put these brackets. Program coding is created within these brackets. The printf function causes the output by passing the text “Hello Friend!”

Here the semicolon defines the statement end. In C programming language, every statement must end with a semicolon.

Understanding of C Language

A comment is an illustration or explanation of the source code of the program. It helps a designer describe the logic of the code and enhances program readability. A comment is overlooked by the compiler at execution.

Character Set

In C language there is also its own set of characters. A program is an instruction set that, when you execute it, will give an output. The data that is executed by a program comprises various symbols and characters. The output combines characters and symbols. A character set in ‘C’ is split into Special characters, Letters, and Numbers.

C Data Types 

A variable acts as an identifier that stores some value. Constants always remain as it is during execution. At multiple locations, you can use single variables. C gives several data types, so the programmer can select the best-fit data type as per application needs. There are three different data types: Primitive, Derived, and User-defined data types. In C, primary fundamental data types are int for integer data, float for floating point numbers, void, char for character data, and double for double precision floating point. For C language, an integer is a whole number. This data type has a varying range starting from -32768 and ending at 32768. This varying range depends on the system. In ‘C’ program, the ‘float’ keyword is used to define the floating point data type. A floating point value means a fraction and a decimal part. The Character data types are used to hold a single character value encompassed in single quotes. A void data type does not contain any value. It also does not return the value. 

Operators
 

In C language there are various operators that you can use to operate on data. There are different groups of operators like arithmetic operators, logical operators, pointer operators, comparison operators, structure operators, and bitwise operators.

Arrays
 

A type of variable storing multiple values is termed as Array. In an array, every value is of the same type. This implies there are arrays of double values, int values, and more.

Strings

Strings are also an array of char values.

Conclusion

From the above guidelines, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of this old but still useful programming language. As you see for freshers there are no such skills required. But skills to learn C languages as a professional includes a good understanding of data structures and algorithms. You can start your learning of C language programming by studying various books. Many courses are providing C or C++ training. 

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