What is C Programming Language?
C Programming Language is an all-purpose programming language that is very popular, easy, and adaptable to learn.
It is a structured program that’s not dependent on machines and is extensively employed to create various software, Operating Systems like Windows, and a variety of other sophisticated software programs such as Oracle Database, Git, Python interpreter, and many other things.
There is a belief that “C Programming Language” is god’s programming language. It is said that C is the foundation for programming. If you’re familiar with ‘C’ you will be able to easily master the concepts of other programming languages that use the idea of ‘C Programming Language‘
It is vital to be familiar with computer memory mechanisms since it is an essential aspect to consider when working in working with the C programming language.
The history of C language
Most programming languages have been influenced by ALGOL. The first time it was launched in the year 1960. The language was utilized widely throughout European countries. “ALGOL” introduced the idea that structured programming was available to developers.
In the year 1967, a brand new programming language for computers was introduced, dubbed “BCPL” which means Basic Combined Programming Language. BCPL was developed and designed by Martin Richards, especially for writing software for systems. This was the age of languages for programming.
This programming language was created with the help of UNIX operating system developed by AT&T as well as Bell Laboratories. Both ‘BCPL’ as well as “B” were system programming languages.
In 1972, a legendary Computer scientist Dennis Ritchie created a new programming language called ‘C’ in Bell Laboratories. Bell Laboratories. It was derived out of ‘ALGOL’, ‘BCPL and B programming languages. C’s programming language has all of the features of these languages, as well as many more concepts that differentiate it in comparison to other languages.
C Programming Language is a powerful programming language that is connected to its UNIX operating system. The majority all of UNIX operating system’s code is written in the C Programming Language .
UNIX operating system
Initially , programming in ‘ C Programming Language ‘ was only available exclusively to UNIX operating system, however when it began to spread across the globe, it became commercial and a variety of compilers were developed to work with platforms that were cross-platform. Today , C Programming Language runs on various operating systems as well as hardware platforms.
Since it began to evolve, variations of C were developed. It was sometimes difficult for the programmers in keeping up to the current version of the language as the systems were operating under older versions.
To ensure that the ” C Programming Language ” language would remain the standard, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) created commercial standards for the C Programming Language in 1989. The standard was later accepted from ISO International Standards Organization (ISO) in the year 1990. C is a programming language often referred to as “ANSI C’.
Languages like Java and C++ were developed from ‘C’. They are extensively used in a variety of technologies. Therefore, C is the basis for numerous other languages currently being used.
Where can C be used? The most important applications
- “C” language is extensively employed for embedded system.
- It is used to create software applications for systems.
- It is used extensively for creating desktop applications.
- Most of the programs developed created by Adobe are created using the C, a programming language.
- It is used to create browsers and extensions. Google’s Chromium is developed using the C programming language.
- It is used to build databases. MySQL is among the well-known database software, built with C.
- It is utilized in the development of the operating systems. Operating systems like OS X from Apple, OS X, Microsoft’s Windows, and Symbian are built using the C language. It is utilized for the development of desktops as well as the operating system of mobile phones.
- It is employed for production of compilers.
- It is frequently employed extensively in IOT applications.
Why should you learn C Language?
We have already discussed that “C” is the base language used in a variety of programming languages. Therefore studying ‘C’ as the primary language will be a crucial part of learning other languages of programming.
It is based on the same principles like operators, data types controls, data types and other. “C” can be used extensively in many different applications. It is a language that is simple and has a faster speed of execution. There are numerous opportunities for C-developers in the present market.
“C” is a structured programming language which the program is split into different modules. Each module is able to be written in its own way and when combined, they form one ‘C’-based program. This makes it simple to test, maintain, and debugging procedures.
“C” contains 32 keywords, a variety of types of data and a collection of efficient built-in functions that enable programming to be very efficient.
Advantages
Another advantage of programming in ‘C’ is the ability to expand its capabilities. The ‘C’ programming language has diverse functions that form part of libraries. It is possible to add functionality and capabilities to library. It is possible to access and use these functions at any time within our program. This feature makes it easy when working with complicated programming.
There are a variety of compilers available on the market to be used to execute the programs that are written with this.
It is a very portable language , which means that programs written in the ‘C’ language can be run on other computers. This is essential when we want to run the program on a different computer.
What is the C Programming Language? C Programming Language Works?
C is an interpreted language. The compiler can be described as a instrument that compiles the software, and then converts it into an object file, which is machine-readable. After compilation the linker will mix various object files into an executable file that can execute the application. The diagram below shows how to run a C program.
Today, a variety of compilers are available online. You can choose from any of these compilers. The features will never change and the majority of compilers have the capabilities required to run both ‘C’ as well as ‘C++ programming languages.
Here is a list of the most popular compilers you can find on the internet:
- Clang compiler
- MinGW compiler (Minimalist GNU for Windows)
- Compiler for portable ‘C’
- Turbo C
Summary
- “C” was created in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie in 1972.
- It is a strong language.
- It is a low-programming level language similar to machine language.
- It is extensively used in the field of software development.
- It is a procedural and structure-oriented language.
- It is fully supported by of different operating systems as well as hardware platforms.
- Numerous compilers are in use to execute programs written in C.
- The compiler compiles source files and creates an object file.
- Linkers link all object files together , and creates an executable file.
- It’s very mobile.
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