C is a mid-level programming language that is used for developing software. A structured programming language such as C arranges and structures the instructions using blocks and functions. A middle level language has the advantages of both a low level and a high level language.
Table of Content
Introduction to C
- The C language has been closely related to UNIX since its beginning.
- All of the modern languages are written in C language, including compilers, JVMs, kernels, etc. Most languages follow the C syntax, such as C++, Java, etc.
- It has high level features such as statement grouping, decision making, and control commands as well as low level functions such as the ability to manipulate bytes and addresses.
- C is one of the easiest languages to learn because of one basic philosophy: Programmers know what they are doing.
Why learn C? (Advantages of C)
- It is very easy to port a C program from one computer to another with just a few changes making C a highly portable language.
- C is compiler based language rather than interpreter based. So, C language program can be compiled in speed.
- C is a machine independent language.
- C is a language that is easy for beginners to learn.
- Modularity is one of the important advantages of C. We can split the program into a number of modules instead of repeating the same logic statement which allows reusability of modules.
- A program’s structure follows a “top down” method. For example, C, Pascal, and ALGOL.
- Compilation time is very fast as well as execution time.
Applications of C
- Using the C language, you can develop a wide range of applications. Here are some of the types of applications that you can create:
- Operating Systems
- Games
- Utilities
- Drivers
- Graphics
- Embedded System Software
Drawback of C
- C lacks the concepts of OOP (Object Oriented Programming), so C++ was developed.
- Languages such as C lack a run time checking mechanism.
History of C
The language C was born from a development process that began with another older language known as BCPL.
| ALGOL (Algorithmic Language) 1960 Developed by International Group  CPL (Combine Programming Language) 1963 Developed by Cambridge University BCPL (Basic Combine Programming Language) 1967 Developed by Martin Richards B 1970 Developed by Ken Thompson C 1972 Developed by Dennis Ritchie |
- ANSI formed a committee in 1983 to define C in a modern, comprehensive manner. The resulting definition, known as the “ANSI C”, was completed by late 1988.
C Language Programming Standards
C89/C90 Standard
- The ANSI developed the first standard for the C language.
C99 Standard
- As soon as the next version was published in 1999, features like advanced data types were introduced.
C11 Standard
- Among the features added to C11 are type generic macros, anonymous structures, improved Unicode support, atomic operation, multi-threading, and bounds checking.
- It also makes some parts of the C99 library optional and improves C++ compatibility.
Conclusion
You can click on the following topics to learn more about the C programming language: