Ready to start your programming journey with C? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the C Programming Language?
C is arguably the most popular and flexible language that can build operating systems, complex programs, and everything in between. Its high efficiency and relative simplicity make it one of the most fundamental programming languages to get started with.
An understanding of the C programming language helps you learn many other languages that have a similar syntax style. For example, Java and C++ build their functionality on top of C.
Moreover, C was developed for the UNIX operating system, but now has various compilers to use on almost all operating systems and hardware platforms.
Why Is Learning C Important?
Learning C programming will give you an understanding of essential computer functionalities like memory management, allocation, computer architecture, etc.
Another significant advantage of C is that high-level programming languages like Java, Javascript, Python can interface with it. For example, Cython is a C-extension that allows Python to call C-based functions or declare C variables and attributes.
In addition, C’s structure makes for simple testing and debugging, which is essential for ensuring your software is free of issues and exploits. While you can start programming with any language you like, starting with C is almost guaranteed to point you in the right direction.
Key Applications of the C Programming Language
C is one of the oldest and widely used programming languages. It’s remarkable that even to date, C has numerous applications and use cases in the modern market.
The applications of C aren’t just limited to developing operating systems; engineers also use it in creating Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), Integrated Development Environments (IDE), and thousands of other applications.
C is very similar to a portable assembly language. It’s a capable language to run and maintain machine hardware, embedded systems, or scripting applications. Google’s file system and Google Chrome were developed in C and C++. Not only that, Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and MySQL are also written in C.
While C can be used for rudimentary game development, you’ll more often than not see developers reaching for C# or Java.
Basic C Syntax and Functions
To understand the structure of the C programming language, try learning some basic building blocks of the language, such as the general syntax, keywords, and commands.
Here are some basic commands in the C programming language:
#include <stdio. h>: The preprocessor directive #include inserts the contents of the header file <stdio. h> into your program. These contents allow you to use many basic functions, such as printf(), scanf(), puts(), and more. int main(): This is the main function where you’ll execute your program. {. . . }: Curly brackets indicate the beginning and end of functions in C. /comments/: Comments written in between /**/ will not be compiled or executed; comments are just for humans. printf ();: This command prints the output to the screen. return 0;: This command terminates the main function. getch();: This command is for any character input from the keyboard.
Take a look at some of these lines in action:
Storage Classes in C Programming Language
Storage classes define the visibility of a program. C language has four types of storage classes.
Auto: The default storage class for all local variables. Register: This class defines local variables stored in the register, not only in RAM. Static: Static classes declare the static variable written in the program. The specialty of a static class is that it can preserve its value even after the values are out of their scope. Extern: Extern classes allow the global variable to be used elsewhere but not in the same block.
Arrays in C Programming Language
An Array in C is a data structure that can store a collection of data with the same type, allowing access to all data points by a common name or index number. The C programming language doesn’t limit the number of array dimensions. Therefore, C arrays can store elementary data types such as int, double, char, float, etc.
Input:
Output:
Pointers in the C Programming Language
Pointers are unique variables whose value is the address of another variable. First, you must define the pointer variable and assign its address. Then, you’ll be able to access the value at the available address through the pointer.
If you don’t have an address to assign, you can use a null value in its place. Use the var syntax to define a variable and &var to address it in memory. Moreover, using the scanf function, you can use the addresses multiple times.
Strings in C
In C, strings are a one-dimensional array of characters terminated by a null \0 character. The C language allows the various functions to terminate a null string. Such as:
Calculate the length of a string: strlen() Copy a string to another: strcpy() Compare two strings: strcmp() Concatenate strings: strcat()
Strings Initialization:
Error Handling in C Programming Language
The C programming language doesn’t allow direct support for error handling, but it can check the return value and take necessary steps. However, there is an error.h header file to check errors on the return statement in the function; error.h give you access to the global variable errno (error number). The perror() and strerror() functions are used with errno to display the error message.
You can also use Exit Status in the exit() function for calling the error. EXIT_SUCCESS and EXIT_FAILURE are used to show exit status. Another common error is the division by zero error which you can prevent by using a condition or checking the value.
If your program shows the value of errno as 6, it means the program couldn’t find the device or address you’ve mentioned in the program.
Here are some common errno values and what they mean:
C Is Still Essential
The C programming language is still one of the most used and impactful programming languages after over 50 years since its conception. Thousands of sectors are still using C as one of their core technologies.
C developers are widely respected in their field and generally paid well. If you want to start your programming career, the C programming language is still a solid choice.
