What is C Programming
C is a high-level and general-purpose programming language that is widely used for system software, application software, and embedded systems. It was developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs as an evolution of the B programming language. C provides control over low-level system components like memory and hardware while offering high-level features that make programming easier and more efficient.
Key Characteristics of C:
- General-purpose: Can be used to develop various types of applications.
- Structured: Follows a top-down approach where programs are broken into functions.
- Procedural: Involves writing procedures or routines to perform tasks.
- Compiled: Requires compilation into machine code before execution.
- Portable: Can be run on different machines with little or no modification.
Real-World Examples of C Programming:
- Operating Systems: Popular operating systems like Unix and Linux are written in C.
- Embedded Systems: Microcontrollers and firmware used in cars, medical devices, and appliances rely on C.
- Compilers: Compilers for other languages (e.g., C++, Python) are often written in C.
- Database Systems: MySQL, a popular database system, is written in C.
- Game Development: Games like “DOOM” used C for its high performance and efficient memory handling.