Introduction to C Programming

C is a high-level structured oriented programming language, used in general-purpose programming, developed by Dennis Ritchie at AT&T Bell Labs, the USA between 1969 and 1973.

C Language History

• The C programming language is a structure-oriented programming language, developed at AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie
• C programming language features were derived from an earlier language called “B” (Basic Combined Programming Language – BCPL)
• C language was invented for implementing UNIX operating system
• In 1978, Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan published the first edition “The C Programming Language” and commonly known as K&R C
• In 1983, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established a committee to provide a modern, comprehensive definition of C. The resulting definition, the ANSI standard, or “ANSI C”, was completed late 1988.

Features Of C Programming

C language is one of the powerful languages. Below are some of the features of the C language.

• Reliability
• Portability
• Flexibility
• Interactivity
• Modularity
• Efficiency and Effectiveness

Uses Of C Programming Language

The C programming language is used for developing system applications that form a major portion of operating systems such as Windows, UNIX, and Linux. Below are some examples of C being used.

• Database systems
• Graphics packages
• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Operating system development
• Compilers and Assemblers
• Network drivers
• Interpreters

Structure-oriented Language

• In this type of language, large programs are divided into small programs called functions
• The prime focus is on functions and procedures that operate on the data
• Data moves freely around the systems from one function to another
• Program structure follows “Top-Down Approach”
• Examples: C, Pascal, ALGOL, and Modula-2

Object-oriented Language

• In this type of language, programs are divided into objects
• The prime focus is in the data that is being operated and not on the functions or procedures
• Data is hidden and cannot be accessed by external functions
• Program structure follows “Bottom UP Approach”
• Examples: C++, Java and C# (C sharp)

Non-structure Oriented Language

• There is no specific structure for programming this language. Examples: BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN

Points To Remember

• The C language is a structure-oriented programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie.
• The C language is belonging to a middle-level programming language.
• Operating system programs such as Windows, Unix, Linux are written in C language.
• C89/C90 and C99 are two standardized editions of C language.
• C has been written in assembly language.