Lokang 

C

Table of content

C is a general-purpose, procedural computer programming language that supports structured programming, lexical variable scope, and recursion, with a static type system. Developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs, C was originally designed for and implemented on the UNIX operating system on the PDP-11 computer. It has since become one of the most widely used programming languages of all time, with C compilers available for most existing computer architectures and operating systems.

Why Learn C?

  • Foundation for Other Languages: Learning C can provide a strong foundation for learning other programming languages. Many modern languages, including C++, Java, and Python, share syntax and programming concepts with C.
  • Understanding of Computer Operation: C provides a level of direct manipulation of memory and hardware resources that is not available in most higher-level languages. This can deepen one's understanding of how computers work.
  • Efficiency and Performance: Programs written in C are known for their speed and efficiency. C allows for fine-grained control over system resources, making it ideal for developing firmware or portable applications.
  • Widespread Use in System Software: C is widely used in the development of system software such as operating systems, embedded systems, and drivers due to its efficiency and control over hardware resources.
  • Large Code Base: There is a vast amount of legacy code written in C, especially in systems and embedded programming domains. Learning C allows one to maintain and understand this code.

Difference Between C and C++

  • Programming Paradigm: The most fundamental difference between C and C++ lies in their programming paradigms. C is procedural, meaning it focuses on the sequence of actions or steps to solve a problem. C++, developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in the 1980s as an extension of C, supports both procedural and object-oriented programming, allowing for the use of classes and objects.
  • Object-Oriented Features: C++ introduces object-oriented programming features such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, which are not present in C. These features enable the creation of complex applications with reusable and maintainable code.
  • Standard Template Library (STL): C++ provides the Standard Template Library (STL), a powerful set of template-based classes and functions, facilitating operations like mathematical computations, input/output operations, and working with data structures like arrays, linked lists, and more. C does not have a direct equivalent to STL.
  • Use Cases: While both languages can be used in a variety of applications, C is typically used for system programming, embedded systems, and applications requiring close hardware interaction. C++, with its object-oriented features, is often used for software application development, game development, and in systems where complex data manipulation is required.
  • Compatibility: C++ is almost entirely compatible with C, meaning most C programs can be compiled with a C++ compiler. The reverse is not true due to the additional features available in C++.

Both C and C++ hold significant places in the world of programming, each with its distinct advantages and use cases. Learning C provides a strong foundation in programming, understanding of low-level operation, and access to a wide variety of systems and applications, while C++ extends these capabilities with object-oriented features and a rich standard library for building complex software.