Here is complete information about the C Language with examples, key points, and practical applications — especially useful for competitive exams, interviews, and practical programming.
✅ Introduction to C Language
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C is a procedural programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1972 at Bell Labs.
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It is the foundation of many modern languages like C++, Java, Python, etc.
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It is a compiled, fast, and low-level language used in system-level programming.
📌 Key Features of C
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Easy to learn with a structured approach |
| Mid-level | Supports both low-level (hardware) and high-level programming |
| Portable | C programs can run on different machines |
| Rich Library | Includes built-in functions |
| Pointer Support | Allows memory access and manipulation |
| Speed | Faster than most high-level languages |
| Modular | Code can be divided into functions |
📚 Structure of a C Program
🔍 Breakdown:
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#include <stdio.h>– Preprocessor directive to include standard I/O functions -
main()– Entry point of the program -
printf()– Outputs to screen -
return 0;– Ends the program
🧠 Important Concepts in C
1. Data Types
| Data Type | Size | Example |
|---|---|---|
| int | 2 or 4B | 1, -2, 56 |
| float | 4B | 3.14, 5.7 |
| double | 8B | 3.1415926535 |
| char | 1B | 'A', 'b' |
2. Control Statements
- if / else
- switch
3. Loops
- for loop
- while loop
- do-while loop
4. Arrays
5. Functions
6. Pointers
7. Structures
8. File Handling
🧪 Practical Applications of C
| Area | Application Example |
|---|---|
| System Programming | OS, drivers, compilers (Linux Kernel) |
| Embedded Systems | Microcontroller programming |
| Game Development | Game engines, graphics libraries (OpenGL) |
| Database Systems | MySQL is written in C |
| Compilers/Interpreters | Many interpreters are based on C |
| Device Drivers | Writing drivers for hardware |
📌 Important Points for Exams
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C is case-sensitive
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Uses functions like scanf() and printf()
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No inbuilt string type, use
char arrays -
C uses manual memory management via
malloc(),free() -
Header files store function declarations (e.g.,
<math.h>,<string.h>)
🎯 Frequently Asked MCQs
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Who developed C Language?
a) Bjarne Stroustrup
b) Dennis Ritchie ✅
c) James Gosling
d) Guido van Rossum -
Which of the following is a valid C identifier?
a) 1num
b) num_1 ✅
c) int
d) num-1 -
Which of the following function is used to print output in C?
a) scanf()
b) cin
c) printf() ✅
d) cout -
Which header file is required for using
printf()?
a) <conio.h>
b) <stdio.h> ✅
c) <stdlib.h>
d) <string.h>
📌 Short Practical Programs
1. Factorial Program
2. Fibonacci Series
3. Check Prime Number
📝 Conclusion
C is the mother language of programming. Knowing C helps in learning advanced topics like data structures, OS, and embedded programming. For exams, focus on syntax, control structures, memory concepts, and functions.