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
-
C is a procedural programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1972 at Bell Labs.
-
It is the foundation of many modern languages like C++, Java, Python, etc.
-
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:
-
#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
-
C is case-sensitive
-
Uses functions like scanf() and printf()
-
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
-
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.