What is C?

C was created in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. It was first used to build the UNIX operating system, which made computers more accessible and set a standard for software that needed to be quick and powerful. Over the years, C has influenced many modern languages, such as C++, Java, and Python.

Basic Rules and Data Types

In C, you’ll work with data types like int (for whole numbers), char (for single characters), and float (for decimal numbers). Getting familiar with these types is a good starting point.

Control Structures

C lets you manage the flow of your program with structures like if statements (to make decisions) and loops (to repeat actions), such as for and while loops.

Functions

Functions are blocks of code that perform specific tasks. They help you organize your code into small, manageable parts.

Pointers and Memory

C has a special feature called pointers, which lets you work with memory directly. This feature makes C powerful but also requires careful use.

Efficiency and Portability

C code runs quickly and can be used on different computers without much change, making it ideal for things like operating systems and embedded systems.

If you’re new to C, begin by writing simple programs. Learn about variables (like containers for data), basic math operations, and simple control structures (such as making decisions with if and repeating actions with loops). As you get more comfortable, you can explore advanced topics like pointers and memory, which will allow you to fully harness C’s power.