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What is C Programming?

C is a general-purpose, high-performance programming language that has been shaping the software world for over 50 years.

Developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs, C serves as the foundation for many modern languages such as C++, Java, Python, and C#.

Because of its speed, efficiency, and low-level memory access, C remains one of the most widely used languages for system programming and application development.

Why Learn C?

Learning C helps you understand how computers work at their core. It teaches you logic, problem-solving, and how to manage memory — all essential for becoming a great programmer.

Key Advantages of Learning C

  • Powerful and Fast – Perfect for building operating systems, compilers, and embedded systems.
  • Foundation for Other Languages – Once you know C, learning C++, Java, and Python becomes much easier.
  • Portable and Flexible – C programs can run on almost any machine with minimal modification.
  • In-Depth Understanding – Helps you understand data structures, pointers, and memory management clearly.

What You Can Build with C?

  • Operating Systems (like UNIX, Linux kernel)
  • Database Systems (like MySQL)
  • Embedded Software for IoT devices
  • High-performance desktop and server applications

Difference Between C and C++

Feature

C

C++

Language Type

Procedural programming language

Object-oriented programming language
Developed By Dennis Ritchie in 1972 Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983
Programming Paradigm

Focuses on functions and procedures

 Supports both procedural and object-oriented programming

Classes and Objects

❌ Not supported

✅ Fully supported (main feature of C++)

Data Security

Does not support data hiding (no access specifiers)

Supports encapsulation using access specifiers (public, private, protected)

Functions

Uses functions for code reuse

Supports both functions and methods inside classes

Memory Management

Done manually using malloc() and free()

Supports dynamic memory with constructors, destructors, new and delete

Inheritance and Polymorphism

❌ Not available

✅ Supported, allows code reusability and flexibility

File Extension

 .c .cpp

Use Cases

System programming, operating systems, embedded systems

Application development, game engines, GUI tools, and large-scale projects
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