C Programming FAQs

Q: Why to Learning C programming language?

Ans: Learning C programming language can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

  • Foundation for Other Languages: C is often considered the “mother” of many modern programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. Understanding C can make it easier to learn these languages.
  • System-Level Programming: C is widely used for system programming, including operating systems, embedded systems, and hardware drivers. It allows you to work closely with the hardware, providing a deeper understanding of how computers work.
  • Performance: C is known for its efficiency and performance. It allows for fine-grained control over system resources and memory, making it ideal for performance-critical applications.
  • Portability: Programs written in C can be easily ported to different platforms with minimal changes, making it a versatile choice for cross-platform development.
  • Rich Library Support: C has a vast collection of libraries and functions that can help you perform a wide range of tasks, from mathematical computations to file handling.
  • Career Opportunities: Many tech companies, especially those working on system software, embedded systems, and game development, look for candidates with strong C programming skills.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Learning C can enhance your problem-solving skills and logical thinking. It requires you to understand algorithms and data structures deeply.
  • Community and Resources: C has a large and active community, which means you can find plenty of resources, tutorials, and forums to help you learn and troubleshoot issues.
  • Legacy Code: Many legacy systems and applications are written in C. Knowing C can be crucial for maintaining and updating these systems.
  • Understanding Computer Science Concepts: C helps you grasp fundamental computer science concepts such as memory management, pointers, and data structures, which are essential for any programmer.
Q. List popular real world products or applications developed using c language?

Some popular real-world products and applications developed using the C programming language:
  1. Operating Systems:
    • Windows: The Windows kernel is primarily written in C.
    • Linux: The Linux kernel is also written in C.
    • MacOS: The core of MacOS, including iOS, is written in C.
  2. Embedded Systems:
    • Microcontrollers: Many microcontrollers and IoT devices use C for programming.
    • Consumer Electronics: Devices like smart TVs, washing machines, and cameras often use C.
  3. Browsers:
    • Google Chrome: Parts of the Chromium project are written in C1.
    • Mozilla Firefox: This browser also uses C for some of its components.
  4. Compilers:
    • GCC (GNU Compiler Collection): A widely used compiler for various programming languages, written in C.
    • Clang: Another popular compiler for C language itself.
  5. Databases:
    • MySQL: One of the most popular open-source databases, written in C.
  6. Games and Graphics:
    • Game Engines: Many game engines, such as the Unreal Engine, have components written in C.
    • Graphics Libraries: Libraries like OpenGL are often used in conjunction with C.
  7. Development Tools:
    • Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Tools like Dev-C++ are developed using C.
Q. List various versions of c programming languages developed till date since its inception?

Various versions of the C programming language developed since its inception:
  1. Original C (1972): Developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs, this version was used to rewrite the Unix operating system.
  2. K&R C (1978): Named after the authors of “The C Programming Language” book, Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie. This version introduced several improvements and became widely adopted.
  3. ANSI C (C89/C90) (1989/1990): The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized C in 1989, which was later adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1990. This version is also known as C89 or C90.
  4. C99 (1999): Introduced several new features, including inline functions, variable-length arrays, and new data types like long long int.
  5. C11 (2011): Added features such as multi-threading support, improved Unicode support, and type-generic macros.
  6. C17 (2018): This version included minor bug fixes and improvements over C11, but no major new features.
  7. C23 (2023): The latest version, which includes further refinements and updates to the language.
Q. List various compilers available till date for c programming languages, also include version of C they support?

Some of the most widely used C compilers, along with the versions of the C language they support:
  • GCC (GNU Compiler Collection): Supported Versions: C89, C99, C11, C17, C23.
  • Clang: Supported Versions: C89, C99, C11, C17, C23.
  • Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC): Supported Versions: C89, C99 (partial), C11 (partial), C17.
  • Intel C++ Compiler (ICC): Supported Versions: C89, C99, C11, C17.
  • Tiny C Compiler (TCC): Supported Versions: C89, C99.
  • Portable C Compiler (PCC): Supported Versions: C89.
  • Turbo C: Supported Versions: C89.
  • Watcom C Compiler: Supported Versions: C89, C99 (partial).
  • LCC (Lightweight C Compiler): Supported Versions: C89.
  • SDCC (Small Device C Compiler): Supported Versions: C89.