C PROGRAMMING – BASIC NOTES
1. Introduction to C Programming
C is one of the most important and widely used programming languages in the world. It is a
general-purpose programming language used for developing system software, application
software, and embedded systems.
The C programming language was developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1972 at Bell Laboratories.
It was originally created to develop the Unix operating system.
C is known for its efficiency, flexibility, and powerful features. Many modern programming
languages such as C++, Java, and Python are influenced by the C language.
C is often called the mother of many programming languages.
Uses of C Language
C language is used in many areas including:
Operating system development
Embedded systems
System software
Game development
Compilers
Database systems
Because of its speed and efficiency, C is still widely used in software development.
2. Features of C Programming
C language has many features that make it powerful and popular.
1. Simple Language
C has a simple syntax and a small set of keywords, making it easy to learn.
2. Structured Programming
C follows a structured programming approach. Programs are divided into functions, making
them easier to understand and maintain.
3. Portable
Programs written in C can run on different computers with little or no modification.
4. Efficient and Fast
C programs run very fast because they are close to machine-level operations.
5. Rich Library
C provides many built-in functions through standard libraries.
6. Low-Level Access
C allows direct access to memory using pointers.
3. Structure of a C Program
A C program contains several sections.
Basic structure of a C program:
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
printf("Hello World");
return 0;
}
Explanation
#include <stdio.h>
This is a header file that contains input and output functions.
main() function
Execution of every C program begins from the main function.
printf()
This function is used to display output on the screen.
return 0
Indicates that the program executed successfully.
4. C Character Set
C language uses a set of characters to write programs.
The C character set includes:
1. Alphabets
A to Z
a to z
2. Digits
0 to 9
3. Special Symbols
Examples:
o
/=<>(){}[];:#%
These characters are used to form variables, keywords, constants, and expressions.
5. Keywords in C
Keywords are reserved words that have special meaning in the C programming language.
Examples of C keywords:
int
float
char
if
else
while
for
return
break
continue
These keywords cannot be used as variable names.
Example:
int number;
float salary;
6. Variables in C
A variable is a memory location used to store data.
Each variable has:
Name
Data type
Value
Syntax:
datatype variable_name;
Example:
int age;
float marks;
char grade;
Example program:
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
int age = 20;
printf("Age is %d", age);
}
Here %d is a format specifier used to print integer values.
7. Data Types in C
Data types specify the type of data that a variable can store.
Basic Data Types
Data Type Description
int Stores integer values
float Stores decimal values
char Stores single characters
double Stores large decimal values
Example:
int a = 10;
float b = 5.5;
char c = 'A';
Derived Data Types
Arrays
Pointers
Structures
Unions
Void Data Type
Used when a function does not return any value.
8. Operators in C
Operators are symbols used to perform operations on variables and values.
1. Arithmetic Operators
Used for mathematical calculations.
Examples:
+ Addition
- Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division
% Modulus
Example:
int a = 10;
int b = 5;
int c = a + b;
2. Relational Operators
Used for comparisons.
Examples:
== Equal to
!= Not equal
> Greater than
< Less than
>= Greater than or equal
<= Less than or equal
3. Logical Operators
Used to combine conditions.
Examples:
&& Logical AND
|| Logical OR
! Logical NOT
4. Assignment Operators
Used to assign values.
Examples:
= Assign
+= Add and assign
-= Subtract and assign
9. Control Statements
Control statements determine how the program executes.
If Statement
Used to test a condition.
Example:
if(age >= 18)
{
printf("Eligible to vote");
}
If–Else Statement
if(mark >= 50)
{
printf("Pass");
}
else
{
printf("Fail");
}
Switch Statement
Used for multiple choices.
Example:
switch(day)
{
case 1:
printf("Monday");
break;
case 2:
printf("Tuesday");
break;
}
10. Looping Statements
Loops are used to repeat a block of code multiple times.
For Loop
Example:
for(int i = 1; i <= 5; i++)
{
printf("%d", i);
}
While Loop
Example:
int i = 1;
while(i <= 5)
{
printf("%d", i);
i++;
}
Do-While Loop
Example:
int i = 1;
do
{
printf("%d", i);
i++;
}
while(i <= 5);
11. Functions in C
A function is a block of code that performs a specific task.
Functions help in:
Reducing code repetition
Improving readability
Making programs easier to maintain
Example:
#include <stdio.h>
void greet()
{
printf("Hello");
}
int main()
{
greet();
}
Types of functions:
1. Library functions
2. User-defined functions
12. Arrays in C
An array is a collection of elements of the same data type.
Example:
int numbers[5];
Example program:
int marks[3] = {80, 85, 90};
Arrays help store multiple values in a single variable.
13. Pointers in C
A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.
Example:
int a = 10;
int *p;
p = &a;
Pointers are very powerful features in C and are used for:
Dynamic memory allocation
Passing arguments to functions
Working with arrays
14. Advantages of C Language
Fast execution
Efficient memory usage
Portable programs
Powerful programming features
Used in system programming
15. Conclusion
C is one of the most fundamental programming languages. It provides low-level memory access
and efficient execution, making it suitable for system programming and embedded systems.
Even today, C continues to be widely used in operating systems, compilers, and hardware
programming. Learning C provides a strong foundation for understanding other programming
languages.
