Overview of C Programming Language

C is a general-purpose, procedural programming language that was developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. It has influenced many other modern programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. C is known for its efficiency, flexibility, and low-level memory access.

2. Features of C

2.1 Low-Level Access

C provides low-level access to memory through the use of pointers, allowing programmers to manipulate hardware directly. This makes it ideal for systems programming.

2.2 Procedural Language

C follows the procedural programming paradigm, meaning it breaks down tasks into functions and follows a step-by-step approach for solving problems. This helps in maintaining the flow and structure of programs.

2.3 Portability

C programs are portable, meaning they can be compiled and run on different machines with little or no modification. This is possible because of its standardization.

3. Applications of C

3.1 System Programming

C is widely used in system-level programming, such as writing operating systems, embedded systems, and device drivers. Its ability to interact with hardware and perform low-level operations makes it suitable for this purpose.

3.2 Game Development

Many game engines are developed using C or C++ because of their performance and low-level capabilities. Games often require real-time performance, which C provides through efficient memory management and execution.