The C programming language is one of the oldest and most influential programming languages ever created. Many modern languages such as C++, Java, and Python have roots in C. If you're just starting your journey in programming, learning C is a great first step because it teaches you the fundamentals such as program structure, memory management, and input/output handling.
Why Choose C?
C is used for a variety of purposes—from developing operating systems, embedded software, to building compilers and developer tools. Its advantages include:
- Fast and efficient
- Close to the hardware
- Widely used in the industry
- A strong foundation for learning other languages
Now, let’s write our very first C program!
Getting Started
Before writing a program, make sure you’ve installed a C compiler on your computer. Some common compilers include:
- GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) – Available on Linux, Windows, and FreeBSD
- Clang – Default compiler on macOS and FreeBSD
- Turbo C/C++ – Classic, but rarely used nowadays
To write your code, you can use editors like:
- VS Code
- Vim / Neovim
- Emacs
- Simple text editors (nano, ee, etc.)
- IDEs like Code::Blocks
Writing Your First C Program: "Hello, World!"
The classic first program in almost every language is printing "Hello, World!" to the screen. Here’s a simple C program to do that:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
printf("Hello, World!\n");
return 0;
}
Code Explanation:
#include <stdio.h>: Imports the standard input/output library so we can use theprintf()function.int main(): The main function where program execution begins.printf("Hello, World!\n");: Prints text to the screen.return 0;: Indicates the program has finished successfully.
How to Run the Program
On FreeBSD
If you're using FreeBSD, you can use clang or gcc, both available through Ports or pkg:
pkg install gcc
Or use the built-in clang compiler:
- Save the code in a file named
hello.c - Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where the file is saved
- Run:
cc hello.c -o hello
./hello
If using gcc:
gcc hello.c -o hello
./hello
Expected output:
Hello, World!
On Linux / Windows / macOS
The steps are generally similar. On Linux/macOS:
gcc hello.c -o hello
./hello
On Windows (using MinGW):
gcc hello.c -o hello.exe
hello
Try It Yourself
Try modifying the program:
- Change "Hello, World!" to your own name
- Add another line to print a math expression:
printf("2 + 3 = %d\n", 2 + 3);
Conclusion
Writing your first program is a big milestone in your journey as a programmer. C may look simple, but it forms a solid foundation for understanding how computers work under the hood.
Once you've successfully printed "Hello, World!", you're ready to explore data structures, control flow, functions, and many more C features. Keep going and enjoy the process!
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