C Programming Language
The C programming language is one of the most influential and widely used programming languages in the history of computing. Here's a detailed overview:
History
Features
- Procedural Language: C is a procedural programming language, meaning it follows a step-by-step approach for solving problems.
- Portability: Programs written in C can be compiled and run on various hardware platforms with minor or no changes.
- Low-level Access to Memory: C provides direct access to memory through pointers, allowing for efficient memory management.
- Structured Programming: Supports structured programming, enhancing code readability and maintainability.
- Efficiency: Known for its efficiency and close relationship with the machine hardware, making it ideal for system-level programming.
Impact and Usage
- Operating Systems: C is the foundation for many modern operating systems, including various versions of Unix, Linux, and Windows.
- Embedded Systems: Due to its efficiency and control over hardware, C is widely used in embedded systems programming.
- System Software: Many system-level tools and software are written in C, including compilers, interpreters, and database management systems.
- Application Software: While not as common for high-level application development today, C has influenced many modern languages and is still used in performance-critical applications.
Evolution
- C89/C90: The first standardized version by ANSI in 1989 and ISO in 1990.
- C99: Added new features like variable-length arrays, restricted pointers, and the `complex.h` header for complex number arithmetic.
- C11: Introduced further enhancements like thread support, bounds-checking interfaces, and generic selections.
- C17/C18: Mostly minor corrections and clarifications to C11.
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