In your journey to becoming a successful programmer, you’ll probably ask, “What programming language should I start with? Should I learn C?” As you decide to start exploring the realm of coding, you will be advised to start with C since it covers the fundamentals that all expert programmers, developers, and ITs know.
The C programming language is one of the most powerful programming languages in the realms of technology. It is advised to start with this language since it allows learners to get down at the very core of programming and lay the foundation from the fundamentals. When you explore C programming, you also gain knowledge of how various programs execute.
The reasons why you should learn C programming
Given that some people think C has a steep learning curve, you might ask, “Should I still pursue learning C?” Of course, you must. It doesn’t have to be your first programming language to learn, but understanding how to use C will provide you heaps of advantages, including the following:
1. Gain a strong programming foundation
Some people call C as the core language because it lays the perfect foundation for beginners. It sheds light on other fundamental computer theories: computer architecture, computer networks, operating systems, and compiler theories. You won’t only learn how to do programming, but also learn how a computer executes every program.
Also, it has fewer libraries than other languages, forcing you to explore the semantics of programming.
2. Acquire the discipline of programming
One of the lessons to learn from C programming is having the discipline to perform complex functionalities. Since there are fewer libraries and frameworks, you will learn to code manually. Coding with C is complicated—there are syntax errors, hard-to-read codes, and high maintenance needed.
When you learn C programming, you will undergo a learning curve that’s made for the brave souls. This establishes the discipline to be analytical, keen to detail, and meticulous in maintaining codes in C.
3. Offer versatility
Being the core programming language, C is everywhere. From operating systems to browsers and mobile games, you can almost find C in everything. It powers most operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. Most popular browsers include Chrome, Firefox are also written in C. Whereas, for game engines, C is used for Unreal Engine, cocos2d-x, Unity3D, and more.
In addition, C is also used to program hardware, like robots and home appliances. Its versatility makes every programmer adapt anywhere.
4. Perform embedded programming
Embedded programming or micro-controller programming refers to the functionality of controlling hardware operations. C is the primary language used in executing operations in robots, auto motives, and various hardware.
To be more specific, C allows you to make a computer do an action you want it to do. It precisely catches the direction of your embedded codes integrated into custom hardware to perform that action.
5. It is popular
Since C covers the fundamentals while giving versatility, it gained popularity across all fields. In fact, it always tops the rankings for the best programming languages to learn. In fact, it ranked 3rd on IEEE Spectrum and 5th on PYPL Popularity of Programming Languages Index for top programming languages to learn.
Being a commonly used programming language across multiple industries, C is always on the must-learn languages of every beginner.
6. Execute operations fast and efficient
One of the remarkable qualities of C is its fast execution of operations. It also allows you to write and code efficiently since the program has raw pointers and static memory concepts. The programmer will learn the additional processing overheads like garbage collection and memory leak prevention. These skills amassed will be a point of an advantage when exploring new languages like Java.
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7. Have fewer distractions
The C programming language focuses on procedural programming. It is not an object-oriented language, so you don’t get distracted by concepts like inheritance and polymorphism. While these are also essential, procedural programming can simplify the learning curve for a beginner. Once you mastered C, learning object-oriented programming such as C# will be a breeze to you.
8. Learn high-level programming fast
Understanding C makes it easy to learn other programming languages. Some languages are implemented in C, which includes Python and Numpy. You can quickly move forward to these languages since you are adept with C.
9. Enjoy the aspects of a Middle-level language
C lies between the low-level languages and a high–level languages. Low-level languages are machine-oriented and provide fast program execution. Whereas high-level languages are user-oriented, making program development faster. The beauty of being a middle-level language is that it gets the best aspects of the two other languages. C is user and machine-oriented and offers endless possibilities.
10. It is a block-structured language
C is built to be a block-structured language. Modern languages are designed to be block-structured. This refers to the existence of code in separate blocks and not being known to code in other blocks, paving the way for easy programming and preventing unwanted effects.
Other languages introduced the same concept, but no one did it better than the C language.
Those are the reasons why you should learn C programming in your coding journey. Be it your first or not, this programming language is simple, reliable, and fundamental in your programming lessons.
Convinced to give C a go? Here’s an online class specializing in C to get you started: C Programming for Beginners. This online mastery course will provide you with an extensive overview of how the C language works. Check out a few other courses to take to utilize your time at home, apart from programming languages.
Ready to learn the C language? Click here to get started.
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