Features of C include flexibility, portability, efficiency, and simplicity, making it one of the popular programming languages. C programming is used across various applications, mainly to develop several software applications.
Some Prominent Features of C Programming language:
PORTABLE PROGRAMMING:
C program is portable. Portability means the ability of a programming language to run in any operating system environment and hardware settings. In C programming, after the programmer writes the code, the interpreter or compiler converts the source code into machine code, which is compatible with the microprocessor.
Here, the microprocessor plays a significant role as it is where the program executes. Due to generating machine code compatible with the underlying hardware, running or managing the C programming language is more manageable, irrespective of the operating system. However, compared to Java programming language, C is less portable because the code requires recompiling while running on a different system.
STRUCTURAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE:
C is also known as structural programming language, as the programming structure consists of smaller and modular pieces known as functions. Making the programmer quickly understand and read the code easily. Notably, C programming language also features control structures, which help control the program’s flow properly.
PROCEDURAL PROGRAMMING:
Featuring procedures and functions is among the prominent features of C programming. Functions allow the C programming to micro-divide into smaller functions and modules. Hence, it is known as procedural programming.
STATIC TYPING:
In C programming, it is mandatory to specify the data type during the variable declaration itself. That makes the programmer identify errors, if any, during the program compilation instead of at the runtime.
Middle Level Language:
C is known as middle-level language. Among the modern programming languages, C was the first introduced one. It was introduced after some low-level languages such as Pascal and Cobol and before C++ and Java. Hence, it exhibits the features of low-level and high-level programming languages. Moreover, the programmer can easily access the memory, which contains simple syntax compared to specific assembly languages.
Rich Library:
The C programming contains a standard set of libraries that includes various functions such as memory allocation, string manipulation, output functions like printf(), and many more. Due to the inclusion of such built-in functions, C allows programmers to develop applications faster and with more convenience.
Efficient Memory Handling:
The programmer can allocate and deallocate space in the memory using functions such as malloc() and free(). Hence, the programmer can finely control the memory manually. However, in case of improper management, there are chances for memory-related issues to occur in C programming.
Accessible Memory:
With C allowing direct memory management, there is a possibility for low-level manipulation while efficiently using the system resources. Due to such a provision, C allows the development of hardware applications.
Presence of Control Structures:
C is a structural programming language and contains small blocks of code known as functions. C uses control structures like for, while, if, and else statements to integrate such functions. Importantly, these control statements enable logic implementation and program control efficiently.
MANIPULATION at the BITWISE LEVEL
A byte consists of eight bits. C programming allows the manipulation of those bits. As a result, it makes C an integral part of the programming while developing systems such as embedded systems that demand higher performance.
SUPPORT WIDE ARRAY OF APPLICATIONS:
C finds extensive use in developing various applications, including desktop applications, operating systems, game development, embedded systems, system programming, and many more.
Though C offers many advantages, handling pointers carefully and efficiently managing memory is essential. Otherwise, it could lead to errors. Although introduced decades ago, the C programming language is still the foundation for developing various programming languages. With many advantages, C remains the most widely used programming language with high relevance in the ever-changing modern computing world. Importantly, learning C helps learn other high-level programming languages with ease.
These are some of the features of C programming language.