Writing C program requires the programmer to follow three essential steps. That includes pre-processor directives, header files, and the body of the program.
Moreover, understanding the distinction between lower-case and upper-case letters is not just a step in C programming; it’s a crucial aspect that can prevent potential errors and improve the quality of your code.
What are the Steps to Follow While Writing a C Program?
Pre-Processor Directive: The First Step of Writing C Program
The pre-processor section, which includes the step #include <stdio.h>, is crucial for the program.
Includes Header Files
These are the header files that already contain some predefined functions that are known to the compiler. In other words, the programmer can use these functions without writing the code from scratch.
For instance, one of the most common header files is the printf function, which is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a practical and essential tool for a programmer. It allows the programmer to print output to the screen, making it a crucial part of writing efficient C programs.
Before compiling the program, the programmer gives instructions through the pre-processor directive to include specific files. This directive is not just a step; it’s a crucial and fundamental part of writing a C program. It allows the programmer to use functions and features from these files without writing the code.
The pre-processor directive gives directives before the code reaches the microprocessor. Hence, it is the first step in writing the C program.
Body of the Program: Second Step for Writing C Program:
Body of the Program in C Starts with Main Function
The ‘main’ function in C programming is not just any function; it’s the starting point of a program’s execution. Understanding this function is like understanding the key to the program’s execution, making it a crucial concept in C programming.
The defining of main () can be done only once. If given twice, there will be errors.
Int Main:
When declaring the main function in a C program, the programmer can use two methods: int main and void main.
However, the standard way of declaring is the int main. When declaring int main, the function returns a value, while for void main, the function does not return a value.
The format for writing ‘int main’ in C program is as follows:
int main(){} it is followed by parentheses and curly brackets.
Whatever code the user provides inside the curly brackets {} will get executed.
While writing C program, all the statements end with a semicolon.
Execute the Program
The body of the C program ends with a closing flower bracket }. After ending the body of the program, compile and execute the C program.
A Brief Description of Statements in C
Statements in a program describe the function that the routine performs.
So, to specify precisely what function a particular routine performs, the programmer encloses all program statements of the routine within the flower braces.
Example of Statements in C:
main()
{
printf (“Programming is fun.n”);
}In the above example program, only a single statement specifies that a printf routine is to be invoked or called.
The string of characters, ‘Programming is fun. ‘, is the argument or parameter to be passed or handed to the printf routine. In C programming, arguments are values or expressions that are passed to a function when it’s called. They provide the function with the data it needs to perform its task.
In C programming, the printf routine allows the program’s arguments to be printed or displayed at the terminal.
Within the string, the two characters included at last, ” and ‘n,’ are collectively known as the newline character. When used in the printf function, it Instructs the C system to go to a new line after printing the string. This is important for formatting the output of your program.
All program statements must be terminated with a semicolon while writing the C program.
The first argument, commonly called the format string, describes the system by which the remaining arguments are to be displayed.
A comment statement is initiated by the two characters / and * (no spaces between them). To end a comment statement, the characters *and/ are used. (Important Note: the system ignores these characters).