What is C Programming Language? | How to run C program?

C Programming Language

C is a structured programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1973 at Bell Laboratories. It was developed to write UNIX Operating System. The idea behind the development of C was to make simple and easy procedural language capable of doing things ahead of time. 

With the growing computer industry C was adopted by many people because of its feature and simplicity.

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Why C is so popular?

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C language is very popular as it is a basic language which can be a first step for new programmers, student or enthusiast who want to try coding. The setup process of C environment is very simple. The execution  time of the programs are very less. 

C language also allows the user to efficiently interact with machine or system.

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How to Compile and Run C program?

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In order to run a C program you must have a working compiler. You might ask what is a compiler.

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What is a compiler?

Your computer is a machine so it doesn't understand like we as a human each other. In order to make sure that your computer understand your properly written code in C language without any failure, your compiler translates your high level programming code into much simple low level or machine level programming code. 

The low level programming code are simple instructions for the execution and your computer does it without a hassle. 

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Now, let's set up your compiler.

There are two possible ways you can do C Programming:

• You can have a full fledged IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Turbo C, Microsoft Visual C++ which comes with editor as well as compiler. So you don't need to worry about setting up a compiler additionally, you just need to install the setup of the respective IDE. 
• You write your source code on any text editor like notepad, notepad++ and then separately compile it. 

Considering you are a beginner, I'll prefer to use the first option which is a lot more easier than the latter.

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Steps to install Turbo C/Visual C++

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1. Download Turbo C or Visual C++ from your desired website.

2. Make sure that you download from a good website.

3. Install the setup if the file extension is .exe else unzip the file using any extractor like WinRAR or 7Zip if the file extension is .zip/.rar

4. If you had .exe you don't need to do anything further just proceed with the instructions and successfully install.

5. If you had compressed file then after extraction, open the folder you just extracted and you will find a .exe file which might be setup file or the IDE itself.

I know this might seem confusing but trust me it's super easy and you can do it.

But even after trying if you are unable to successfully install your IDE then I have the best and the easiest solution which I personally use.

• Connect your Desktop or Laptop to internet.
• Open this link.
• Voila! You have a working IDE. 

What about those who don't have a desktop or laptop? Or you don't prefer to use it. How can you do it?

Do you have a smartphone? C'mon everyone has a smartphone nowadays.

You can install a working IDE right on your phone.

• Android: Play Store
• iPhone: App Store

Now that you have your very own IDE, you are ready to write and run your program written in C language.

We will start off with our first C program in the next article.

For any query or request feel free to contact.