What is C?

Learn that C is a powerful, low-level systems language and the compilation process.

What is C?

C is a low-level, systems programming language created in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. It is still maintained today under the C17 standard.

C is a compiled language: you turn your source code into machine code with a compiler such as gcc. The resulting executable runs directly on the operating system.

C is used for the Linux kernel, embedded systems, compilers and database engines. It excels in any field that needs speed and low memory use.

What can you build with C?

C's power comes from the fields it targets:

Operating systems: large parts of the Linux and Windows kernels are written in C
Embedded systems: microcontrollers and IoT devices
Compilers and interpreters: the reference implementations of Python and PHP are written in C
Databases: PostgreSQL and SQLite cores

This versatility makes C worth learning.

Test yourself

What compiles C source code?
- chrome
- javac
- python
- gcc
Show answer

gcc — gcc (GNU Compiler Collection) is a C compiler.
Match the concepts

C

Programming language
gcc

Compiler
hello.c

Source file
a.out

Executable
Which is NOT suited for C?
- Build a web frontend
- Write an OS kernel
- Program an embedded system
- Write a compiler
Show answer

Build a web frontend — C is not designed for web frontends; browsers use JavaScript.

C level

C is a ____-level systems language.

Show answer

C is a low-level systems language.

Next lesson: Your first program

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