Introduction to Writing Code in C

Introduction

• Instructor welcomes everyone and introduces the topic: getting started with C programming.
• Encourages audience to like, comment, and subscribe.

Why Learn C?

• C is a middle-level language, originating in the 1970s.
• It's one of the most widely used programming languages.
• Middle-Level Language: Acts as a bridge between high-level (easier, more abstract) and low-level languages (efficient, closer to machine code).
• Advantages:
  • Efficient and fast.
  • Influenced many modern languages.
  • Used in areas like compilers, kernels, operating systems.
  • Deeper understanding of how other languages operate.
• Applications: Databases, self-driving cars, operating systems, embedded systems.

Things to Note

• C is procedural, not object-oriented.
• C++ is an extension of C and is object-oriented.
• C is challenging for beginners but doable.

Tools Needed

• IDE (Integrated Development Environment): VS Code recommended.
• GNU Compiler Collection (GCC): Converts C code to machine code.

Setting Up Your Environment

Downloading VS Code

1. Visit code.visualstudio.com.
2. Select the appropriate version for your operating system.
3. Follow installer steps:
   • Accept license agreement.
   • Create desktop icon and add to PATH (optional).
   • Install and launch.

Extensions Needed in VS Code

• C/C++ extension: Provides IntelliSense and other features.
• Code Runner extension: Helps run code.

Create a C Project Folder

1. Create a folder on the desktop (e.g., C Files).
2. Add the folder to VS Code.
3. Create a new file with .c extension.

Installing GCC Compiler

• Check for GCC installation:
  • Open Command Prompt (Windows): g++ --version.
  • macOS: clang --version (install via xcode-select --install if needed).
  • Linux: gcc -v (install via sudo apt-get update and additional commands).
• Install GCC on Windows:
  • Google mingw-w64-install.exe and download from SourceForge.
  • Follow the installation steps.
  • Add GCC to PATH via Environment Variables in Control Panel.

Configure Build Task in VS Code

1. Go to Terminal > Configure Default Build Task.
2. Select the task to create a tasks.json file.

Writing Your First C Program

Basic Program Structure

• Include libraries: #include <stdio.h> (for input/output functions).
• Main function: Entry point of the program.

  int main() {
      return 0;
  }
  

• Return Statement: Indicates whether the program ran successfully.
  • return 0; for success, return 1; for error.

Writing and Running Code

• Use printf to print to console.

  printf("I like pizza");
  

• Add new line with \n.

  printf("I like pizza\nIt's really good");
  

• Running code: Right-click to Run Code or use the Run button in VS Code.
• Error Handling: Example of a typo leading to error.

  print("This will cause an error");
  

Conclusion

• Recap of writing the first C program.
• Teaser for the next video on escape sequences and comments.
• Encouragement to like, comment, and subscribe.