Features of C Language Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Review of previous topics:
  • Introduction to programming
  • Need for programming
  • Basics of C language
  • Low-level vs. High-level languages
  • Language translators: Assemblers, Compilers, Interpreters
• Focus of current lecture: Features of C language

Features of C Language

High-Level Language

• Focuses on program writing, not machine code details
• Uses English words, alphabets, and mathematical notations
• Understandable by humans

Small Language

• Contains only 32 keywords
• Easier to learn compared to languages like C++ and Java

Core Language

• Many languages like C++ and Java are dependent on C

Portable

• Programs can run on different machines with minimal modifications

Built-in Functions and Operators

• Functions already defined in the C library
• Write complex programs using these functions

Structured Language

• Code can be organized into functions
• Supports modular programming
  • Break code into fragments/functions
  • Reduces errors, improves organization

Use of Pointers

• Direct memory access and manipulation
• Store addresses of variables

Extensible Language

• Ability to add user-defined functions to the C library

Fast Compilation and Execution

• Compiled language, generating object code and executable files quickly
• Faster than interpreted languages

Dynamic Memory Allocation

• Supports memory allocation at runtime
• Use of malloc and calloc to allocate memory
• free function to release memory

Case Sensitive

• Differentiates between uppercase and lowercase letters

System Programming

• Used in embedded systems like fridges, microwaves
• Popular for system programming due to its efficiency

Platform Dependent

• Object files are platform dependent
  • Cannot run object files across different operating systems due to different file extensions (e.g., .exe for Windows, .dmg for Mac)

Conclusion

• Overview of the discussed features
• Upcoming topics: Structure of a C program and compilation process

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Next Steps

• Prepare for the next video on C programming structure and compilation process.