What are the key features of the C programming language?

What are the key features of the C programming language?

The C programming language is known for its efficiency, portability, and low-level access to memory. Key features include:

1. Structured Programming: C supports structured programming, which helps in organizing code.
2. Low-level Access: It allows manipulation of bits, bytes, and addresses, making it suitable for system programming.
3. Portability: C programs can be compiled on different platforms with minimal changes.
4. Rich Library Support: C has a vast standard library that provides numerous built-in functions.
5. Efficiency: C is designed to produce efficient code, making it ideal for performance-critical applications.

Can you explain what structured programming means?

Structured programming is a programming paradigm that emphasizes the use of control structures such as sequences, selections, and iterations to improve the clarity and quality of code. In C, this means using constructs like loops, conditionals, and functions to create a clear flow of control, making the code easier to read, maintain, and debug.

What do you mean by low-level access?

Low-level access refers to the ability to directly manipulate hardware and memory addresses. In C, you can use pointers to access and modify memory locations directly, which allows for fine-tuned control over system resources. This is particularly useful in system programming, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications.

Why is C considered portable?

C is considered portable because its code can be compiled and run on different hardware and operating systems with little to no modification. This is due to the language's standardization, which ensures that C programs adhere to a common set of rules and behaviors, allowing developers to write code that can be easily transferred across various platforms.