One of the oldest programming languages still in use today, C currently ranks as the 12th most popular language among developers, according to the 2021 Stack Overflow survey. Developed by Dennis Ritchie, the programming language was released in 1978 to support the newest version of Unix at that time. The language quickly grew in popularity.
Despite its relatively old age, C still remains widely used. It’s a general-purpose language that has many different applications and is still considered a powerful solution. Many top companies around the world continue to use it, along with other languages in the C family, such as C++ and C#.
C Developers Hiring guide
A procedural programming language combining features of high- and low-level languages, C was originally developed to be used within UNIX operating systems. Today, this general-purpose language is applied to operating systems like Windows, along with additional programs, software, and systems.
At its time of release, C quickly became extremely popular, ultimately replacing other language standards that are no longer in use today, such as ALGOL.
Some benefits of C include:
- Flexibility
- Simplicity
- Machine independence
- Low-level memory access
- Simple keywords
- Memory allocation
- Portability
- Access to a large community and huge libraries
C is also the basis of several other languages, including those in the so-called “C family,” like C++ and C#. Software developers who know C can easily grasp its offspring languages and will have the building blocks for additional languages.
Is C popular?
Although C isn’t as popular as it once was, it’s still widely used for the creation of a number of products. And because it is the basis of several other programming languages, many software developers continue to have it in their arsenals. In fact, it’s generally assumed that a seasoned developer will know C.
As of 2019, C and C++ had around 6.3 million users. Meanwhile, C# was slightly more popular, with 6.7 million users. C# is the newest iteration of the 3 and has been steadily gaining widespread use.
Interview Questions
C programming language, revered for its efficiency and control, continues to be a popular choice due to its numerous advantages. Originating in the early 1970s, C has exerted a significant influence on the computer programming landscape, underpinning many modern languages and applications. Its versatility stretches from embedded systems to large-scale software applications, owing to its unique combination of simplicity, utility, and adaptability. Below are some of the prominent benefits that make C enduringly relevant in the ever-evolving realm of programming:
- Foundational Influence: C forms the syntactical and structural basis for many subsequent programming languages, including C++, C#, and Objective-C, making the transition to these languages more intuitive for those familiar with C.
- Versatility in Applications: The use of C spans a multitude of applications, from embedded systems and operating systems to software engineering for computing infrastructure.
- Structured Programming: C promotes the use of a structured approach, facilitating organized, logical blocks of code for better readability and maintainability.
- Simplified Debugging and Testing: The testing process in C is straightforward, which helps in detecting errors during the development phase, simplifying debugging.
- Mid-level Language: C is considered a middle-level language, offering the functionalities of both low-level hardware-oriented languages and high-level user-oriented languages.
- Simplicity: Despite its powerful capabilities, C is a simple language with a minimalistic set of keywords and straightforward syntax, making it easier to understand.
- Portability: Programs written in C are portable and can run on any machine with a few or no modifications.
- Efficiency: C language is highly efficient, utilizing minimal processing resources and producing speedy execution.
- Rich Library: C includes a rich library of built-in functions, significantly enhancing its capabilities.
- Dynamic Memory Allocation: In C, features like pointers allow dynamic memory allocation and deallocation, offering efficient memory management.
- Open Source and Modifiable: C’s open-source nature allows programmers to modify or extend the language as required, fostering a collaborative environment and continuous improvement.
- Security: C provides a relatively secure coding environment with features to restrict access to sensitive data in the system.
- Ease of Learning: With its clear syntax and a minimalistic keyword set, C is relatively easy to learn for new programmers, making it an excellent starting point for many.
C’s diverse advantages underscore its sustained prevalence in programming, affirming that it continues to be a valuable skill in the toolkit of any software developer or engineer.
For what types of software is C best used?
C is used for a wide variety of programs, systems, and applications. It’s often the language behind:
- Operating systems
- Desktop applications
- Mobile applications
- Browsers and their extensions
- Debuggers
- Databases
- Enterprise applications
- Embedded systems
- Graphics
- Games
- IoT applications
- Compilers
These are just some of the ways C is used. There are many additional applications.
What do we mean by the C family of languages?
As a relatively old language — a “grandfather” or “godfather” language, according to some — C is the basis of several other languages. Some of these, like C++ and C#, belong to what is known as the “C family.” While C is in many ways the originator of other important languages, the C family shares certain characteristics and commonalities that aren’t found in these other languages.
What are the basic data types in C?
C has 4 types of data: basic, derived, enumeration, and void. Variables within C each have a data type, requiring different amounts of memory.
Basic data types include:
- Char
- Double
- Float
- Int
Job Description
We are currently looking for a highly skilled software developer who will work primarily with C, along with other languages, to build a variety of programs, systems, and applications. They will work closely with other developers and colleagues in additional departments to design, build, and test these solutions, as well as document their efforts and provide guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Write programs and systems, primarily in C
- Unit test and debug all software
- Meet with stakeholders to gather, review, and research requirements
- Communicate and work closely with other team members to ensure quality
- Thoroughly document programming efforts
- Ensure high standards, while completing projects in a timely manner
- Improve existing software
- Identify and implement ways to improve existing procedures
Skills and Qualifications
- At least 6 years of experience working with C
- Knowledge of additional languages, including Python, Java, PHP, Go, C++, and C#, and associated libraries and frameworks like .NET
- At least 8 years of software development experience
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Strong communication, interpersonal, time-management, and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with data structures
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, information technology, or a related field
