There are different types of programming languages that one can learn and even specialize on. Different languages are designed to achieve different goals. Whether you are an experienced programmer or you are new in this game, there is one language that you should never overlook. That is C programming language. It is always advisable for any programmer to learn C.
I am not saying that other languages are of less importance than C. It is important to know that there are different types of programmers. There are those that just want to get the basics of a language so that they can build a functional system. On the other hand, there are those who want to get to the backbone of programming. With the core skills, you will be able to handle any programming challenge that is thrown at you.
So, where do you belong? In this article, I am addressing those who desire to be core programmers. It is important for them to learn C. Here are the main reasons why every programmer should learn C.
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C builds a strong foundation of programming
As a middle-level language, C is always viewed as the perfect foundation of programming. This explains why some people tend to call it a core language. This is because it is much closer to the compilers operating the system and even interpreters. This means that you will not just learn how to program. Instead, you will line how that program is executed on a computer. You will understand the essentials of programming such as memory mapping.
For other languages such as Python and even Java, you will not be fully exposed to the fundamentals of programming. Instead, you will start utilizing libraries and frameworks. C has very few libraries meaning that you will be forced to stick to the semantics of programming. In doing so, you will end up becoming a hardcore programmer.
C will train you to be a disciplined programmer
With very few libraries and frameworks to utilize, you will have no other option but to code everything manually. The cryptic nature of C means that you are likely to write hard-to-read codes. Sometimes these codes can be difficult to maintain. You need to be extremely disciplined in order to write codes that can be easily maintained in C.
It requires lots of discipline to fix syntax errors in C. For other languages such as ADA, locating a problem can be quite an easy task. In fact, the compiler can fix the error for you. For C, you will be introduced into a completely different arena that is not for the faint-hearted. Just locating a particular issue, no matter how small it is won’t be a walk in the park.
Also, Read: D Programming – The Most Underrated Programming Language
Efficient coding
The speed and compactness of C will require you to write efficient codes. These are codes that can be easily executed by the processor. You will then transfer this essential skill to other languages such as Java.
Minimal distractions
C language will force you to stick to procedural programming. You won’t be distracted by various concepts of object-oriented programming such as inheritance. Although OOP has its critical role to play, you will be better off if you start with procedural. Once you are good at it, you will have an easy time learning object-oriented programming.
Embedded programming
The goal of programming is to come up with software that will be able to do some task. While any language can do that, there is something special with C. It is one of the primary languages for embedded programming. This simply means that it can be used to control the operation of hardware.
C is versatile
Another reason why a programmer should learn C is its versatility. With C you can literally survive anywhere. The language is not limited by the operating system, compilers drivers. This is because of its ability to interact directly with the system resources.
With C, you can program different hardware devices such as robots and even some electronic appliances in your house. The thrill that comes with such achievements is immense. Although other languages such as C++ and Java can still achieve this goal, C language is still considered the king of hardware programming.
I hope that the reasons that I have stated are enough to convince you to learn C programming. Do you have any other reasons? Let me know on the comment section.
