First C Program

Before starting with the C programming language you need to learn how to write, compile and run the first c program.

we will learn to create the first C program and then will understand its structure. First of all, let's have a look at how to write a simple and basic Hello World program in C language. Let's get started.

To write the first c program, open the C console and write the following code:

#include <stdio.h>    

int main(){    

printf("Hello C Language");    

return 0;   

}  

To run the above code on your local machine, you will have to install a C language compiler on your Computer/Laptop. 

• #include <stdio.h> includes the standard input output library functions.
• The printf() function is defined in stdio.h .
• int main() The main() function is the entry point of every program in c language.
• printf() The printf() function is used to print data on the console.
• return 0 The return 0 statement, returns execution status to the OS. The 0 value is used for successful execution and 1 for unsuccessful execution.

Understanding Structure of the C Program

Given below are some of the different parts of a C Program:

1. Pre-processor
2. Header file
3. main() function
4. Variables in C
5. Statements & expressions in C

 these are essential parts of a C language program.

Pre-processor:-

The #include is the first statement of any C program. It is known as a pre-processor. The task of a pre-processor is to initialize the environment of the program, i.e. to link the program with the header files required.

Header file:-

A Header file is a set or collection of built-in(readymade) functions, which we can directly use in our program.

Header files contain definitions of the functions which can be used in any C program by using pre-processor #include statement along with the name of the header file.

The main() Function:-

The main() function is a function that must be there in every C program.

Everything inside this function in a C program will be executed, hence the actual logic or the code is always written inside the main() function.

The printf() Function:-

The printf() is a function that is used to print(show) anything on the console as output. This function is defined in the stdio.h header file, which we have included in our C program.

 Return Statement:-

A return statement is used to return a response to the caller function. It is generally the last statement of any C language function.

Semicolon:-

It is important to note that every statement in C should end with a semicolon(;). If you miss adding any semicolon, the compiler will give an error.

How to compile and run the c program

There are 2 ways to compile and run the c program, by menu and by shortcut.

By menu

Now click on the compile menu then compile sub menu to compile the c program.

Then click on the run menu then run sub menu to run the c program.

By shortcut

Or, press ctrl+f9 keys compile and run the program directly.

Escape sequence in C Programming

 Escape sequences are the characters which are not printed. The \ backslash is 

Escape sequence	Description
\n	Newline. This will place a cursor on the beginning of the second line.
\t	Tab. This will insert horizontal tab.
\\	Backslash. Insert backslash in a string.
\a	Alert. This will signify alert sign or sound without changing the  position of cursor called escape character.