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Expert C Programming Day1

The document explains the process of how a C program runs, detailing the steps from writing code in a .c file to the compilation process involving preprocessing, compiling, assembling, and linking. It describes the memory layout of a C program, highlighting where variables are stored, specifically noting that variables declared in the main() function are stored in the stack. Key takeaways include the role of the main() function, the compiler's function, and the memory layout components.

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OM YADAV
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68 views3 pages

Expert C Programming Day1

The document explains the process of how a C program runs, detailing the steps from writing code in a .c file to the compilation process involving preprocessing, compiling, assembling, and linking. It describes the memory layout of a C program, highlighting where variables are stored, specifically noting that variables declared in the main() function are stored in the stack. Key takeaways include the role of the main() function, the compiler's function, and the memory layout components.

Uploaded by

OM YADAV
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Super Expert C Programming Course - Day 1: How a C Program Runs (Made Simple)

When you write a simple C program like this:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {

int x = 5;

printf("%d\n", x);

return 0;

You hit Run, and it shows 5. But what really happened?

Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Run a C Program?

1. You Write Code (.c file)

Your code goes into a .c file - it's human-readable.

2. The Compiler Works Its Magic

GCC (or any C compiler) turns your code into machine language in steps:

- Preprocessing - handles #include, #define

- Compiling - turns code into assembly

- Assembling - turns assembly into machine code

- Linking - connects your code with built-in functions (like printf)

This makes an executable file - like a.exe on Windows or a.out on Linux.


3. You Run the Program - Memory is Allocated

The OS gives your program memory to run. Here's a simple memory layout:

Stack - your function variables (like int x = 5)

Heap - used when you use malloc/free

Globals - variables you declare outside main()

Code - your actual C code

So Where is int x = 5; Stored?

Inside the main() function, x is stored in the stack - temporary memory used during function

execution.

BSS (Optional)

Stores uninitialized global/static variables. Example:

int a; // BSS

int b = 5; // Data segment

Summary - Key Takeaways for Today

main() function - Starting point of the program

int x = 5; - Stored in stack memory

Compiler - Translates .c to .exe

Memory Layout - Stack (local), Heap (malloc), Code, Global

printf() - Comes from a library, connected during linking

Your First Expert Assignment:


1. What are the 4 steps of the compilation process?

2. Where is a variable declared inside main() stored?

3. What is the purpose of the stack in a C program?

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