Perfect 👍
Here’s the point-wise, text-based “C Programming – Concise Notes” (structured like student
notes).
This version is ideal for class use or revision and matches the 50-page style in content density.
🧠 C Programming – Concise Notes
1. Introduction to C
C is a general-purpose, procedural programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie
at Bell Labs (1972).
It is widely used for system programming, embedded systems, and application
software.
Provides low-level memory access and fast execution.
Serves as the foundation for languages like C++, Java, and Python.
Programs are written as functions with a main function controlling execution flow.
Portable and efficient, hence used in compilers, OS kernels, and drivers.
2. Structure of a C Program
Documentation Section → Describes program purpose (comments).
Preprocessor Section → Includes header files (#include <stdio.h>).
Definition Section → Defines constants using #define.
Global Declaration → Declares global variables and functions.
Main Function → Entry point of execution.
Subprograms → User-defined functions for modularity.
Example:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
printf("Hello, World!");
return 0;
}
3. Data Types and Variables
Basic Types: int, float, char, double.
Derived Types: Arrays, Structures, Pointers, Functions.
Enumeration: enum used for symbolic constants.
Void Type: Indicates no return or no parameter.
Storage Classes:
o auto – default for local variables.
o register – stored in CPU for faster access.
o static – retains value between function calls.
o extern – used for global variables across files.
4. Operators in C
Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, %
Relational: ==, !=, <, >, <=, >=
Logical: &&, ||, !
Assignment: =, +=, -=, *=
Bitwise: &, |, ^, <<, >>
Special Operators: sizeof, ?:, comma (,)
5. Control Statements
Decision Making:
o if, if-else, nested if, switch.
Looping:
o for, while, do-while.
Jump Statements:
o break, continue, goto, return.
Example:
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
printf("%d ", i);
}
6. Functions in C
Functions are reusable blocks performing specific tasks.
Syntax:
return_type function_name(parameters) {
// code
}
Advantages:
o Code reusability
o Easier debugging
o Modular programming
Types: Library functions (printf(), scanf()), User-defined functions.
Supports recursion.
7. Arrays and Strings
Array: Collection of similar data types.
o Syntax: int arr[5];
Multidimensional Arrays: Used for tables or matrices.
String: Array of characters ending with '\0'.
o Example: char name[20] = "Kevin";
Common String Functions:
o strcpy(), strlen(), strcmp(), strcat().
8. Pointers
Pointer: Variable that stores the address of another variable.
Declared using * (e.g., int *ptr;).
Address Operator (&): Returns variable’s address.
Dereference Operator (*): Accesses value stored at address.
Uses: Dynamic memory, arrays, strings, function arguments.
NULL Pointer: Points to no valid memory.
9. Structures and Unions
Structure: Collection of variables of different data types.
struct Student {
int id;
char name[50];
};
Union: Shares memory for all members; efficient but stores one value at a time.
Nested Structures: Structure inside another structure.
10. File Handling
Files store data permanently on disk.
Functions:
o fopen(), fclose(), fprintf(), fscanf(), fgets(), fputs().
File Modes:
o "r" – read
o "w" – write
o "a" – append
File Pointer: FILE *fp;
11. Dynamic Memory Allocation
Managed at runtime using <stdlib.h>.
Functions:
o malloc() – allocate memory block.
o calloc() – allocate multiple blocks.
o realloc() – resize block.
o free() – release memory.
Prevents wastage and enables flexible data structures.
12. Preprocessor Directives
Processed before compilation.
Common Directives:
o #include – include files
o #define – macros
o #ifdef / #ifndef – conditional compilation
Example:
#define PI 3.14
13. Advantages of C
Fast and efficient.
Portable and widely available.
Easy to learn and structured.
Ideal for embedded and system-level software.
14. Common Errors
Syntax Errors: Missing semicolons, braces.
Logical Errors: Wrong logic.
Runtime Errors: Division by zero, invalid pointer.
Linker Errors: Undefined functions or libraries.
15. Applications
Operating Systems (UNIX, Linux).
Embedded systems and IoT devices.
Compiler and kernel development.
Network drivers and firmware.
Game engines and simulations.
16. Future & Importance
C remains the foundation of computing.
Core for IoT, microcontrollers, robotics, and AI hardware.
Still in demand due to performance and portability.
