The C language is probably older than most of its users today. It first began in 1972, when the UNIX operating system started developing. The main objective of its creation was to achieve the tasks with minimum lines of code. In 1977, the Oracle database development began, and the code was rewritten in C in 1983. Right now, it is one of the most popular databases. Finally, in 1985, the world saw the rise of Windows. Windows 1.0 came into being, and experts state that the kernel was written in C. (Note: the source code of Windows 1.0 is not publicly accessible). The development of the Linux kernel began in 1991, and it relied heavily on the C language. In 1992, it became a part of the GNU operating system.
There might be many computer languages existent today, but C is the king of them all. It is the most popular and widely used language in the world. You will now come across multiple OSx and microcontrollers running on C. Some of the most advanced scientific and complex operating systems use it in their source code. Since it is the most widely accepted computer language, it has helped in the globalization of many critical technologies. Even when multiple users or developers do not share the same verbal language, they can understand each other’s ideas in C. If you want to learn c programming, refer to the best C tutorials recommended by the programming community Hackr.io.
Where can you find the contributions of the language in your life?
Saying that the world is powered by C is not overstating its utility in the modern world. Some of the most widely used operating systems today use this language. You could say that millions enjoy the benefits of C language programming without realizing it every day.
Microsoft Windows
Although the source code of Windows is still not publicly available, it is common knowledge that the kernel is written in C. World’s favorite operating system. About 90% of the OSx-market share is currently running on a C language-based kernel.
Mobile
We use smartphones to get updates on the world, but little do most of us know that C. iOS, Windows power it, and Android kernels draw them (seemingly) unlimited power from C language-based kernels. Well, figuring it out is easy for those who know they run on the mobile adaptations of Linux, Mac OS, and Windows.
Linux
Since its beginning, Linux has shared a close relationship with C. Did you know? Today, about 97% of the world’s 500 most powerful computers are powered by the Linux kernel we mentioned initially. You might even be using it on your personal computer right now.
Databases
Multiple leading databases use C language. You have either used one or at least heard of some of the most popular ones. Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MS SQL Server use C. Oracle, MySQL, and MS SQL Server use C and C++. These databases are used for all kinds of websites and systems, including finance, media, entertainment, education, health, retail, and social networking.
3D movies
Interestingly, most 3D movies begin with applications based on C and C++. Since C has made it possible to execute standard tasks with fewer code lines, the need for fast and efficient applications is satiated by these C-based applications. During the creation, 3D movies must go through extensive processing involving mammoth data volumes. These C-language applications can handle the processing of the data at a lightning-fast speed. They help save a fortune by hastening the processing and rendering the process.
Embedded systems
Are you thinking of setting your alarm clock 20 minutes late so you can grab some extra sleep? The alarm clock is powered by C, and the coffee maker and the microwave are all embedded systems. All embedded systems you come across daily, including your washing machine, dishwasher, digital camera, car alarm, air conditioning, and TV, are powered by C. In short, even if you are not a programmer or a daily computer user, you have made your acquaintance with C without knowing it. And if you ever want to escape coming across anything powered by C, you will have to crawl inside a cave and live there forever.
Why do we love C programming so much?
We love C due to its diversity and flexibility. It is the Captain Marvel of all programming languages. There is nothing C cannot do. If there is something that no other programming language can do, you should give it a try. More complex and powerful languages allow programmers to access built-in libraries to simplify the development process. Still, C programming has a nascent charm that is impossible to deny. The wide acceptance of C has added to the simplicity of the whole development process. A greater part of the world is currently running on C, and it is quite impossible to replace the perfectly running systems with something else that is complex and less popular.