C Programming Fundamentals | Online Course | Part 1 | Introduction | Ft. Ajay Basil (TBI,ASIET)

Introduction

This tutorial serves as an introduction to C programming fundamentals, designed for beginners. Hosted by Ajay Basil from Edwhere Education, this course aims to provide both practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for understanding C programming. Whether you are a student at Kerala Technological University or someone looking to delve into programming, this guide will help you grasp the foundational concepts that will be covered in the course.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of C Programming

• What is C Programming?

  • C is a high-level programming language that is widely used for system programming and embedded systems.
  • It is known for its efficiency and control over system resources.

• Key Concepts to Learn

  • Syntax: The rules that define the combinations of symbols that are considered to be correctly structured programs.
  • Data Types: Understand the different data types like int, float, char, etc.
  • Operators: Learn about arithmetic, relational, and logical operators.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

• Choose an IDE or Text Editor

  • Popular options include:
    • Code::Blocks
    • Dev-C++
    • Visual Studio Code

• Install a C Compiler

  • Use GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) for compiling your C programs.
  • Ensure that your compiler is properly set up within your IDE.

• Create a Sample Program

  • Write a simple "Hello, World!" program to test your setup:

    #include <stdio.h>
    
    int main() {
        printf("Hello, World!\n");
        return 0;
    }
    

Step 3: Learn About Functions

• Understanding Functions

  • Functions are blocks of code that perform a specific task.
  • Every C program must have a main function where execution starts.

• Creating Functions

  • Define a function using the following structure:

    return_type function_name(parameters) {
        // function body
    }
    

  • Example of a simple function:

    int add(int a, int b) {
        return a + b;
    }
    

Step 4: Control Structures

• Conditional Statements

  • Use if, else if, and else to perform different actions based on conditions.

    if (condition) {
        // code to execute if condition is true
    }
    

• Loops

  • Familiarize yourself with for, while, and do while loops to execute code multiple times.

    for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
        // code to execute
    }
    

Step 5: Arrays and Strings

• Understanding Arrays

  • An array is a collection of variables of the same type.
  • Example of declaring and using an array:

    int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    

• Working with Strings

  • Strings in C are arrays of characters terminated by a null character (\0).
  • Example of string declaration:

    char name[20] = "Hello";
    

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will build a solid foundation in C programming. Start by understanding the core concepts, setting up your development environment, and practicing with sample programs. Continue to explore functions, control structures, arrays, and strings as you progress through the course. Each topic will contribute to your overall understanding and ability to write effective C programs. For your next steps, consider exploring advanced topics or practical projects to apply what you've learned.