"C is not really a lifeless computer language. The truth is, IEEE Spectrum publication positioned it as the No. 2 leading language in 2017 prior to Java, C#, and JavaScript."

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In 2016, C was the 9th most productive computer language on GitHub with 202,000 pull demands in the year. Differentiate that to the peak three languages: JavaScript 1,604K pull needs, Java with 763K pull requests, and Python with 744K pull needs. Ruby, PHP, C, and CSS also surpass C.

Initially, it might appear like C had been left behind in the durt by modern, brisker, a lot more thrilling languages – C is 45 years of age, in the end – but GitHub is not precisely the most precise image in the software program sector. GitHub carries a massive prejudice to open source and trendiness.

C is not really a lifeless computer language. The truth is, IEEE Spectrum publication positioned it as the No. 2 leading language in 2017 prior to Java, C#, and JavaScript. If you decide to learn C this current year, it will not a total waste of your time and efforts or energy.

Reasons Why C Programming Is Still Worth Learning

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Allow me to share the several reasons why:

1. Pick Up Other Languages Easier

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Some computer programmers want to state that “once you know a single programming computer language, you basically know every one of them.” Although a motivating sentiment, it is not really real – except if you learn C.

The truth is, shifting from a single computer language to a different is smoothest if you progress up in abstraction. Moving from the lower-level language like C into a higher-level language like Python is pretty simple due to the fact that Python keeps your hands far more. But heading from Python to C? Not too effortless.

Or think about yet another instance. C# is really a well-known first computer language for rookies nowadays, particularly for individuals who would like to get into video game development (for the reason that cherished Unity engine utilizes C#). But although the C# language is very abstracted and simpler to make use of, beginners frequently get puzzled since they do not fully grasp what is simply being abstracted.

By learning C, you are basically learning the foundations of contemporary coding. Whenever you can truly comprehend C, you will be capable to grab some other language due to the fact that just about any present-day language is higher-level than C.

2. Deeper Understanding of Computers

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You may have heard that C is a “lower-level computer language.” Within the framework of programming, the “level” is actually an explanation of how near you happen to be towards the computer’s native instruction sets. The less level, the nearer you will be to coding machine program code. The higher the level, the greater number of abstraction is carried out through the language for taking you far from writing machine code.

C is actually a lower-level computer language with a few abstraction. It is possible to code that is pretty near to the computer hardware and straight manipulation memory, while inside a higher-level language like Java, the language alone manages memory by way of a trash collector.

Although this is an element of the thing that makes C challenging to learn, it is also why C computer programmers tend to be on track with how computers function. To be able to code good C code, you need to think just like a computer thinks: memory management, input/output streams, byte order, and so on.

Lower level computer languages than C are out there (e.g. Assembly), but C is all about as low level as you will desire to go. It keeps the majority of the energy and power over lower-level languages but is abstracted adequately for human-readable program code that will not cause you to rip your eyeballs out.

3. Better Appreciation of Other Languages

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The low-levelness of C will come with a price: intricacy and tedium.

Look at it like creating a ham sandwich. In the higher-level language, you may work with a makeSandwich(“ham”) approach that creates a ready-to-eat sandwich. In C, you would need to write your personal makeSandwich() function that collects and readies all of the required substances, assembles the sandwich, then places almost everything back again.

On one side, having the ability to manage every part of your sandwich is wonderful. You may even have the capacity to code a quicker makeSandwich() that skips specific actions which you never worry about. But occasionally you merely want somebody to help you a sandwich, and meals designed for you usually tastes a lot better than foods you produce on your own.

Most present-day computer languages had been given birth to in response to mistakes in yet another language: C in reaction to C, Java in response to C, C# responding to Java, and so forth. By learning C, it is possible to much better realize why particular languages are made the way they are and much better value the benefit provided by higher-level languages.

4. Improve Your Job Opportunities

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The two ways to ensure employment from the software sector:

Specialize in higher-level demand jobs.
Specialize in lower-level supply jobs.
High-demand jobs include fashionable computer languages which can be used in several job areas: JavaScript, Python, and Java are the most useful instances. Low-supply jobs have a tendency to entail archaic computer languages, legacy systems, rather than-as-flashy jobs. C is preferred, but C programmers are diminishing.

Since the majority of programming boot camps and internet-based courses push novice programmers in the direction of high-demand languages, you can establish yourself aside by learning C as an alternative. This could open several job opportunities which simply are not offered in higher-level languages.

5. Unconventional Projects and Applications

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Most modern-day programming languages can be used as exactly the same three stuff: enterprise applications, website and mobile phone applications, and data analysis.

Higher-level computer languages are ideal for these since there is no reason to plunge into the nitty-gritty specifics of computer architectures. Rather, fast development periods and sturdy hand-holding reign ruler – a pair of the primary advantages employing a higher-level language.

But in order to produce a software program that immediately interfaces with computer hardware, you will require a lower-level language – and C is the most employed. Noteworthy applications consist of operating systems, programming languages and compilers, inlayed systems, video game engines, and many others.

For instance, the Linux Kernel is written in C and Assembly. Well-liked languages like Python, PHP, Perl, and Ruby are carried out in C. Are you aware that even C is written in C? And because a lot of embedded systems have tough resource limitations, C is usually the language of preference since it has hardly any overhead.

Rookie Trying Out C

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C can be difficult to learn, particularly if it is your first ever coding language. That is why I suggest reading my three posts: things to ask oneself just before learning code, the best way to learn to program with no anxiety, and techniques for perfecting a brand new programming language.

However, if you are seriously interested in learning C, certainly begin with C Programming Language, 2nd Edition (also known as “K & R”). it is simply the C programming holy bible. It is quite aged, but all things in it pertain to C nowadays. As soon as you are through, look for the modifications that took place the C89, C99, and C11 language.

In the event you cannot afford to pay for that book, then begin with The C Book. It is no more in print, but nonetheless available on the internet in HTML form in its entirety.

What is your opinion? Is C out-of-date and worthless or must new programmers continue to learn it prior to they check out far more contemporary languages? Share your ideas with us underneath!