Getting Started with C (2024)

C is a powerful general-purpose programming language known for its efficiency and flexibility. It's commonly used in system programming, embedded systems, and creating high-performance applications.

To start coding in C, you need to install a C compiler on your device. However, if you want to get started quickly, you can use our free online C compiler that allows you to run code on your browser—no installation required.

Now, for those who prefer to use C on your computer, one of the most popular C compilers is GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), which is available for various platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Follow this guide which will teach you to install C on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu).

Windows

Mac

Linux

Install C on Windows

To install a C programming environment on Windows, you'll need two main components:

  • VS Code: A text editor to write your code,
  • MinGW: A compiler that turns your C code into an executable program.

Follow the steps below to install C on Windows:

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Download MinGW Compiler
  3. Run the installer
  4. Add MinGW to System PATH
  5. Install C/C++ Extension in VS Code

Here's a detailed explanation of each of the steps.

Step 1: Install VS Code

Go to the VS Code Official website and download the Windows installer. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the installation process.

Click Finish to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Download MinGW Compiler

Visit the official MinGW website and download the MinGW installation manager.

Getting Started with C (1)

Step 3: Run the Installer

Now, go to your downloads folder and run the installer you just downloaded. You will be prompted to this screen.

Getting Started with C (2)

Click on Continue and wait till the download is completed.

Include gcc-core package

During installation, you will be prompted to select the components to install. Mark mingw32-base for installation, click on installation and apply changes.

Getting Started with C (3)

This will include the gcc-core package, which contains the GCC compiler for C.

Step 4: Add MinGW to System PATH

Go to the folder and double click on the MinGW folder and copy its location.

C:\MinGW\bin

Search environment variable on the terminal. In system properties, click on environment variables. You will be prompted to the screen below.

Getting Started with C (4)

Then, find the Path variable in the System variables section and click on Edit. Click New and add the path to the bin directory within your MinGW installation (i.e. C:\MinGW\bin)

FInally, close all the dialogues with the Ok button.

Step 5: Install C/C++ Extension in VS Code

Open VS Code and click on Extensions in the left side of the window.

Then, search for C/C++ by Microsoft in the Extensions and click on install.

Getting Started with C (5)

Now, you are all set to run C code inside your VS Code.

Note: Alternatively, you can use IDEs like Code::Blocks or Visual Studio, which come with their own C compilers.

and this is a code block

Install C on macOs

To install C on your Mac, you'll need two main components:

  • VS Code: A text editor to write your code,
  • Clang: A default compiler in macOS that turns your C code into an executable program.

Follow the steps below to install C on macOS,

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Install C Extension
  3. Check for C Compiler

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the steps:

Step 1: Install VS Code

Go to the VS Code official website and download the zipped file. Once the download is complete, open the zipped file.

In Finder, open a new window and navigate to the Applications folder. To install the VS Code application from the zip file, drag it into the Applications folder.

You can now launch VS Code directly from the Applications folder.

Step 2: Install C Extension

Open VS Code and click on the Extension in the right side of the screen. Search for C/C++ by Microsoft in the Extensions and click on install.

Getting Started with C (6)

Step 3: Check for C Compiler

The macOS generally comes with Clang installed on it, which can be used as a C compiler. You can verify its installation by typing the following command in the terminal.

clang --version
Getting Started with C (7)

If the output on your screen does not match the screenshot above showing the version of Clang, you may need to install Xcode Command Line Tools. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal

xcode-select --install

Now, you are all set to run C code inside your VS Code.

Install C on Linux

Linux has various distributions, and the installation process differs slightly from each other. For now, we will focus on Ubuntu distribution.

To run a C program in Linux, we need two main components:

  • VS Code: A text editor to write your code.
  • GCC: A compiler that turns your C code into an executable program.

Follow the steps below to install C on your Ubuntu system:

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Install GCC

Step 1: Install VS Code

Open the Terminal and type

sudo apt update 

This ensures the software packages are up to date.

Proceed to install VS Code with

sudo snap install code --classic 
Getting Started with C (8)

Step 2: Install GCC

Install GCC and other essential build tools with

sudo apt install build-essential 
Getting Started with C (9)

This package includes GCC and the utilities needed for compiling software.

Run Your First C Program

First open VS Code, click on the File in the top menu and then select New File.

Getting Started with C (10)

Then, save this file with a .c extension by clicking on File again, then Save As, and type your filename ending in .c. (Here, we are saving it as hello.c)

Now, write the following code into your file:

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

Then click on the run button on the top right side of your screen.

Getting Started with C (11)

You should see Hello World printed to the command prompt.

For Linux System

Instead of the run button as in Windows and macOS, you should follow the following steps to run your C program on Linux.

In Terminal, navigate to your file's directory, and compile with

gcc hello.c -o hello

After compiling successfully, you'll see a new file named hello (or hello.exe on Windows) in the same directory.

Run your program using

./hello 

Congratulations! You've written and executed your first C program.

Now that you have set everything up to run C programs on your computer, you'll be learning how the basic program works in C in the next tutorial.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Install C on Windows
  • Install C on macOs
  • Install C on Linux
  • Run Your First C Program
Getting Started with C (2024)

FAQs

How to start C for beginners? ›

Get Started With C

To start using C, you need two things: A text editor, like Notepad, to write C code. A compiler, like GCC, to translate the C code into a language that the computer will understand.

Is C OK for beginners? ›

Learning C is a worthwhile endeavor – no matter your starting point or aspirations – because it builds a solid foundation in the skills you will need for the rest of your programming career.

Is C hard for beginners? ›

C is a powerful and versatile programming language that is still widely used today. It is a good choice for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn and it teaches you the fundamentals of programming.

What is the hardest part of learning C? ›

The hardest part about learning C is to understand not only what undefined behavior is, but also grasp why it happens, and why it exists as a concept. I would say pointers, references, and pointer arithmetic.

How to remember C programs easily? ›

Use mnemonic devices: Create mnemonic devices or visual aids to associate code syntax with something memorable. For example, you can come up with acronyms, funny phrases, or mental images that link to specific code patterns or keywords. Apply spaced repetition: Practice regularly, but spread it out over time.

How many days to learn C? ›

Learning C programming takes different amounts of time: If you're new, it can take at least three months. If you know other languages, maybe a month or two. If you're an experienced programmer, it could be just a few weeks.

Is C harder than Python? ›

Python is easier than C to learn. But C helps to learn the fundamentals of programming while Python focuses on doing the job. Because Python is made in C doesn't mean you need to learn it.

Is Python or C better for beginners? ›

C language will make you learn basics and core of the programming. But if you wanna get stuff done ASAP, I'd say go for Python as it has easier syntax, you wont have to declare main function every time you write a program. For the same problem python source code smaller as compared to C source code.

How to learn C in 1 week? ›

Here are a few steps you can take to get started: Start with the basics: Learn about data types, variables, operators, control structures, and functions. Understanding these concepts will help you write basic C programs. Practice: Practice writing simple programs using the concepts you've learned.

How long does it take to learn C ++=? ›

If you are a beginner with no programming experience, you should expect it to take at least three months to learn the basics. If you have programmed before, it may only take you a month or two.

What is a good way to learn C? ›

The best way to learn C programming language is by opting for the best courses available in the market. And also being consistent in learning it in-depth and practicing it on a daily basis.

How to learn C-sharp quickly? ›

C# Tutorial
  1. Examples in Each Chapter. Our "Try it Yourself" editor makes it easy to learn C#. You can edit C# code and view the result in your browser. ...
  2. Learn by Examples. Learn by examples! This tutorial supplements all explanations with clarifying examples. ...
  3. C# Quiz. Learn by taking a quiz!

Why is C so tough? ›

The C language is less forgiving syntactically and requires significantly more awareness and concentration in regards to putting things in order. Memory management and garbage collection is handled manually whereas other languages have automatic garbage collection.

What is the hardest computer program to learn? ›

Some of the most difficult languages to learn are:
  • Haskell.
  • INTERCAL.
  • BrainF**K.
  • WhiteSpace.
  • Malbolge.
  • COW.
  • C++
Mar 27, 2024

Which is the hardest topic in C language? ›

The toughest are:
  • 3 and above dimensional arrays.
  • Array of pointers.
  • File handling.
  • Structures.
  • Functions as arguments to other functions.
  • Recursion.
  • Pre-processor directives.
  • Dynamic memory allocation.
Sep 7, 2015

How can I learn C quickly? ›

Understand the type of data that you are working with, such as whether it's an integer or a character. C is based on data types, so understanding this characteristic is the foundation for writing programs that work well. Learn the operators. Operators are symbols that tell the compiler program what to do.

How do I start practicing C language? ›

Best practices for beginners starting with C programming exercises:
  1. Start with easy codes.
  2. Practice consistently.
  3. Be creative.
  4. Think before you code.
  5. Learn from mistakes.
  6. Repeat!
Jan 2, 2024

Which C language should I learn first? ›

C# While C is one of the more difficult languages to learn, it's still an excellent first language pick up because almost all programming languages are implemented in it. This means that once you learn C, it'll be simple to learn more languages like C++ and C#.

References

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