CProgram

CProgram refers to a program written in the C programming language. In general, a C program is a collection of source files that, when compiled and linked, forms an executable that runs on a computer. C programs are used to implement a wide range of software, from system utilities to applications, with emphasis on efficiency and low-level control.

C was developed at Bell Labs in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie. Over time it has evolved through standards such as C89/C90, C99, C11, C17, and the ongoing C23 effort. The language emphasizes portability, performance, and the ability to operate close to the hardware, while providing a standard library to support common tasks.

A C program typically consists of source files with .c extensions, header files with .h, preprocessor directives, function definitions, and a main function that serves as the program’s entry point. Programs may include library calls, user input handling, and data processing logic, often organized into modules.

The usual build process involves preprocessing, compiling, assembling, and linking. Common toolchains include GCC, Clang, and MSVC, often aided by build systems such as Make, CMake, or autotools. Modern development may also involve integrated development environments and debugging tools.

C provides procedural programming, direct memory access through pointers, and a standard library that includes input/output, string handling, and mathematical routines. It requires careful memory management, as errors can cause crashes or security vulnerabilities.

C programs are widely used in systems programming, embedded devices, performance-critical software, and education. While highly portable when written with standard libraries, portability may vary with compiler behavior and platform-specific features.