Use of 'C' Language | Applications of ‘C’ Programming Language

C has emerged as the most widely used programming language for software development. It was originally developed for writing system software.  Being one of the oldest languages, it is still runs the world and it can be used for various purposes. The applications of C is not only limited to the development of system software like Windows or Linux operating system, but also in the development of GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) and, IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). It is widely used for writing application software including word processing, spreadsheets, games, robotics and graphics programs. It is still the most preferred language for programmers and back-end developers.

Some important applications of C programming language are:

Operating System Design:

The first operating system to be developed using a high-level programming language was UNIX, which was designed in the C programming language. Later on, Microsoft Windows and various Android applications were scripted in C. Microsoft’s Windows Kernel, Linux Kernel, Symbian (Nokia), Apple’s OS X kernel (iOS) are mostly written in C.

Embedded Systems:

The C programming language is considered a best choice when it comes to scripting applications and drivers of embedded systems, as it is closely related to the machine hardware. In our daily life, we use different embedded systems like coffee maker, microwaves, climate control systems etc. These all are mostly programmed in C language.

GUI (Graphical User Interface) Design:

One of the most popularly used photo editors, Adobe Photoshop created with the help of C programming language. Furthermore, C was used to develop Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Image Ready.

Development of New Programming Languages:

C directly or indirectly influences the development of many languages including C++, Java, C Python, PHP, PERL, JavaScript, etc. In Python, C is used for building standard libraries. The syntax and control structures of PERL, PHP and C++ are based upon the C programming language.

Browser Design:

 

C is a powerful programming language that can be used to design browsers. Google file system and Google chromium browser were developed using C/C++.The Google Open Source community has a large number of projects being handled using C/C++. Since Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird were open-source email client projects, they were written in C/C++.

 

Database Design:

We can also design databases using C. The C programming language helps in developing the popular database management system, MySQL, MySQL Server, Oracle etc.

Compiler Design:

One of the most popular applications of the C programming language is the creation of compilers. Most of the modern programming language compilers are made in C. Several popular compilers such as Bloodshed Dev-C, Clang C, MinGW, Apple C etc were designed using C.

Gaming and Animation:

Because the C programming language is based on a compiler and is thus far quicker than Python or Java, it has gained popularity in the game industry. C language is often used to code games for smart phones like Android or iOS. Some of the simplest games are coded in C such as Tic-Tac-Toe, Chess, Bouncing ball, Pong, Minesweeper, the Dino game, the Snake game and many more.