In the last tutorial, we got a knack of what a programming language is and we motivated ourselves to learn one, but which language should we learn? If you ask me, I would, without any second thoughts, vote for C. Why? I learned C as my first language, so you should learn it too. Just kidding 😆. I will give you proper reasons why you should consider learning C as your first programming language. So, let’s get into it.
You might have heard of C++, Java, objective-C. These are modern programming languages and many people prefer to write code in these languages. But do you know many of these modern languages are either based on C or heavily influenced by C? The C++ programming language, which is heavily used in the gaming industry, is nothing but the extension of C (that’s why the name C++). Java which is used to develop android apps is heavily influenced by C. Objective-C, which was the main language for developing iOS apps before swift, is the superset of C.
These languages and many other languages are directly or indirectly influenced by C. So, don’t you think learning C first will set the foundation stone for learning other languages? As programmers, we cannot limit ourselves to just one language. If our foundations are strong then we can pick multiple languages with ease. C makes our programming foundations strong, and this is the primary reason I would recommend picking C as your first programming language.
You shouldn’t learn C just to build foundations of programming. You can develop various types of applications with it too including compilers, games, operating systems (at least basic ones), device drivers, etc. C is very efficient and it is still used for developing system software in the industry because it is very close to the hardware of the computer which means programmers can interact and manipulate the hardware of their computer the way they want to achieve their goals.
Many modern programming languages are not that fast or efficient as they are not very close to the hardware. If you want to become a system software developer, then C is an amazing language to go for.
As mentioned, with C, you will work closely with your computer. This is very powerful as you will have all the tools to manipulate the system resources (like memory, Input/output devices) the way you want. You have the power to direct your system to act accordingly. As an example, you can manage your computer’s memory manually with C. You can allocate or deallocate memory whenever you need to. These and many other capabilities are provided to you through C which many languages don’t provide.
If you become proficient in C, then it looks good on your resume and attract potential recruiters. C is still widely used in the industry for developing embedded systems, device drivers, system software, etc. Recruiters may consider you for these roles.
Big tech companies like Google, Intel, Adobe still consider people having good command over C language. If your dream is to work with these companies one day, then C can help you in achieving your dream.
There are huge number of open source projects which are developed using C. Python interpreter, git, Linux kernel, you name it. If you learn C language and become good at it, you would be able to contribute to these open source projects which is very fulfilling. And not to mention, it improves your chances of landing your dream job as this is one of those practical experiences recruiters would love to consider.
There is one thing that I have heard quite a lot of times, and possibly you may have heard it too, that C programming language is old and deprecated. There is no use of C in industry nowadays, no one loves it, blah blah blah. Although, I do agree that it is an old language but this does not make it any lesser than the other languages available in the industry. As mentioned in one of the reasons, C is still widely used in the industry, and even if it is not I still believe you should consider C as your first programming language as it will teach you a hell lot of things about your computer which is the absolute gold for your computer science career.
So, as you are enough motivated to experience this roller coaster ride called C, let’s fasten our seatbelts and get started 💃
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