C language is a structure oriented programming language,was developed at Bell Laboratories in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie. C language features were derived from earlier language called “B” (Basic Combined Programming Language – BCPL. C language was invented for implementing UNIX operating system In 1978, Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan published the first edition “The C Programming Language” and commonly known as K&R C

         In 1983, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established a committee to provide a modern, comprehensive definition of C. The resulting definition, the ANSI standard, or “ANSI C”, was completed late 1988.

 

Features of C language:

• Reliability

• Portability

• Flexibility

• Interactivity

• Modularity

• Efficiency

• Effectiveness

 

Uses of C language:

• ​Database systems

• Graphics packages

• Word processors

• Spread sheets

• Operating system development

• Compilers and Assemblers

• Network drivers

• Interpreters

​

Key points to remember:​

• ​C language is structured, middle level programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie

• Operating system programs such as Windows, Unix, Linux are wriiten by C language

• C89/C90 and C99 are two standardized editions of C language

• C has been written in assembly language