In the earlier unit we introduced you to the concepts of problem-solving, especially as they pertain to computer programming. In this unit we present C language - a standardized, industrial-strength programming language known for its power and portability as an implementation vehicle for these problem solving techniques using computer.

A language is a mode of communication between two people. It is necessary for those two people to understand the language in order to communicate. But even if the two people do not understand the same language, a translator can help to convert one language to the other, understood by the second person. Similar to a translator is the mode of communication between a user and a computer is a computer language. One form of the computer language is understood by the user, while in the other form it is understood by the computer. A translator (or compiler) is needed to convert from user’s form to computer’s form. Like other languages, a computer language also follows a particular grammar known as the syntax.

In this unit we will introduce you the basics of programming language C

Objectives

After going through this unit you will be able to:

• define what is a program?
• understand what is a C programming language?
• compile a C program;
• identify the syntax errors;
• run a C program; and
• understand what are run time and logical errors