PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

University of the City of Manila

Intramuros, Manila

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEARNING C LANGUAGE FOR PROGRAMMERS AND

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

A library research paper submitted in partial fulfillment for the subject: Technical
Communication

by:

Carl Irvin Espineda

Kevin Laguitan

Ericka Gonzales

Mervilyn Gonzales

Celestine Neri Pongasi

BSCS-IT, 2nd year, Blk. 2

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Introduction

Background of the Study

There are lots of programming language that had been invented throughout the years, and
one of them is the C language. Perry (1993) says that C is a general-purpose, structured
programming language that can be used for a broad variety of programming task. It resembles
other high-level structured programming languages like Pascal and Modulu-2, nonetheless, C
involves features that enable programmers to use it at a lower level, making it as a bridge
between the gap of machine language and high-level structured language. Meanwhile, according
to the inventor of the language Ritchie, and his co-writer Kernighan (1998), C is a programming
language which features economy of expression, modern control flow and data structures, and a
rich set of operator. Going way back in history, C was originally used for the UNIX operating
system. Hence, with the languages general usefulness in developing operating system it is
sometimes called, system programming language.

There may be more advanced programming languages, but for programming beginners
and information technology students, learning C will not be a waste of time. Likewise, Dennis
Ritchie said that, "C is quirky, flawed, and an enormous success."Despite being an old
programming language, C can still be used in present time. Additionally, this language can also
be used or be a basis to learn other programming languages like the C++.

Scope and Limitations

The research will discuss about C language but not specifically how it works. It will only
focus more on its importance and what it can contribute in different fields. This paper will
provide information about the uses of C in the present time. It will also cover the benefits of
learning C for programmers or information technology students. This study will not include any
comparisons with other programming languages, since its primary objective is to prove the
significance of learning C in the current generation.

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Purpose of the Study

As technology advances, there are now more programming languages that have arisen in
the computer world, like Java, Ruby, and Python. Given that fact, it is a big question for most
BSCS-IT students of what programming language should they learn first. While most colleges
currently preferred teaching Java and other advanced programming languages foremost, on the
contrary, there are universities that still include C language in their curriculum to introduce the
students in the world of programming.

This had led the researchers to the idea in creating this research. The primary objective of
this study is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of using C Language as a building
block in learning other programming languages, and whether it is a better way compared to the
approach of most colleges nowadays.

Significance of the Study

Information Technology Students With this research the students can get an idea and
information about what can C language contribute to their skills that are needed to master
their programming passion.
Teachers/Professors This study could be a guide to teachers or professors (mostly
those who teach in Computer Science or IT) to further explain to the student the
significance of the C language. In addition, this paper can contribute some facts about C,
that despite it being an old programming language, it can still be used and valuable in
present time.
Educational Institutions This study may help different institutions evaluate the right
and more efficient curriculum for the students.
Aspirant Programmers This paper can also be a guide for thoseaspirant programmers
who want to learn programming and for those whowould like to know what C language
could contribute to their programming skills.
Researchers Other researchers who have the same or similar subject could acquire
information about this paper that may be included, and help improve their research as
well.

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Statement of the Problem

The existence and use of C in this current generation is still questionable. Some say it is
still important and is worthwhile to learn, but there are also those who see it as just an old useless
programming language than can be forgotten. Stating these facts, the researchers created this
research to answer the following questions:

1. Why is C language, despite being old, still important and beneficial to learn?
2. What can C contribute to programmers?
3. What is the contribution of C in the field of education especially for IT and CS
students?
4. How is the world powered by C?

Definition of Terms

Programming language is one we use to communicate instructions to the computer.

Machine language the lowest level of computer language.
Assembly language is the next level after the machine language, using human symbols
but still quite detailed instructions.
High-level languages language that are meant to be easier for humans to use.
Operating System the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as
scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.
Debugging - is the process of locating and fixing or bypassing bugs (errors) in computer
program code or the engineering of a hardware device.
Kernel - It manages the tasks of the computer and the hardware - most notably memory
and CPU time.
Compiler - is a computer program that transforms source code written in a programming
language into another computer language.
IOS - is Apple's proprietary mobile operating system (OS) for its handheld devices
Database - A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily
be accessed, managed, and updated.
Computer Science - the study of the principles and use of computers.

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 Information Technology -the study or use of systems (especially computers and
telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Programmer - a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - a visual way of interacting with a computer using
items such as windows, icons, and menus, used by most modern operating systems.
Algorithms - is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conductiong a
sequence of specified actions.

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BODY

The Significance of C in the Current Generation

According to Trejo, despite the prevalence of higher-level languages, C continues to

empower the world. C was designed to implement the Unix operating system. Most of the Unix
kernel, and all of its supporting tools and libraries, were written in C. Many systems that are
used by millions are programmed in C language. For decades, the worlds most used operating
system, Microsoft Window, with about 90 percent of the market share, has been powered by a
kernel written in C. Such as Linux, Mac, Android devices, and IOS.

Based on Zieglers (2010) article, C is used in creating applications for iOS. Moreover,
based from a blog by Trejo, a software engineer he described how the world is still powered by
C. He mentioned different operating systems kernels like the OS X is mostly written in C.
Furthermore, his article also said that databases like Oracle Database, MySQL, MS SQL Server,
and PostgreSQL are coded in C (the first three is coded with C and C++).

Moreover, according in a forum discussing the importance of C, they say that the
functions and features of C are also used in graphics, image processing, parallel processing,
multi-threads, real-time systems, device drivers, data acquisition, algorithms, numerical analysis,
and computer games.

The C compiler combines the capabilities of an assembly language with the feature of
high level language. It is robust language whose rich setup of built in functions and operator can
be used to write any complex program. Therefore it is well suited for writing both system
software and business package.

The Internet is basically driven by C applications. Most browsers are written in C++, but
C code is used for the infrastructure, mail sending utilities, DNS utilities, etc. Some modern
compilers generate C as an output stage. This saves the compiler-writer having to create a code
generation stage for each platform.

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Contribution of C to Programmers

In the book of Perry (1993), C is often called a middle-level language, because it

combines elements of high-level languages, (like Pascal and FORTRAN), with functions of
assembly language or the capability to work at the lowest level of the computer. This enables
you to work with an easy-to-understand language, and still accomplish tasks that could
previously only be accomplished with cryptic instructions to the microprocessor.

According to The C Standard (2003) by John Wiley, C language is essential up to this

point of time because it was approved by the international standard bodies: the British Standard
Institution (BSI) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The British Standards
Institution has standards that proves C Language has an enhanced portability (users can run
source codes from one compiler to another without modifying or with minimal changes), a
reduced risk in terms of choices (which numeric data type the user wants to use: integer or
floating point) and an achieved sustainable growth as a language (having a simple and yet an
executable code) and the American National Standards Institute has standards proving that both
C languages features (case sensitivity and compactness) and performance (speed) are constant
as it was first tested.

Based from Lawlor (1996) a major advantage of C for programmers is that it can allow
you through proper design and tradition, to make your programs neat, readable and
understandable. Another is that it has the ability to write programs to execute quite efficiently,
which is one of the reasons that many system programs are written in this language. In addition,
the C language also has an advantage with its portability. The language continues to grow with
the advent of new techniques and greater demands on languages, bringing life to the extension of
C which is C++.

Furthermore, according to Forouzan and Gilberg (2011) since C is considered a high-

level language, it allows the programmer to concentrate on the problems at hand and not worry
about the machine that the program will be using.

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Contribution of C in the field of Education

C is one of the most commonly used programming language in colleges and university
for teaching and research. It is one of the foundations of information technology and computer
science. It provides a solid foundation for students who want to learn advanced programming
skills such as object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, multi-thread
programming, real-time programming, embedded programming, network programming, parallel
programming, other programming languages, and new and emerging computing paradigms such
as grid-computing and cloud computing. Once the students have learned C, they can pick up any
other languages by themselves. Moreover, C could help enhance the students critical thinking
capabilities, through debugging and developing programs.

Many working principles of IT and CS, such as programming languages, computer

architectures, operating systems, network communications, database, and graphical user interface
(GUI) and computer game, are based on or reflected in the functionalities and features of C.

The experience in C will help the student to understand the working principles of these
important concepts in Information Technology and Computer Science.

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CONCLUSION

Recommendation

The authors believed that the resources they have used are limited in terms of deeper
understanding about the topic. Therefore, they recommend other researchers who have the same
subject and objective to widen their source of information to better accomplish the purpose of
their study. Additionally, conducting interviews and surveys would help in increasing the papers
credibility. Using tables and charts could also aid the readers in grasping the gist of the
paper.Lastly, the researchers recommend to avoid using information from unreliable resources.

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Bibliography

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Ritchie, D. M. & Kernighan, B. W. (1988). The C Programming Language. Bell
Telephone Laboratories Inc.
Ziegler, C. (2010). Apple's iPhone lockdown: apps must be written in one of three
languages, Adobe in the hurt locker. Retrieved form
https://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/apples-iphone-lockdown-apps-must-be-
written-in-one-of-three-la/
Trejo, D. A. M. (n. d.). After All These Years, the World is Still Powered by C
Programming. Retrieved from https://www.toptal.com/c/after-all-these-years-the-
world-is-still-powered-by-c-programming
Hanly, J.R. &Koffman, E.B. (1996). Problem Solving and Program Design in C.
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Forouzan, B.A. &Gilberg, R.F. (2011). Foundations of C Programming. Cengage
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Bolton, D. (2014). Is C Still Relevant in the 21st century?
http://insights.dice.com/2014/12/08/c-still-relevant-21st-century/
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