C is a procedural programming language that holds a static system with structured programming, lexical variable scoping, and recursion. It is crafted with constructs smoothly translating to hardware instructions, C has a rich history in applications once coded in assembly language.
With the choice of 19.34% of developers across the globe, C is widely employed for several purposes. C language basics serve as a foundation for learning other programming languages.
It contributes to the development of applications, operating systems like Windows, and intricate software such as Git, Oracle database, Python interpreter, and games. Its versatility extends to applications across supercomputers to embedded systems and PLCs.
In this article, we explain what is the C language, its key benefits for beginners. We also present some of the popular and commonly asked C programming MCQs during technical interviews.
C language stands out as a high-level, general-purpose programming language, offering a straightforward and powerful interface for system programming, embedded systems, and application development.
Its impact is undeniable, having served as a precursor to various languages. Notable among them are C++ and Java, both deriving from the influential C programming language.
C excels in system programming tasks, such as crafting compilers, operating systems, and network drivers. Despite its popularity, critiques exist, with some advocating for a more complex yet easier-to-learn syntax and others highlighting concerns about standardization. Nevertheless, C maintains its wide usage and influence, likely persisting for years to come.
Here are some of the major benefits of C language basics.
Structured approach: C adopts a structured programming approach, facilitating the breakdown of problems into manageable modules or functions.
Mid-level language: Positioned between low-level and high-level languages, C combines features of both.
Rich library: Offers an extensive set of built-in library functions, expediting the development process.
Portability: C is machine-independent, allowing the execution of programs on different machines.
Dynamic memory allocation: Supports dynamic memory allocation, allowing the freeing of allocated memory using the free() function.
Speed: As a compiler-based language, C ensures faster compilation and execution, utilizing only essential features for improved processing power and speed.
In order to test or improve your knowledge of C basics and beyond, acknowledge the C programming MCQs listed below:

A compiler can debug codes; however, an interpreter cannot.
A compiler can be used only in C programming, while an interpreter is not.
A compiler can execute code, but an interpreter cannot.
The entire program can be translated at once by the compiler, but the interpreter translates it line by line.
Answer: D. The entire program can be translated at once by the compiler, but the interpreter translates it line by line.
To test if string operations are supported by the language.
For introducing advanced programming features.
To demonstrate basic output and syntax
For learning complex programming concepts.
Answer: C. To demonstrate basic output and syntax
4, 6
6, 6
6, 4
4, 4
Answer: C. 6, 4
%d
%f
%If
%LF
Answer: C. %If
int.
float
short int
unsigned int
Answer: D. unsigned int
2
8
20
6
Answer: C. 6
/
%
//
Answer: C. %
2
Error
2.5
Warning
Answer: A. 2
1
“includehelp”
! NULL
All of these
Answer: D. All of these
if-else-if
? :
? ; ?
None of these
Answer: B. ? :
(! (25 > 25))
True
False
Error
None of these
Answer: B. True
for
if
else
All of these
Answer: C. else
3
5
2
1
Answer: A. 3
Execute a block of code repeatedly
Execute a statement based on a condition
Create a variable
None of these
Answer: A. Execute a block of code repeatedly
Loop control statement
Conditional statement
Function statement
All of these
Answer: A. Loop control statement
500
Syntax Error
%d
None of these
Answer: A. 500
No error
Syntax error
Wrong format specifier
Missing & in scanf
Answer: D. Missing & in scanf
Equality
Less than
Assignment
Greater than
Answer: A. Equality
2
5
15
10
Answer: A. 2
int a = 1; int b = a++ + ++a;
2
3
4
5
Answer: C. 4
C’s close alignment with hardware and predictable resource utilization positions it as an excellent choice for low-level tasks like developing operating system kernels and embedded applications.
Its efficiency, adaptability, and high performance make it particularly well-suited for crafting data manipulation tools with substantial complexity. While many contemporary languages excel in specific domains, C remains unparalleled in terms of performance.
For an in-depth exploration of programming languages, enrol in the Full-Stack Engineering Interview program by Interview Kickstart to practice more C interview questions.
This online course provides diverse projects and interactive classes, covering SQLite, Node.js, and related concepts for C programming beginners and advanced professionals.
The course offers you the knowledge needed to become a proficient full-stack engineer, offering a career enhancement opportunity in software development.
Q1. Why is C Programming called C?
The C programming language was discovered to cover all the inabilities of the programming language as a better version, and hence, was titled C as it comes next to the B in English alphabetical order. Furthermore, the C programming language is the most widely used, long-lasting language to date.
Q2. What is a Compiler in C language?
In the C language, a compiler is a program translating a programming language’s source code into bytecode, machine code, or another programming language. The source code is written in a human-readable and high-level language such as Java or C++.
Q3. What is an Algorithm in the C Programming Language?
A step-by-step procedure to solve a given problem is called an algorithm in the C programming language. With the C programming language, an algorithm is used to create a solution that computers are capable of understanding and executing.
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