Getting Started with C Programming

🖥️ Getting Started with Computer Programming Using C (with VS Code Setup)

Welcome to the world of Computer Programming! This guide will introduce you to the basics of C programming and help you set up Visual Studio Code to write and run C code efficiently.

🌟 What is Computer Programming?

Programming is the process of writing instructions that a computer can understand and execute. We use languages like C to give those instructions.

🔠 Why Learn C Language First?

Fast and lightweight
Helps understand how computers work
Used in operating systems and embedded devices
Foundation for learning other languages

🧪 How Does a C Program Work?

Write the code
Compile it using a compiler
Run the resulting program

✍️ Your First C Program

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

🧱 Core Concepts of C

Concept	Purpose	Example
Variables	Store data	`int age = 21;`
Data Types	Define kind of data	`int, float, char`
Conditions	Make decisions	`if, else`
Loops	Repeat code	`for, while`
Arrays	Store multiple values	`int marks[5];`
Functions	Reusable blocks	`void greet() {...}`

🛠️ Setting Up VS Code

1. Install GCC

Windows: Install MinGW and add C:\MinGW\bin to PATH
Linux: sudo apt install build-essential
macOS: xcode-select --install

2. Install VS Code

Download from code.visualstudio.com

3. Install Extensions

C/C++ by Microsoft
Code Runner (optional)

📝 Running C Code

Option A: Terminal

gcc hello.c -o hello
./hello   (Linux/Mac)
hello     (Windows)

Option B: Code Runner

Right-click on file → Run Code

🚨 Common Errors

Error	Reason	Fix
`gcc not recognized`	GCC not installed or PATH missing	Check MinGW installation
`stdio.h not found`	Missing compiler	Use correct GCC setup
`Permission denied`	Missing execute rights	`chmod +x hello` (Linux)

🎥 Video Tutorial

👉 Watch: How to Setup C Programming in VS Code

🎯 Your First Challenge

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    char name[30];
    printf("Enter your name: ");
    scanf("%s", name);
    printf("Hello, %s! Welcome to C programming.\n", name);
    return 0;
}