C

last edited Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:59:24 GMT
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C

This page does not cover topics relevant to C Plus Plus. Often dubbed a general-purpose or system programming language due to its close associated with the UNIX system.

How to C in 2016 direct link to this section

Modern solutions to modern problems in a not so modern programming language.^[1]

1. Don't write C if you can avoid it, follow modern rules if you must write C
2. use standard types, not primitive types

   #include <stdint.h>
   

   • char is not included due to misuse
     • acceptable if pre-existing APIs requuire char
   • fast and least types
   • int can be 16bits on some paltforms aand 32 bits on others, good luck edge testing every case if you choose to use int
     • okay if using a function with native return types
3. never use anything unsigned when <stdint.h> is superior
4. use intptr_t for system dependent types
5. declare your for loop counters in-line
6. #pragma once so headers only need to be included once
7. allow for static initialiation of auto-allocated arrays and structs
8. use clang-format
9. never use malloc, use calloc for performance impact ^[2]

Libraries direct link to this section

GNU C Library direct link to this section

Commonly referred to as glibc. Supports C++ and other languages.

MUSL direct link to this section

Another common implementation using the MIT license

Compiling direct link to this section

gcc -o p ./p.c

• compiling creates an object file
• linking process takes object file and outputs and executable or lib

References direct link to this section