Unit I: Fundamentals of C Programming

Course: Programming with C
Code: CADSM101

Data Types, Expressions, and Operations

C is a statically typed language, meaning every variable must have a declared type that defines the kind of data it can hold.

Standard Data Types

• int: Used for whole numbers (integers).
• float: Used for single-precision floating-point numbers (decimals).
• double: Used for double-precision floating-point numbers.
• char: Used to store a single character.

Operators in C

Operators are symbols used to perform operations on variables and values.

• Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, % (modulus).
• Relational: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=.
• Logical: && (AND), || (OR), ! (NOT) .
• Assignment: =.

Basic Input and Output

Standard input and output allow a C program to interact with the user.

• printf(): Function used to display data on the screen.
• scanf(): Function used to read data from the keyboard.

Writing Simple C Programs

Every C program begins execution with the main() function.

Example Structure:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
  printf("Welcome to C!");
  return 0;
}

Control Structures: Decision Making

These structures allow the program to branch in different directions based on conditions.

IF-ELSE Statement

Executes one block of code if a condition is true, and another if it is false.

[Image of if-else flowchart in C programming]

SWITCH Statement

Allows a variable to be tested for equality against a list of values (cases).

Control Structures: Looping

Loops are used to repeat a block of code multiple times.

• WHILE Loop: Repeats as long as a condition is true. The condition is checked before execution.
• DO-WHILE Loop: Similar to while, but the condition is checked after execution, ensuring the loop runs at least once.
• FOR Loop: Best used when the number of iterations is known. It combines initialization, condition, and increment/decrement.

Jump Statements

• BREAK: Exits the current loop or switch immediately.
• CONTINUE: Skips the remaining code in the current iteration and jumps to the next iteration.
• GOTO: Transfers control to a labeled part of the program (use sparingly).

Elementary Problem Solving

C is widely used to solve problems in mathematics and statistics through algorithmic logic.

• Finding factorials.
• Evaluating algebraic expressions.
• Generating series like Fibonacci or geometric progressions.