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Why Studying C still Matters in 2025

The value of understanding foundational programming

Nathaniel Mugenyi

Nathaniel Mugenyi

1/26/2025 · 2 min read

C Book

Why Studying C still Matters in 2025

Just like languages are foundational to societies, so are programming languages foundational to how computers work. There are over 700 programming languages in the world today, and Aleksić (2016) explains that introductory programming classes taught in universities in Europe, will use the C programming language. The C programing language was invented in the 70s and is the basis for many modern languages and programs, making C one of the most influential programming languages to date. This essay seeks to give an explanation on why out of 700 languages, the studying C programming language is still relevant.

C is relevant because it is the basis of many operating systems. Originally designed as the programming language for UNIX, which branches into multiple operating systems like MacOS and Linux which account for approximately 18% of . The shell prompt uses syntax based on the C language (Luxon et al, 2018). This is significant for programmers to develop OS applications. C is also very fast, because it compiles directly to the hardware, unlike python that has to first be interpreted. Due to the compilation speed, C is also the basis for other programming languages, like C++ and Python. C is used to program embedded systems for simple microprocessors found in appliances and toys. In order to understand how computers are programmed at a fundamental level, C provides a strong foundation for a computer science student.

Conclusively, out of over 700 programing languages today, C still serves as the best choice for a foundational course in computer science. The historical relevance of C, the proximity of the language to operating systems, the speed it which the code compiles, all serve as justifications for C to be the foundational programming language. Programmers who are not equipped with C wont be able to impact technology at a fundamental scale and will always be forced to rely on existing platforms, without the ability to develop their own.

References

  1. Aleksić, V., & Ivanović, M. (2016). Introductory programming subject in European higher education. Informatics in Education, 15(2), 163-182.
  2. Luxton-Reilly, A., Simon, N., Albluwi, I., Becker, B. A., Giannakos, M., Kumar, A. N., Ott, L., Paterson, J., Scott, M. J., Sheard, J., & Szabo, C. (2018). Introductory programming: a systematic literature review. Informatics in Eductation. https://doi.org/10.1145/3293881.3295779 languages”