Programming is the process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task. These instructions are written in a programming language, which is a formal language comprising a set of instructions that produce various kinds of output.

1. Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem.
2. Source Code: The human-readable instructions written by a programmer.
3. Compiler: A tool that translates source code into machine code that the computer can execute.
4. Executable: The machine code that the computer runs to perform the tasks defined by the source code.

C is a powerful general-purpose programming language. It is fast, portable, and available on all platforms. Learning C provides a strong foundation for understanding more complex programming languages and concepts.

• Efficiency: C is known for its performance and efficiency.
• Control: Provides low-level access to memory and system processes.
• Foundation: Many modern languages like C++, Java, and Python are based on C.
• Portability: C programs can run on various types of computers with little or no modification.

A C program typically consists of the following parts:

1. Preprocessor Commands: Instructions to the compiler to preprocess the information before actual compilation starts.
2. Functions: Blocks of code that perform specific tasks.
3. Variables: Storage locations with a name that holds data.
4. Statements & Expressions: Instructions that perform actions.
5. Comments: Non-executable text that provides explanations or annotations.

• #include <stdio.h>: This is a preprocessor command that tells the compiler to include the Standard Input Output library before compiling the program.
• int main() { ... }: This is the main function where the execution of the program begins.
• printf("Hello, World!\n");: This line prints the message "Hello, World!" to the console.
• return 0;: This statement terminates the main function and returns the value 0 to the calling process.

Task: Write a C program that prints your name and age to the console.

Steps:

1. Open your text editor or IDE.
2. Write the following code:

3. Save the file with a .c extension, for example, myinfo.c.
4. Compile the program using a C compiler (e.g., gcc myinfo.c -o myinfo).
5. Run the executable (e.g., ./myinfo).

• Missing Semicolon: Every statement in C must end with a semicolon (;).
• Case Sensitivity: C is case-sensitive, so main is different from Main.
• Mismatched Braces: Ensure that every opening brace { has a corresponding closing brace }.

• Comment Your Code: Use comments to explain what your code does. This is helpful for both you and others who read your code.
• Consistent Indentation: Use consistent indentation to make your code more readable.
• Practice: The best way to learn programming is by writing and running your own programs.

In this lesson, you learned the basics of programming and why C is a valuable language to learn. You also wrote and ran your first C program. Understanding these fundamentals will prepare you for more complex topics in the upcoming modules. Next, we will set up the development environment to start coding in C.