C Programming Tutorials

C is a general-purpose programming language used to learn core programming concepts such as variables, conditions, loops, functions, arrays, pointers and memory handling. A typical C program is written in a .c file, compiled, and then executed.

If you are new to C, begin with the basics and program structure. After that, move through control flow, functions, arrays, strings, pointers, file handling and practical programs.

Editor, Compiler and IDE Top ↑

An editor is used to write C source code, while a compiler translates that source into a program the computer can execute. An IDE combines editing, compiling, debugging and project tools in one place.

Reserved Words in C Top ↑

C keywords have predefined meanings in the language and cannot be used as ordinary variable or function names.

auto
break
case
const
continue

Reading One Character with getchar() Top ↑

getchar() reads one character from standard input. Its return value is stored in an int so the program can distinguish a valid character from the special EOF value.

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    int ch;

    printf("Enter one character: ");
    ch = getchar();

    if (ch == EOF) {
        printf("No input available.\n");
        return 1;
    }

    printf("You entered %c\n", ch);
    return 0;
}

For more character-input examples, see getchar() in C.

Clearing a Terminal Screen Top ↑

ISO C does not provide one universal function for clearing every terminal screen. On terminals that support ANSI escape sequences, the following sequence can clear the display and move the cursor to the top-left position.

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    printf("\033[2J\033[H");
    printf("Screen clear sequence sent.\n");

    return 0;
}

Learn C Programming Step by Step Top ↑

The sections below are the main learning paths in this C tutorial. Open the main topic page for the complete set of lessons, or use the suggested links to begin with a practical subtopic.

C Programming Basics Top ↑

Start with the structure of a C program, variables, data types, operators and basic input/output. This section builds the foundation needed for every later C topic.

Explore C Basics

• Basic structure of a C program
• Variables in C

Conditions and Loops Top ↑

Conditions help a program make decisions, while loops repeat a block of code. These concepts are essential for building useful program logic.

• if...else conditions
• for loop and while loop

Functions in C Top ↑

Functions divide a program into reusable blocks. Learn how to define functions, pass values, return results and organize larger programs.

Explore C Functions

• Function practice questions
• Passing addresses with pointers

Arrays in C Top ↑

Arrays store multiple values of the same type under one name. Start with one-dimensional arrays and then move to matrices and arrays of strings.

Explore C Arrays

• Two-dimensional arrays
• Arrays of strings

Strings in C Top ↑

C strings are character arrays ending with the null character \0. The Strings section covers copying, joining, comparing, searching, tokenizing and modifying text.

Explore C Strings

• Find string length with strlen()
• Search for a substring with strstr()

Pointers in C Top ↑

Pointers store memory addresses and allow indirect access to data. They are important for arrays, functions, structures, dynamic memory and many advanced C techniques.

Explore C Pointers

• Pointer practice solutions
• Structures and structure pointers

Structures in C Top ↑

Structures group related values of different data types into one record. They are useful for representing students, employees, products and other real-world data.

Explore C Structures

• Pointers to structures
• Store and read structured data with files

File Handling in C Top ↑

File handling lets a C program save information and read it again later. Learn how to open, read, write, append and process text files.

Explore File Handling

• Read files line by line
• Count characters, spaces and lines

Math Functions in C Top ↑

The C math library provides functions for powers, roots, rounding, logarithms and trigonometry. Use this section when your program needs mathematical calculations.

Explore C Math Functions

• Power calculations with pow()
• Square roots with sqrt()

C Sample Programs Top ↑

Use practical programs to combine the concepts you have learned. The sample section includes number problems, grade calculations, patterns, matrices and other common beginner exercises.

Explore C Sample Programs

• Prime number program
• Matrix multiplication

If you are learning C for the first time, a good order is Basics → Conditions → Loops → Functions → Arrays → Strings → Pointers.

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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