Let Us C by Yashavant P. Kanetkar – Introduction part 1.

Let Us C by Yashavant P. Kanetkar – Introduction part 1.

Let Us C by Yashavant P. Kanetkar – Introduction (Part 1)

(Based on the book’s early chapters and philosophy)

“Let Us C” is one of the most popular books to learn C Programming Language, especially for beginners in India. Written in a simple and student-friendly way, the book helps you start programming from scratch.

Part 1: Introduction to C Programming

Why Learn C?

• Foundation of programming – Languages like C++, Java, Python are based on C.

• Fast & powerful – Gives close access to system resources.

• Used in system software – Operating systems, embedded systems, compilers, etc.

• Taught in colleges – Core part of engineering and computer science curriculum.

History of C Language:

• Developed by Dennis Ritchie at AT&T Bell Labs in 1972.

• Based on earlier languages: B and BCPL.

• Used to develop UNIX OS, making it highly practical.

Kanetkar’s Philosophy in “Let Us C”:

• Simple language, practical examples.

• Focus on problem-solving and concept clarity, not just theory.

• Designed for self-learners and students with no programming background.

What You Learn in the First Chapter:

1. What is C?

• A structured, procedural programming language.

• Good for logic-building and understanding how computers work.

2. Steps to Write and Run a C Program:

1. Write code (.c file)

2. Compile it (convert into machine language)

3. Run the executable

3. First C Program (Hello World)

• #include <stdio.h> – tells the compiler to use standard input/output functions.

• main() – every C program starts with main().

• printf() – used to print output.

• return 0; – ends the program successfully.

What You Need to Start Practicing:

• A C compiler: Turbo C, GCC, or online compilers like:

  • www.onlinegdb.com

  • replit.com

What Comes Next?

In the following chapters, you’ll learn about:

• Variables, Data Types

• Operators & Expressions

• Control Flow (if, for, while)

• Functions and Arrays

Summary:

Would you like me to guide you through Chapter 2: C Instructions, or create exercises with solutions based on “Let Us C”?

Let Us C by Yashavant P. Kanetkar – Introduction part 1.

Introduction to – Programming using C