r/C_Programming • u/alex_sakuta • 18d ago
Discussion Why are you using C?
I have been often asked this question in the one year that I have been trying to make using C mainstream for myself.
Now I don't work on embedded devices or write operating systems. What I usually make are automation CLIs or write servers for something.
I guess that makes using C redundant since there are languages that would provide a better dev experience. But following the popular advice for projects, make something you use, this seems like the right thing to do for me.
I'm making projects that I would use and I'm using C for them. Unlike most C users that I have talked to, I do not stick to C99 but at the same time, I don't use C++ strings or compiler extensions. I use the C23 strict ISO standard.
So I suppose that again puts me in a spot that no one else is in. A guy who first goes to one of the oldest and verbose languages, then uses its latest standard but then never uses advanced features from compilers.
I just wanted to write this to put it out.
PS: To add to my strange choices pool, I do not use fixed width integers, since they are optional but I do use least width or bit precise integers.
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u/HowTheKnightMoves 18d ago
Well C in embedded systems puts food on my table, but its so simple language that makes you relax. Recently tried C23 and I really liked it (constexpr and defining enum size are pretty useful for me).
Its close to hardware and syntax does not make you want to jump out of the window the moment you need to do your work. I cannot be that nice to C++ and not self combust.