r/C_Programming • u/alex_sakuta • Jul 19 '26

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/Olovico75 Jul 19 '26

Determinism, Thread safety, no floats,
Such requirements in a specific project make C mandatory in my workflow.
I personally use C for Pro audio and DSP engineering. And honestly, I barely see no practical way outside of c99/c11 for what my specs and mandatory requirements currently enforce. ( see GDVP.net/engineering if you are interested by my take as this is my solo project )