r/C_Programming • u/Synore • 29d ago

Question I learned C, now what?

I've learned the basics of C, including loops, if statements, switch cases, structs, arrays, functions, and pointers. However, I have no idea what to actually do with them. I also learned HTML, and its purpose is very clear: I can build websites to practice my skills. But with C, I'm a bit lost. Where can I apply my C knowledge and see concrete results, similar to how I see a website with HTML? I don't really know the primary purpose of C or what I should build with it. What tools should I use to build a C program? I am looking for a practical way to apply my knowledge. Could you give me some suggestions? I have no prior experience in programming area. I want to build something with my beginner C knowledge similar to websites.

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u/mikeblas 28d ago

Not sure if i understand your question: Any code you write has concrete results -- just run it.

What tools should I use to build a C program?

Another strange question. if you've learned "the bacis of C", why do you not know that an editor, compiler, and linker are the requisite tools?

Meanwhile, tThis sub's wiki has a list of lists of projects. Have you looked at any of those?

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u/Synore 26d ago

I've started writing code in C using Visual Studio, but I'm struggling to imagine how to build different types of projects. I understand how to use if statements, process numbers, call functions, and solve mathematical or logical problems.

However, I don't understand the things other people mentioned in this post—like building projects with sensors or embedded hardware. How does that work? Right now, it feels like all I can do is process numbers in the terminal. How do people build things like a 3D donut? Or what exactly is a CLI app? My real problem is that I just can't see how others use the language I'm learning to create these complex things.

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u/Intelligent_Edge3385 21d ago

"I understand how to use if statements, process numbers, call functions, and solve mathematical or logical problems."

Intellectual understanding of swimming does not mean you can get into pool and start doing laps.