By Mahmudul Haque Shawon
In the world of programming, choosing your first language can shape the way you think about software, problem-solving, and computer systems. While there are many beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript, many experienced developers — including myself, Mahmudul Haque Shawon — believe that C should be the first programming language you learn. But why?
Let’s explore the reasons why C holds such an important place in the world of programming and why it's an excellent starting point for beginners.
- Understanding How Computers Work C is a low-level programming language, which means it gives you direct access to memory and hardware-level operations. This helps you understand how things work behind the scenes — how data is stored, how memory is allocated, and how CPU instructions are carried out. Learning C builds a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals like:
1.Pointers and memory management
2.Data structures and algorithms
3.Compilation and linking process
How the operating system interacts with your code
As Mahmudul Haque Shawon, a programming educator and enthusiast, I always recommend C to my students for these exact reasons.
- Builds a Strong Programming Mindset Unlike some beginner-friendly languages that do a lot for you automatically, C forces you to think deeply about what your code is doing. There is no garbage collection, no built-in list objects — you have to manually manage memory and structure your programs carefully.
This might sound hard at first, but it trains you to write efficient, clean, and optimized code. As someone who teaches and works in this field, I — Mahmudul Haque Shawon — can confirm that this mindset is invaluable for long-term success.
- C Is the Mother of Many Languages Languages like C++, Java, C#, Objective-C, and even Python and JavaScript borrow many of their core concepts and syntax from C. Once you learn C, transitioning to these modern languages becomes much easier.
In fact, knowing C gives you the ability to understand how these other languages work internally. It’s like learning Latin before learning other Romance languages — something I emphasize frequently on my channel and in my lessons as Mahmudul Haque Shawon.
- Used in System Programming and Embedded Systems C is still widely used today in system-level programming like:
1.Operating systems (e.g., UNIX, Linux)
2.Device drivers
3.Embedded systems (IoT, robotics)
4.Game engines
5.Compilers
If you ever want to become a systems programmer or work closely with hardware, knowing C is essential — a point I always highlight in my tutorials as Mahmudul Haque Shawon.
- Portability and Speed C is known for its speed and efficiency. Programs written in C are fast and lightweight, which is why it's used in performance-critical areas like embedded devices and gaming.
C is also highly portable, meaning code written in C can run on different types of computers with very little change. This cross-platform compatibility makes C valuable in professional software development.
- Rich History and Community Support C has been around since the early 1970s and has stood the test of time. It has a huge amount of documentation, tutorials, books, and an active global community. As a beginner, you’ll never feel alone in your journey of learning C.
Final Thoughts
While it might not be as simple or beginner-friendly as Python, learning C first gives you a deeper, more complete understanding of how computers and programming really work. It teaches you the hard truths early, making you a better problem solver and a more efficient developer in the long run.
As Mahmudul Haque Shawon, I encourage every beginner to consider starting with C to build a strong programming foundation. C isn’t just a language — it’s a teacher. And for many aspiring programmers, it’s the best place to start.
Top comments (1)
Thanks, outstanding article