C Programming Slides

C Programming and basic memory.

What is the C programming language originally developed for?

C was developed for rewriting the Unix kernel.

What distinguishes high-level languages like C and Python from low-level languages?

High-level languages are easier for humans to read and use, while low-level languages are more directly tied to machine code.

What tool is typically used to compile C programs?

The gcc compiler.

What is an entry point in a C program?

The entry point is the location where program execution begins, defined as the function main.

What does the return statement in the main function signify?

It indicates to the operating system the exit status of the program.

How do you specify a character literal in C?

Character literals are denoted with single quotes, such as 'H'.

What type does the printf function in C require for format specifiers?

Printf requires specific format specifiers like %d for integers, %f for floating point values, %c for characters, and %s for strings.

How are memory segments categorized in C?

Memory is divided into text, data, heap, and stack segments.

What is the purpose of the stack in memory allocation?

The stack stores data whose lifetime is tied to their enclosing scope.

What is signed binary in the context of integers in C?

Signed binary uses one bit as the sign bit to represent positive and negative integers.

What issue arises with the simple implementation of signed binary?

It can lead to incorrect results in arithmetic operations, such as representing -1 + 1 = -2.

What solution does Two's Complement provide for signed integers?

Two's Complement allows negative numbers to be represented accurately and helps fix overflow issues.

How are local variables in functions treated in C?

Local variables are copies of arguments, stored in the function's stack frame with different memory addresses.

What must be included to use the printf function in a C program?

The line #include must be included at the beginning.

What is the significance of curly braces in C?

Curly braces define the scope for variables, indicating where they can be accessed.

What are the four segments of memory in C programming?

The four segments are text, data, heap, and stack.

What is the purpose of the data segment in memory allocation?

The data segment stores global and static variables.

What is the heap segment used for in C programs?

The heap segment is used for dynamic memory allocation.

How does the stack segment function during execution of C programs?

The stack segment stores local variables and function call information.

What happens when memory is allocated on the heap?

Memory allocated on the heap remains available until it is explicitly freed, unlike the stack, which is automatically managed.

Why is it important to manage memory properly in the heap segment?

Improper management can lead to memory leaks, where memory that is no longer needed is not released back to the system.

What is the lifetime of the data segment in C?

The data segment's lifetime is the entire duration of the program's execution.

Are variables in the data segment known at compile time?

Yes, global and static variables in the data segment are known at compile time.

What is the lifetime of the heap segment in C?

The heap segment's lifetime extends until the memory is explicitly freed, which can be at any time during the program's execution.

Are variables in the heap segment known at compile time?

No, memory allocation for the heap segment occurs at runtime and is not known at compile time.

What is the lifetime of the stack segment in C?

The stack segment's lifetime is tied to the function's execution; it lasts as long as the function is active.

Are variables in the stack segment known at compile time?

Yes, local variables allocated on the stack are generally known at compile time.

What is the lifetime of the text segment in C?

The text segment's lifetime is the same as the program's execution; it remains throughout.

Are variables in the text segment known at compile time?

Yes, the contents of the text segment, which include the compiled code, are known at compile time.