Yes, you read that right, I’m talking about C language — the one that’s been around since the 1970s. In a world of high-level frameworks, flashy web stacks, and auto-generating IDEs, learning C might seem like stepping back in time.

But here’s the truth: C isn’t just relevant — it’s foundational. Whether you’re a backend developer, embedded systems engineer, or curious technologist, C teaches you how computers really work.

A veteran would argue this statement but for a beginner this is the ultimate truth. Let’s start with some basic pointers on why you should learn C:

⚙️ Systems Programming Is Built on C

C remains the backbone of:

• Operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS kernels) that most of us use daily
• Embedded systems (microcontrollers, IoT devices) - chips that power everything from your microwave to your car
• Compilers and interpreters (GCC, Clang)
• Databases (MySQL, SQLite)
• Game engines (Unreal Engine uses a C++ core with heavy C foundations)

In short: C is the language of systems. If you want to write code that runs close to the metal, or optimize for speed and size, C is where you start.

🧠 Think Like a Computer

now, what does a computer really do? it all boils down to memory, data types, and set of instructions that manipulate data. Most modern programming abstracts away memory management, data representation, and hardware interaction so we miss what’s happening under the hood. ** luckily C doesn’t **.

• Want to understand how memory allocation really works? Learn malloc() and free().
• Curious about how data types are stored in memory? C makes you deal with char, int, float size implications.
• Ever wondered what a segfault is? C will introduce you personally.

Learning C forces you to confront these concepts directly. You’ll write code that interacts with memory, handles pointers, and manages resources — skills that are invaluable in any programming language.

💡 Learn What’s Under the Hood

Have you ever wondered how your high-level language handles things like:

• How the stack and heap work
• How function calls are made and managed
• What pointers really are and why they matter
• How file I/O works at the OS level
• How data is represented in memory

C teaches you all of this and more. You’ll gain a deep understanding of: These lessons are crucial for understanding performance, debugging, and writing efficient code in any language.

🛠️ Tools and Ecosystem

Learning C in 2025 is easier than ever. You have access to:

• Modern compilers (GCC, Clang)
• Debuggers (GDB, LLDB)
• Profilers (Valgrind, perf)
• Cross-compilation toolchains for embedded platforms

And of course, thousands of open-source C projects to read, learn from, or contribute to.

📉 But Isn’t C Outdated?

C is low-level, yes. It lacks safety guarantees. It’s verbose. But that’s exactly why it’s worth learning:

• You see your mistakes clearly (and learn faster)
• You understand what abstraction is, and why it’s needed
• You appreciate what modern languages do for you — because you’ve done it the hard way

Think of C like manual transmission — not as common, but essential if you want full control.

🚀 Who Should Learn C (Still)

Everyone who wants to work as a software engineer, There’s no exception to this rule. No matter what your primary focus is, C will give you a solid foundation.

🧭 Where to Start

• The C Programming Language – Kernighan & Ritchie (aka K&R)
• Learn-C.org – Interactive tutorial
• Projects like:
  • Writing your own ls, cat, or malloc
  • Building a simple shell or HTTP server

I hope this blog reminds you what you might have taken for granted and get back to the roots of programming.