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1. Introduction: From Python to C

1.1 Key Differences Overview

Aspect Python C
Compilation Interpreted Compiled
Type System Dynamic typing Static typing
Memory Management Automatic Manual
Syntax Style Indentation-based Brace-based
Performance Slower execution Faster execution
Development Speed Faster to write More verbose

Some of you might ask, What does it mean by Static Typing vs Dynamic Typing ?

Dynamic Typing ( Python ):

  • Variables can change their data type during program execution
  • Type checking happens at runtime
  • No need to declare variable types explicitly
  • More flexible but can lead to runtime errors
# Python - Dynamic Typing
x = 5        # x is an integer
x = "Hello"  # Now x is a string (allowed!)
x = 3.14     # Now x is a float (also allowed!)

Static Typing ( C ):

  • Variables must be declared with a specific data type
  • Type checking happens at compile time
  • Once declared, a variable cannot change its type
  • Less flexible but catches type errors before program runs
// C - Static Typing
int x = 5;           // x is declared as integer
x = "Hello";         // ERROR! Cannot assign string to integer variable
float y = 3.14f;     // y must be declared as float to store decimal numbers

Advantages of Static Typing ( C ):

  • Errors caught during compilation, not during execution
  • Better performance (no runtime type checking needed)
  • More predictable memory usage
  • Clearer code documentation (types are explicit)

Advantages of Dynamic Typing ( Python ):

  • Faster prototyping and development
  • More flexible for rapid changes
  • Less verbose code
  • Easier for beginners to learn

1.2 Basic Program Structure

Python:

# Simple Python program
print("Hello, World!")

C:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

Key Points:

  • C requires explicit inclusion of header files (such as #include <stdio.h>)
  • Every C program must have a main() function
  • C statements end with semicolons (;)
  • C uses curly braces {} to define code blocks
  • Functions must explicitly return a value except for void function (we will learn more about this on the next module)
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