How to Become a C Developer

Skills Required for C Programming

Some of the basic skills that a C developer should be well versed in are listed below.

A. Basic Programming Concepts

You can get started as a C developer by bringing up the fundamentals of programming concepts. To help you with the resource you can visit the Basic Programming Concepts on the scaler topics website to save time and quickly get started.

B. Understanding of Data Types

It is important as a C developer that you understand the data type in your code. Knowing the compatible datatypes will help you code better and make you a good developer. To help you with the resource you can visit the Understanding of Data Types on the scaler topics website to save time and quickly get started.

C. Pointers and Memory Allocation

For creating any program that utilizes memory, as a C developer it's important to have a strong understanding of Pointers and Memory Allocation. You can refer to Pointers and Memory Allocation on the scaler topics website to save time and quickly get started.

D. Algorithms and Data Structures

With the knowledge of data structure, developers know how to organize the data in a virtual system along with the knowledge of algorithm give them the capability to tell the computer the steps where input could get transformed as per requirement. To equip you with the resource you can visit the Algorithms and Data Structures on the scaler topics website.

E. Debugging and Troubleshooting

As a C developer, you shall be spending a lot of time with your computer, and hence a good knowledge of how to debug your code or remove an error from the code along with Troubleshooting to fix the problem is a must. To help you with the resource you can visit the Debugging and Troubleshootings on the scaler topics website.

Steps to Become a C Developer

Now let us deep dive into the steps that you need to cover to be a C developer.

A. Learn the Basics of Programming

The first step is definitely to learn and understand the nature of the C programming language. Having a crisp grasp on the fundamentals of the C programming language will not only help you in the long run but play an important role while making decisions in your day-to-day C developer job. Basic such as the origin of the language, features & applications, compiling and executing the C code, etc must be covered in advance. You can get started with topics like Variables and Constants, Operators and Expressions, and Control Structures to get a better glimpse into how these can be integrated into code to help you become a skilled C developer. In the links mentioned, you not only get the concepts but will also get to practice the concepts via various examples explained in each module.

B. Learn the Fundamentals of C Programming

Once you are well versed in the basics of programming, it's time to get started with Fundamentals of C Programming language. It's essential for you as a developer to have a strong knowledge of Data Types and Variables, Pointers and Memory Allocationand Functions and Libraries. In this module, you shall not be guided through the concepts but also will be introduced to examples that will help to get a better understanding of these crucial topics.

C. Practice Writing C Programs

Now, that we have cleared our basics, it's time for some practice. By practising writing code, you will not only practice the art of coding but also help to brush up on the theoretical concepts you learned, you shall learn how to ask for help to gain a different perspective on how you could write optimized codes. This practice shall help you connect the dots and put the knowledge into action. The most crucial part while coding is the art of debugging, you never learn debugging if you are not practising it enough. And worry not, with the below links, you shall find all the resources to start your journey into practising coding from beginner to advanced. Try practicing the Simple Programs then move to Intermediate Programs. Once you feel confident, sharpen your skills via Complex Programs

D. Familiarize Yourself with Popular C Development Tools

Once you are well-versed in how to write code, and you have a command over the syntax and debugging skills. It's time to switch to some of the prominent C development tools used across industries. With these tools, not only your coding experience is enhanced but you also get to understand how you can have clean codes in the repository. You can learn about IDEs, Text Editors, and especially the Debuggers and start implementing them to become a better C developer.

E. Join C Programming Communities and Forums

This is the final and fun step of all we learned so far. We know that when we self-study, we clarify our thoughts and build skills. But these days the best way to sharpen your core skills is building with a community where many like your code, compete, and learn together. By joining the C Programming communities and forums, one of the best perks is they upgrade their problem-solving ability. With developers from around the globe posting the issue and you debug it you not only are learning but also contributing and building your community. Many also join these communities as a forum for support, knowledge sharing, motivation, and crucial global networking opportunities. You can join online communities, catch up in person via meetups and workshops and also feel free to attend conferences and seminars to build together with other developers.

C Developer Responsibilities

As part of The responsibilities that you need to be well aware of being a C developer are stated as follows:

• To gather the application requirements, you need to meet with the IT and design team regularly and understand their requirements.
• Analysis, Design, build, and unit test your C code. Make sure it is reliable and clean.
• Implementing high quality along with performance modules.
• Validating the code and precisely identifying the bugs and bottlenecks along with troubleshooting the integration issues.
• Maintain the automation and standards of the code.
• Developing the libraries, kernel modules, as well as embedded systems for any other high-level languages.
• Testing the C code in terms of its quality and durability.

C Developer Requirements

As a C developer, you need to be well-equipped with the below checklist.

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Science, Mathematics, or any other related field.
• Proven work experience as a C Developer.
• Well-proficient in C and C++.
• Knowledge of high-level leagues such as Java, Python, Go, and Node.js.
• Accustomed to language tools like Valgrind and Lint.
• Sharp understanding of code versioning tools like SVN, Mercurial, and Git.
• Crisp Knowledge of systems design, as well as low-level hardware interactions, is appreciated.
• Thorough knowledge of STL and BOOST.
• Good at problem-solving.
• Capability to manage the project requirements.

Career Path in C Programming

Every individual these days is somewhat familiar with the term associated with “C programming” in the field of Computer Science. As C is the fundamental language expected from most developers now, C continues to rule technology, healthcare, finance, and various industries.

Nowadays, we have other programming languages like Python, Java, and C++ that have overwhelmed the C language as per demand in the market. Still, various organizations like Microsoft, Facebook, Google, etc are still in search of good C developers. Hence, learning C is the base requirement that one can fulfill.

1. C Programmer

As Junior C Programmers, a developer can start their coding career. Although this is your starting phase as a developer and it would take at least 3-4 years of coding experience for you to upgrade to a senior C programmer. Your job would look like mostly working on basic coding, reviewing codes, debugging, and technical documentation.

Once you are well versed in coding and have a prominent 4 years of experience, you can apply for a Senior C Programmer position. A definite level of skill set and expertise shall be expected from you for this position. However, as part of your job responsibilities, you would also get the chance to mentor and train the other junior C programmers. You also get opportunities to have direct interactions with the client over some time. opportunities to train them.

2. Embedded Systems Developer

As an Embedded Systems Developer, you get the opportunity to work with the C language for the development of an embedded system. It is so as with the C language, it gets easier to work with other machine-level languages which are simpler forthcoming to understand. You would be expected to develop these embedded systems where you shall be implementing the features you studied as part of object-oriented programming. You need to have a B.E/B.Tech degree in the field of computer science or information technology.

3. Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you shall be developing and marketing software. Nowadays, Software Engineer is the most popular position among all the positions that C programming language can offer. A person who completed their degree from a technical or non-technical background can still bag this respectable position. You would be responsible for all the roles as a software developer as well as expertise in computer hardware. You must be familiar with the design, and computer architecture system along with the digital logic of the computer hardware components.

Salary of a C Developer

Well, it would be correct to say that these days C developers are earning good salaries. For a C developer, the salary is the band at 77K USD per year while for a senior C developer, you could also expect around 96K USD per year. While for software engineers the salary is set at 105K USD per year and for the senior software engineer the salary is around 120K USD per year. Therefore, the average of what you could earn as a C developer shall range between 65K USD per year to 120K USD per year.

The salaries stated above are based on surveys done for C developers themselves serving in various organizations. The salary of the C developer is not limited to the salary band stated ave but also increases for cases where the interviewer finds the C developer offers strong skill sets, crisp knowledge, and well-trained and smart problem-solving capability.