What is the primary purpose of the C programming language?

The primary purpose of the C programming language is to provide a high-level programming language for system programming and software development. C is designed to give programmers the ability to write system applications, such as operating systems and compilers, due to its low-level capabilities that allow close interaction with hardware while still offering higher-level abstractions.

C's efficiency and flexibility make it a popular choice for system-level programming, enabling developers to manipulate memory directly and optimize performance-critical applications. Its features, such as structured programming and a rich set of operators, allow for detailed control over system resources, which is essential in system-level coding.

While other programming languages may focus on different domains, such as markup languages for web development or graphical user interface creation, C has remained a foundational language that emphasizes performance, portability, and direct access to system resources, establishing its role as a crucial tool in the development of various software systems.