C is a general-purpose programming language that’s used for writing different applications, operating systems, and other complex programs. C is a common language used in programming to create basic applications, particularly for Windows. This versatile language is great for programming projects due to its flexibility and straightforward use.
If you’re interested in checking out some C projects to help boost your career, there are many online tutorials to choose from. Whether you’re interested in making a mobile game, mini-games, or just obtaining some more code insight through practice projects, this guide has all the information you need to get started.
5 Skills That C Projects Can Help You Practice
The technical skills that you’ll gain while learning to code in C are vital to being an effective C programmer. Software developers around the globe have compiled projects to help you learn C skills in various applications. Obtaining a better understanding of these practical skills through large or small projects will help set you up as a professional, and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
- C and C++ languages. Creating C projects requires you to be an expert in C and C++. These programming languages help in building and developing software and operating systems.
- Source Control. Source control involves storing and managing code. You must be proficient with version control and obtain the skills necessary to collaborate with other team members. Mastering this means you are adept with tools like Git, SVN, Mercurial, etc., which organizations prefer chiefly.
- Version Control. You’ll be able to enhance your version control skills because you will need to know how to manage and track any changes made to software code. This is an important skill when working on a development team.
- Database Management. Database management is one of the programming skills companies are looking for in qualified candidates. C’s practical skills are necessary because it lets users quickly solve problems by understanding data organization and structures.
- Data Structures and Algorithms. Whether you’re creating a basic C project or an advanced project, data structures and algorithms are fundamental aspects of programming.
Best C Project Ideas for Beginners
Beginners might feel worried about starting C projects, especially if they’re still learning the basic skills and techniques required for the language. Below, we’ve compiled some straightforward projects that you can add to your portfolio, even while you’re still learning the fundamentals.
Bank Management System
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Databases
For this beginner C project, you must create and manage an account with simple C language codes. Generating a bank management system will help you grasp and apply basic programming language concepts more efficiently. You’ll also learn how to use the method of file handling to store data and user information. ,
Diary Management System
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Data Structures and Algorithms
This diary management system project might sound complicated, but it’s easy and informative for new programmers. This C project helps you save personal information using C programming skills and the concept of file handling. For example, users can implement actual code to protect diaries with a password or include reminders for upcoming meetings or projects.
Hospital Management System, Version 1
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Data Structures and Algorithms
This project is similar to a customer management system (CMS) where an organization, in this case, a hospital, can save essential details about the patients like illness-related information, appointment time, family medical history, and doctors they’ve seen.
Employee Management System
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Databases
This simple project is essential for both small-scale and large-scale industries since it aims to store the information of employees. You can include functions to update, delete, and save details if needed.
Election System
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Data Structures and Algorithms
This election system is a beginner C project where the user can see and calculate total votes and see which candidate is leading. This simple project lets you use actual data to create a functional application for small-scale elections, providing you with applicable skills for the workforce.
Best Intermediate C Project Ideas
These intermediate C project ideas are for those who already have some programming experience and are ready to level up their portfolio. For these projects, you should be very familiar with C programming, as you will begin learning more complex algorithms and data structures. If you’re interested in growing your technical skillset, check out these intermediate C projects below.
Customer Billing System
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Source Control
This project reflects the practical utilization of C programming for supermarkets, cafes, shops, department stores, or anywhere that involves paying customers. Professionals can also use this system to add or edit details like name, mobile number, address, paid amount, due amount, payment date, and customers’ visit time.
Cyber Management System
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases
This project includes two different source codes, one for client functions and another for server functions. This management system also uses features like multithreading, socket, and a file handling method for storing records. Having a solid grasp of this project will help you create management software for organizations needing an employee management system, library management system, or bank management system.
Hospital Management System – Version 2
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases
This project is an advanced version of the beginners’ hospital management project in C. You’ll use the language to consolidate patients’ files and important medical details for this C programming assignment. Through this contact management system, you’ll be able to add, update, search and delete files if needed, making it an excellent addition to any tech resume or portfolio.
Modern Periodic Table
- C Skills Practiced: Source Control, Databases
Forget old-fashioned paper periodic tables. Instead, why not code an interactive table of elements? The purpose of this C project is to accurately store the name, symbol, atomic number, atomic weight, and other properties of the chemical elements. Additionally, the source code for this project is easy and understandable, consisting of 600 lines of code total.
Pacman Game
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Data Structures and Algorithms
The iconic Pacman game was first created for entertainment but can now boost your skills in C. In this Pacman game project, you must ensure that Pacman correctly moves along the established path and gains points as the player progresses through the game. You can do this using the C programming language and Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Best Advanced C Project Ideas
Planning projects in C can be challenging when you’re an expert user looking to obtain new skills. An advanced C project should challenge you and make you step outside of your professional comfort zone. It’s also a good opportunity for testing your skills. We’ve created a list of some more complicated projects in C that provide users with expert skills.
Typing Tutor
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Data Structures and Algorithms
In this programming project, you’ll measure users’ typing speed and help them enhance it through repeated practice. This C project is all accomplished with 600 user-friendly lines of code and includes skills like troubleshooting whenever the user makes an error while typing.
Telecom Billing System
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases
This compact project includes management and supervision of billing operations. The software allows inputs like record name, phone number, payment amount, and more. With this mini project in C Telecom Billing System, you will edit, add, list, search and delete records if needed.
School Billing System
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases
This C project creates a school billing system that can manage the accounting and billing under two account types: students and teachers. This compact program also uses databases and data structures to help you better understand developing small C projects. The project’s source code is estimated at around 1,000 lines.
Quiz Game Mini
- C Skills Practiced: C and C++ languages, Databases
This is a console application project where a series of questions will be asked to the user, and then they are awarded a prize for every correct answer. The quiz game covers science, technology, sports, movies, general health, and geography, so it’s excellent for testing general knowledge. The source code for this advanced project is about 1,000 lines long.
Phonebook
- C Skills Practiced: Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases
This phonebook management system will allow you to conduct simple phonebook operations such as listing, modifying, and searching and deleting phonebook records. Database and data structure concepts are necessary for the accurate retrieval of phone numbers and contact information.
C Starter Project Templates
Starter templates are demos that users can modify with programming techniques. These project templates are excellent to get you familiar with the common language of C and build software development experience. Get your projects started with these helpful C templates.
- C Project Template. C projects have command line parsers, Makefiles, usage messages, and help. The goal of the C project template is for you to arrive at a solution point quickly, rather than going through code line-by-line.
- Template C Project for VSCode. This template is used for starting the code easily and effortlessly by using technical skills in C programming.
- C-Template. This is another template to start a c project that contains CuTest unit testing and CMake builds setup.
- C Project Template – peterdn. This project template has CMake build script and unity test framework as features. CMake build scripts are used for tests, applications, and libraries.
Next Steps: Start Organizing Your C Portfolio
Your C portfolio should stand out from the rest by showcasing your skills and creativity. Below are a few tips on how to make sure your portfolio outshines the competition.
Passion Projects
Put projects on your resume that show your drive, creativity, and passion. If you’ve made a website, a simple project, an app, or just helped out someone with their business, put that in your portfolio too. Just take note that it should be complete and error-free projects, and you’re proud to show them off to people.
Relevant Job Experience
When displaying your projects, be sure to list the practical skills and technological know-how that were utilized when building them. This makes it easier for the recruiter or potential client to see what your tech stack and knowledge base are and understand the range of skills you will bring to the table.
Client and Company Testimonials
If you’ve had clients before or friends with whom you’ve successfully finished projects or work, it’s great if you can ask them about their experience with you. Ask if their testimonials can be included in your portfolio. Having this featured alongside their project will be an attractive addition to your portfolio.
C Projects FAQ
No, making a portfolio reflecting your programming skills isn’t difficult. Simply work on the various applicable projects mentioned above, launch the more complex projects, and add them to your portfolio.
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The best project for beginners in C programming is one that can be executed based on their current skill level. Start with something that you’re comfortable building and work up from there. Take on more complicated projects so you can have a well-versed resume and a strong skill set.
A project’s timeline depends on your skill level and the project’s overall difficulty. Typically, a programming project or template will provide a relative timeframe that it takes to be completed, but it may take a little longer if you’re a novice to a basic programming language like C.
The most important skills for C projects include knowledge of C and C++, source control, database management, and data structures and algorithms. Being skilled in these areas will make completing projects in C much faster.
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