C Hello World Program

Last Updated : 18 Aug, 2026

The C Hello World Program is the first and simplest program that beginners write while learning C. It introduces the basic structure of a C program and demonstrates how to display output on the console.

  • It helps understand the basic structure of a C program (main(), headers, and statements).
  • It introduces console output using the printf() function.

Prerequisites:

  • Install a C compiler such as GCC or Clang.
  • Use any C IDE or a text editor with a compiler.

Implementation of C Hello World

The following program prints "Hello, World!" on the console.

C 
#include <stdio.h>

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

Output
Hello World

Understanding the C Hello World Program

1. Header File

The program begins by including the standard input-output library.

#include <stdio.h>

  • stdio.h provides functions such as printf() and scanf().
  • The preprocessor includes this header before compilation.

2. main() Function

Every C program starts executing from the main() function.

int main() {
// Statements
}

  • int specifies that main() returns an integer.
  • main() serves as the entry point of the program.

3. printf() Function

The printf() function displays text on the console.

printf("Hello, World!");

  • It prints the given string exactly as written.
  • It is declared in stdio.h.

4. return 0

return 0;

  • Returns control to the operating system.
  • 0 indicates successful execution.

Steps to Compile and Run a C Program

A C program is executed in two stages:

  • Compilation (source code → executable)
  • Execution (running the executable)

1. Compilation

The source file (.c) is compiled into an executable using a C compiler.

gcc HelloWorld.c -o HelloWorld

  • gcc is the GNU C Compiler.
  • -o HelloWorld specifies the executable name.

2. Execution

Run the generated executable.

Windows

HelloWorld.exe

Linux/macOS

./HelloWorld

Output

Hello, World!

Note: If the compiler is not recognized, ensure that GCC or another C compiler is installed and added to your system's PATH.

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