C Interop
C Interop refers to the techniques and mechanisms that enable programming languages, frameworks, or systems to interoperate with C code, libraries, or APIs. It allows developers to call C functions, use C data structures, and integrate C libraries from other languages like Python, Java, or .NET, facilitating reuse of existing C codebases and access to low-level system resources. This is crucial for performance-critical applications, legacy system integration, and leveraging platform-specific features.
Developers should learn C Interop when working on projects that require high performance, integration with legacy C libraries, or direct hardware/system access, such as in embedded systems, game development, or operating system programming. It is essential for scenarios where using pure C is necessary for speed or compatibility, but the main application is written in a higher-level language, enabling a balance between productivity and control.