A C compiler is a specialized program that translates code written in the C programming language into machine code, which can be executed by a computer's processor. This process involves several stages, including preprocessing, compiling, assembling, and linking, to create an executable file. C compilers are essential for software development, allowing programmers to write high-level code that is easier to understand and maintain. Popular examples of C compilers include GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and Clang. These tools help ensure that the code runs efficiently on various hardware platforms.