read file list into array

what i want to do is get a list of the files and folders within a folder and put the list in an array
i was able to do it in VB.NET and it was easy... but now i want to do it with C.
i know i could do it with something like

Code:

system("ls >> file_list")
...read the file list into an array

is there a way to take out that step and just read a list of all the folders and files directly into an array?
I dont know what to call what Im trying to do, so if someone could just point me in the right direction i'm not scared of reading about it
thanks

A start:
FAQ > How do I... (Level 3) > Accessing a directory and all the files within it