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Charles Russell Severance
Covering dynamic memory allocation for optimizing memory utilization, Data Structures in C explores ways to handle multiple variables collectively. In this course, you’ll delve into the central concept of pointers for managing the storage and retrieval of memory. Explore and understand structures, a C-specific user-defined data type combining assorted data items.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Intro to Pointers
Pointers and Arrays
Part 1: Structures
Read more
Syllabus
Intro to Pointers
Pointers and Arrays
Part 1: Structures
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Delves into dynamic memory allocation, a key technique optimizing memory utilization in C
Covers data structures to manipulate multiple variables cohesively, introducing a fundamental concept
Explores pointers, a crucial data structure in C, for efficient storage and retrieval of memory
Introduces structures, a custom data type in C, to combine diverse data items, providing organizational capabilities
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Reviews summary
Mastering c pointers and memory management
According to students, this course offers a strong, foundational understanding of C programming concepts, particularly excelling in its coverage of pointers and dynamic memory allocation. Many commend the instructor's clear and precise explanations, making complex topics accessible. However, some learners feel the title "Data Structures in C" might be misleading, as the course focuses primarily on basic structures and not advanced data structures like linked lists or trees. It is frequently noted that the course is best suited for those with some prior C experience, as beginners may find the pace too fast. Overall, it's considered an essential course for deepening C knowledge.
Instructor simplifies complex C concepts.
"The instructor explained complex topics clearly and provided many hands-on coding examples."
"The explanations are precise, and the assignments, though sometimes tricky, really force you to understand the memory model."
"The instructor is knowledgeable."
"I found the instructor's teaching style very effective in breaking down difficult concepts into manageable parts."
Master complex C memory management.
"This course was a fantastic deep dive into pointers and structures in C... the modules on dynamic memory allocation – it finally clicked for me!"
"Absolutely essential for anyone wanting to master C. The explanations are precise..."
"The instructor's explanations for pointers and arrays were top-notch... made the complex topic of memory management much more accessible."
"The way dynamic memory allocation was broken down made it easy to grasp. This course significantly improved my understanding of low-level C programming."
Learners seek more challenging and real-world examples.
"I would have liked more challenging practice problems to really solidify understanding..."
"My only critique is that more real-world examples using structures could have improved the practical application."
"Could benefit from more complex assignments to push understanding further."
Best for learners with existing C programming skills.
"Too fast-paced for a beginner. This course assumes you already know C well, which isn't clear from the description."
"It's a good intro, but not comprehensive enough if you're not already comfortable with C."
"I would say this course is targeted at intermediate C programmers who want to truly understand memory."
Focuses on pointers, not advanced data structures.
"The 'Data Structures' in the title was a bit misleading regarding the depth of coverage for advanced structures."
"This course was advertised for 'Data Structures' but barely touched upon common data structures like linked lists, trees, or graphs. It's really 'Pointers and Basic Structures in C'."
"The structures part felt a bit disjointed... not comprehensive enough if you're not already comfortable with C."
"I came in hoping to solidify my understanding of data structures beyond just arrays, but the focus was heavily on pointers and basic structures."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Data Structures in C with these
activities:
Read 'C for Programmers'
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing basic C programming concepts, including pointer basics, using this popular textbook.
View
Java 8 Fundamentals
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-4 of 'C for Programmers'.
-
Make notes on the key concepts of each chapter.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Practice pointer arithmetic
Show steps
Sharpen your pointer manipulation skills by working through a series of exercises designed to test your understanding of pointer arithmetic.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
-
Solve the pointer arithmetic exercises provided in the course materials.
-
Create your own pointer arithmetic exercises and solve them.
-
Debug pointer arithmetic code provided by your instructor or found online.
Develop a cheat sheet
Show steps
Create a concise summary of key concepts relating to pointers and structures in C to aid your understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
-
Identify the most important concepts related to pointers and structures.
-
Summarize these concepts in a clear and concise manner.
-
Organize the concepts into a logical structure.
Show all three activities
Read 'C for Programmers'
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing basic C programming concepts, including pointer basics, using this popular textbook.
View
Java 8 Fundamentals
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-4 of 'C for Programmers'.
- Make notes on the key concepts of each chapter.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Practice pointer arithmetic
Show steps
Sharpen your pointer manipulation skills by working through a series of exercises designed to test your understanding of pointer arithmetic.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Solve the pointer arithmetic exercises provided in the course materials.
- Create your own pointer arithmetic exercises and solve them.
- Debug pointer arithmetic code provided by your instructor or found online.
Develop a cheat sheet
Show steps
Create a concise summary of key concepts relating to pointers and structures in C to aid your understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the most important concepts related to pointers and structures.
- Summarize these concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- Organize the concepts into a logical structure.
Show all three activities
Career center
Learners who complete Data Structures in C will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. They may use pointers to manage memory and to create dynamic memory allocation when working with large datasets.
Software Architect
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems. They may use pointers to manage memory storage, which this course may help you prepare for.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and manage information technology systems. They may use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain and optimize databases. They might use pointers to manage memory when working with large databases.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They might use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They may use pointers to manage memory when optimizing networks. They may also use pointers to create virtual memory.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. They may use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance to users of computer systems and software. They may use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems. This course may help you learn about pointers.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They may use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They may use pointers to manage memory when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and design better ones. They may need to use pointers to optimize memory usage when working with large datasets or complex systems.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write, test, implement, and maintain computer programs. They may use pointers to create dynamic memory allocation and to efficiently manage memory.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and deploy software systems. They may use pointers to manage memory storage, which this course may help you prepare for.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts pore over data to find trends, patterns, and relationships. As a data analyst, you may need to design statistical models to use for data analysis, which could involve using arrays to store the data and pointers to manipulate the data. This course may help prepare you for that.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers build and maintain computer applications. They design, develop, test, and deploy software systems. Software developers may use pointers to manage memory storage, which this course may help you prepare for.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4na015/data
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Data Structures in C.
Save
Is the classic reference on C++ programming, and good resource for additional reading and reference.
Is the classic reference on C programming, and good resource for additional reading and reference.
Save
Comprehensive guide to C programming, and good resource for additional reading and reference.
The book covers advanced data structures and algorithms. It is more in-depth than this course, and good resource for further learning and reference.
Comprehensive guide to data structures and algorithm analysis, and good resource for additional reading and reference.
Save
Provides practical advice on how to write effective C++ code, and good resource for additional reading.
Provides a comprehensive guide to concurrency in C++, and good resource for additional reading.
Classic textbook on data structures, and good resource for additional reading.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the Rust programming language, and good resource for additional reading.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to C++ templates, and good resource for additional reading.
Provides a collection of recipes for solving common C++ programming problems, and good resource for additional reading.
Provides a good overview of C programming, and is helpful as background reading.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4na015/data
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Charles Russell Severance
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
C Programming for Everybody. It's comprised of four courses:
- Programming in C
- Data Structures in C (viewing)
- Exploring C
- Building Objects in C
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