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Brice Wilson

The C programming language has been around for decades and remains relevant today. This course will teach you the types of problems it solves, when you might choose to use it, and get you started writing your first C program.

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The C programming language has been around for decades and remains relevant today. This course will teach you the types of problems it solves, when you might choose to use it, and get you started writing your first C program.

Context is important when approaching a language that's been around as long as C. The syntax may look familiar because it has inspired the creation of so many other languages over the years, but its unique capabilities and the problems it solves are quite different from those derivative languages. In this course, C Language: The Big Picture, you'll learn the history of the language, the problems it solves, and why you should consider learning it. First, you'll explore why C was created, how it has evolved and why it remains relevant. Next, you'll discover use cases for this powerful language and why it is often a better choice than many more modern options. Finally, you'll get a quick introduction to the structure of a C program and the tools you need to begin writing and running your own C code. When you're finished with this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to decide if C is the right language for your project, dive deeper into the syntax of the language, and begin writing your first programs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
The Evolution and Influence of C
Using C in Modern Computing
Writing C Code
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners
Explores the history of C, which is foundational for understanding the evolution of computer languages
Develops a foundation in essential C programming concepts
Examines how to use and apply C in modern computing

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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 C Language: The Big Picture with these activities:
Read 'The C Programming Language' by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie
This book is a classic reference for C programming and provides an in-depth understanding of the language's history, concepts, and best practices, enhancing your knowledge and solidifying your foundation.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'The C Programming Language'
  • Read through the book carefully, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
  • Practice the examples and exercises provided in the book
Read an introductory article on C programming
This activity will help you understand the origins and evolution of the C programming language, as well as its relevance in modern computing.
Show steps
  • Find an introductory article on C programming
  • Read the article and take notes on the key concepts
Identify a mentor or join a community for C programmers
This activity will connect you with experienced C programmers, providing you with access to guidance, support, and valuable insights to enhance your learning journey.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors or C programming communities
  • Reach out and request mentorship or join the community
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Complete a beginner-friendly tutorial on C basics
This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in writing and executing simple C programs, solidifying your understanding of the fundamentals.
Show steps
  • Find a beginner-friendly C tutorial
  • Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises
  • Review the code and make sure you understand the concepts
Solve coding challenges on a platform like HackerRank
This activity will challenge you to apply your C programming skills to solve real-world problems, enhancing your problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Create an account on a coding challenge platform
  • Select beginner-friendly challenges and attempt to solve them
  • Review your solutions and learn from your mistakes
Mentor a junior C programmer or participate in online forums
This activity will provide you with an opportunity to solidify your understanding of C programming by sharing your knowledge and helping others, while also developing your communication and interpersonal skills.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor or participate in online forums
  • Share your knowledge and assist others with their C programming questions
  • Learn from your interactions and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts
Develop a simple C program to solve a specific problem
This activity will allow you to apply your C programming knowledge to create a functional solution, fostering your problem-solving skills and understanding of real-world applications.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Identify a problem that can be solved using C programming
  • Design and develop the C program
  • Test and debug the program
  • Document and present your solution
Contribute to an open-source C project on GitHub
This activity will immerse you in a collaborative environment, allowing you to contribute to a real-world project, learn from others, and enhance your code quality.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable open-source C project on GitHub
  • Create a pull request with your contribution
  • Review the feedback and make necessary changes

Career center

Learners who complete C Language: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
Software Developers build the software that makes the world work. They design, build, and maintain applications, websites, and other software systems. C is a popular programming language for developing operating systems, embedded systems, and other performance-intensive applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to real-world projects.
Systems Programmer
Systems Programmers design, build, and maintain the operating systems and other software that runs on computers. C is a popular programming language for developing systems software because it is efficient and reliable. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to the design and development of systems software.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers design, build, and test embedded systems, which are small, computerized devices that are typically used to control a specific function within a larger system. C is a popular programming language for developing embedded systems because it is efficient and reliable. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to the design and development of embedded systems.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists study the theory and practice of computing. They design and develop new algorithms and data structures, and they work on a variety of other problems in computer science. C is a popular programming language for developing operating systems, embedded systems, and other performance-intensive applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to research in computer science.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They develop and apply statistical and machine learning algorithms to data to identify patterns and trends. C is a popular programming language for developing data science applications because it is efficient and reliable. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to data science.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, build, and maintain software systems. They work on a variety of projects, from developing operating systems to building websites. C is a popular programming language for developing operating systems, embedded systems, and other performance-intensive applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to software engineering.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that makes computers work. They develop and test software applications, websites, and other software systems. C is a popular programming language for developing operating systems, embedded systems, and other performance-intensive applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to software development.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal databases to large enterprise databases. C is not a popular programming language for developing databases, but it can be used to develop high-performance database applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to database administration.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect the computer systems and networks of an organization from unauthorized access and attacks. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal security projects to large enterprise security projects. C is not a popular programming language for developing security systems, but it can be used to develop high-performance security applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to information security analysis.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal networks to large enterprise networks. C is not a popular programming language for developing networks, but it can be used to develop high-performance network applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to network administration.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal systems to large enterprise systems. C is not a popular programming language for developing systems, but it can be used to develop high-performance systems applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to systems analysis and design.
IT Manager
IT Managers plan and manage the IT resources of an organization. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal IT projects to large enterprise IT projects. C is not a popular programming language for developing IT systems, but it can be used to develop high-performance IT applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to IT management.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and build websites. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal websites to large e-commerce sites. C is not a popular programming language for developing websites, but it can be used to develop high-performance web applications. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to web development.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design and develop computer hardware. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal hardware devices to large enterprise hardware systems. C is a popular programming language for developing hardware drivers and other hardware-related software. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to computer hardware engineering.
Computer Repair Technician
Computer Repair Technicians troubleshoot and repair computer hardware and software. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal computers to large enterprise computer systems. C is not a popular programming language for developing computer repair software, but it can be used to develop high-performance computer repair tools. This course can help you learn the fundamentals of C programming and how to apply them to computer repair.

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 C Language: The Big Picture.
This classic book is the definitive guide to the C programming language. It is written by the language's creators and provides a comprehensive overview of the language's syntax, semantics, and history.
Is the definitive guide to the C++ programming language. It is written by the language's creator and provides a comprehensive overview of the language's syntax, semantics, and history.
Classic guide to the art of programming. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of good programming practice.
Classic guide to design patterns. It provides a comprehensive overview of the most common design patterns and how to use them.
Comprehensive guide to the Go programming language. It provides a comprehensive overview of the language's syntax, semantics, and history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the C programming language. It is written in a clear and concise style and is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers.
Comprehensive guide to the Rust programming language. It provides a comprehensive overview of the language's syntax, semantics, and history.
Collection of common C programming pitfalls and how to avoid them. It is written in a clear and concise style and is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers.
Gentle introduction to the C programming language. It is written in a clear and concise style and is suitable for complete beginners.

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