C Programming: Pointers and Memory Management

In this course, we will examine a key concept, foundational to any programming language: the usage of memory.

This course builds upon the basic concept of pointers, discussed in C Programming: Modular Programming and Memory Management, and introduces the more advanced usage of pointers and pointer arithmetic. Arrays of pointers and multidimensional arrays are addressed, and you will learn how to allocate memory for your own data during program execution. This is called dynamic memory allocation at runtime using pointers.

Within moments you will be coding hands-on in a browser tool developed for this course, receiving instant feedback on your code. No need to install anything!

Why learn C and not another programming language? Did you know that smartphones, your car’s navigation system, robots, drones, trains, and almost all electronic devices have some C-code running under the hood? C is used in any circumstance where speed and flexibility are important, such as in embedded systems or high-performance computing.

In this course, you will also gain experience with programming concepts that are foundational to any programming language.

At the end of this course, you will reach the fourth milestone in the C Programming with Linux Specialization, unlocking the door to a career in computer engineering.

Your job Outlook:

- Programmers, developers, engineers, managers, and related industries within scientific computing and data science;

- Embedded systems such as transportation, utility networks, and aerospace;

- Robotics industry and manufacturing;

- IoT (Internet of Things) used in smart homes, automation, and wearables.

- IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology, ranks C as third of the top programming languages of 2021 in demand by employers. (Source: IEEE Spectrum)

This course has received financial support from the Patrick & Lina Drahi Foundation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome

Let's start coding! You will get familiar with the leaning tools our team has developed to make learning code easier.

Week 1: Memory and pointers

By the end of Week 1, you will be able to both visualize the concept of a pointer in memory and use pointers in functions with simple pointer arithmetic. You will also demonstrate that an array name is a pointer performing pointer arithmetic and will create functions that accept and modify arrays.

Week 2: Multidimensional arrays

By the end of Week 2, you will be able to deference pointers using array notation and star notation. You will also be able to store multiple strings in an array and manipulate matrices.

Week 3: Dynamic memory allocation

By the end of Week 3, you will be able to distinguish between the stack and the heap memory spaces. You will also be able to allocate and deallocate memory programmatically in the heap for arrays.

Concluding the course

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors recognized for their expertise in programming

Provides a comprehensive foundation in C programming, which is highly relevant in many industries

Reinforces essential concepts in C programming, such as memory management, pointers, and arrays

Recommended for individuals looking to strengthen their foundation in C programming or prepare for a career in computer engineering

Requires prior knowledge of C programming concepts and proficiency in using a command-line interface

Career center

Learners who complete C Programming: Pointers and Memory Management - 4 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain code for a variety of applications, from simple scripts to complex enterprise systems. C programming is a popular choice for developing high-performance applications due to its efficiency and low-level control. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in C programming, enabling you to write efficient and reliable code for various applications.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. C programming is widely used in robotics for tasks such as developing robot control systems, navigation algorithms, and image processing algorithms. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of C programming concepts, enabling you to create efficient and reliable robotic systems.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop electronic systems that are embedded in larger mechanical or electrical systems. C programming is widely used in embedded systems development due to its efficiency and low-level control. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of C programming concepts, enabling you to create embedded systems that meet performance and reliability requirements.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. C programming is used in network programming for tasks such as developing network protocols, network management tools, and embedded systems for network devices. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of C programming concepts, enabling you to create efficient and reliable network solutions.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course will help you build a foundation in C programming, which is a popular language used in developing operating systems, embedded systems, and other performance-critical applications. The course covers concepts such as pointers, memory management, and dynamic memory allocation, which are essential for writing efficient and reliable software.

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Game Developer

Game Developers design, develop, and maintain video games. C programming is a popular choice for developing high-performance games due to its efficiency and low-level control. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in C programming, enabling you to write efficient and reliable code for various game development tasks.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems, including hardware and software. They work closely with end-users to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will help you develop a deep understanding of C programming, which is often used in systems programming and operating system development. The course covers topics such as memory management and dynamic memory allocation, which are crucial for building robust and efficient systems.

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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. C programming is sometimes used in data science for tasks such as data cleaning, feature engineering, and model optimization. This course will provide you with a foundation in C programming, which can be beneficial for certain aspects of data science work.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. C programming is sometimes used in security applications for tasks such as developing security protocols, encryption algorithms, and intrusion detection systems. This course will provide you with a foundation in C programming, which can be beneficial for certain aspects of security engineering work.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. While C programming is not commonly used in web development, understanding C programming concepts can be beneficial for certain tasks, such as developing high-performance web servers or optimizing code for embedded devices. This course will provide you with a foundation in C programming, which can complement your web development skills.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. While C programming is not commonly used in database administration, understanding C programming concepts can be beneficial for certain tasks, such as developing custom database tools or optimizing database performance. This course will provide you with a foundation in C programming, which can complement your database administration skills.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. C programming knowledge is not typically required for technical writers, but it can be beneficial for certain tasks, such as writing documentation for software developers or embedded systems engineers. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of C programming concepts, which may be helpful in certain technical writing roles.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. C programming knowledge is typically not required for project managers, but it can be beneficial in certain projects, such as those involving software development or embedded systems. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of C programming concepts, which may be helpful in certain project management roles.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and develop solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. C programming knowledge is typically not required for business analysts, but it can be beneficial in certain roles, such as those involving data analysis or software development. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of C programming concepts, which may be helpful in certain business analyst roles.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. C programming knowledge is typically not required for marketing managers, but it can be beneficial in certain roles, such as those involving digital marketing or data analysis. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of C programming concepts, which may be helpful in certain marketing management roles.

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