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Ira Pohl
This course is for everyone. In the new world we live in, coding is a universally valuable skill, whether you're a scientist, artist, or a humanist. Algorithms are everywhere, and we all have to understand how they work. The C language is particularly well suited as an introduction to coding: It's a tried-and-true language, and it allows you to understand computing processes at a deep level.
No prior knowledge of coding is needed for this course. We'll start at the beginning.
The time estimated time commitment for this course is five hours a week for five weeks.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9tqyt2/c
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
An overview of the course, a history of the C language, and a first set of programming activities.
Lexical Elements and Data Types
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
An overview of the course, a history of the C language, and a first set of programming activities.
Lexical Elements and Data Types
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in programming using a universally valuable skill, which is standard in many industries
Develops fluency in the C programming language, which is taught by an experienced instructor
Lays a foundation for ongoing programming language learning, especially for those working in science or technology
Build a programming foundation for those without a technical background in coding, making it a good option for beginners
Provides comprehensive coverage of all of the necessary C programming topics for a beginner, including arrays, pointers, and recursion
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Create your own learning path.
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Reviews summary
Foundational c programming introduction
According to learners, this course provides a foundational introduction to C programming. Students with no prior coding experience found the initial modules helpful for grasping basic concepts like data types and control flow. While many appreciated the clear structure and the focus on fundamentals, some learners felt topics like pointers and recursion were challenging and could benefit from more in-depth explanation or practice. The course appears well-suited for absolute beginners looking to understand core programming principles through the C language, though some found the pace uneven.
Pace can feel rushed on complex topics.
"Some modules moved too quickly over difficult ideas."
"I wanted more depth on arrays before moving to pointers."
"Felt like the first half was slow, then the second rushed."
Instructor explains concepts well.
"The lecturer explained things very clearly."
"I liked the instructor's teaching style."
"Found the professor easy to follow."
Explains core programming concepts clearly.
"The course starts from scratch, which is perfect for absolute beginners like me."
"I finally understood variables and loops thanks to the clear explanations."
"The early sections provided a really solid base for understanding C."
Suitable for those new to programming.
"Truly a C for Everyone course - no prior knowledge required."
"As someone completely new to coding, this felt accessible."
"If you've never coded before, this is a good place to start."
Later topics like pointers are challenging.
"I struggled a lot with the pointers section; it felt like a big jump."
"Recursion was hard to wrap my head around; needed outside resources."
"Wish there were more examples or practice problems for pointers."
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 for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals with these
activities:
Review basic programming concepts
Show steps
Recall key concepts from the beginning of the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Data Types
Show steps
-
Revisit the different data types available in C.
-
Review the syntax and usage of basic operators.
Read "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the C language from the authoritative source.
View
C Programming Language, 2nd Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book, paying attention to the fundamentals of C.
-
Solve the exercises and programming challenges provided in the book.
-
Apply the concepts learned from the book to your own programming projects.
Implement pointers
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of how pointers are used in C.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
-
Write a program that uses pointers to access and modify variables.
-
Use pointers to create and manipulate arrays.
-
Explore different scenarios where pointers can be used effectively.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engage in code review sessions
Show steps
Enhance your coding skills by providing and receiving feedback on code.
Browse courses on
Programming
Show steps
-
Form a study group with peers who are also taking the course.
-
Establish a schedule for regular code review sessions.
-
Review each other's code, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Build a simple calculator
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of flow of control and simple functions to create a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Flow of Control
Show steps
-
Design the user interface and functionality of the calculator.
-
Implement basic arithmetic operations using `if-else` statements.
-
Add support for more complex calculations, such as parentheses and exponents.
Explore advanced C libraries
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of C by exploring additional libraries and their applications.
Browse courses on
Advanced Functions
Show steps
-
Identify a specific C library that aligns with your interests or project goals.
-
Follow tutorials and documentation to understand the library's functionality.
-
Implement the library in a practical project to solidify your understanding.
Solve recursion problems
Show steps
Develop your problem-solving skills and master the technique of recursion.
Browse courses on
Recursion
Show steps
-
Understand the concept of recursion and its applications.
-
Practice solving problems using recursive algorithms.
-
Analyze the efficiency and time complexity of recursive solutions.
Build a data analysis application
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of arrays and pointers to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Arrays
Show steps
-
Identify a dataset that you want to analyze.
-
Design a data structure to store the data efficiently.
-
Implement algorithms to perform the desired analysis on the data.
-
Create a user interface to visualize and interact with the results.
Contribute to an open-source C project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the open-source community.
Browse courses on
Open-Source
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source C project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
-
Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
-
Submit a pull request with your contributions to the project.
Review basic programming concepts
Show steps
Recall key concepts from the beginning of the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Data Types
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit the different data types available in C.
- Review the syntax and usage of basic operators.
Read "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the C language from the authoritative source.
View
C Programming Language, 2nd Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book, paying attention to the fundamentals of C.
- Solve the exercises and programming challenges provided in the book.
- Apply the concepts learned from the book to your own programming projects.
Implement pointers
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of how pointers are used in C.
Browse courses on
Pointers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Write a program that uses pointers to access and modify variables.
- Use pointers to create and manipulate arrays.
- Explore different scenarios where pointers can be used effectively.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engage in code review sessions
Show steps
Enhance your coding skills by providing and receiving feedback on code.
Browse courses on
Programming
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with peers who are also taking the course.
- Establish a schedule for regular code review sessions.
- Review each other's code, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Build a simple calculator
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of flow of control and simple functions to create a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Flow of Control
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design the user interface and functionality of the calculator.
- Implement basic arithmetic operations using `if-else` statements.
- Add support for more complex calculations, such as parentheses and exponents.
Explore advanced C libraries
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of C by exploring additional libraries and their applications.
Browse courses on
Advanced Functions
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific C library that aligns with your interests or project goals.
- Follow tutorials and documentation to understand the library's functionality.
- Implement the library in a practical project to solidify your understanding.
Solve recursion problems
Show steps
Develop your problem-solving skills and master the technique of recursion.
Browse courses on
Recursion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Understand the concept of recursion and its applications.
- Practice solving problems using recursive algorithms.
- Analyze the efficiency and time complexity of recursive solutions.
Build a data analysis application
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of arrays and pointers to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Arrays
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a dataset that you want to analyze.
- Design a data structure to store the data efficiently.
- Implement algorithms to perform the desired analysis on the data.
- Create a user interface to visualize and interact with the results.
Contribute to an open-source C project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the open-source community.
Browse courses on
Open-Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source C project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
- Review the project's documentation and codebase.
- Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
- Submit a pull request with your contributions to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers write and maintain the code that makes software and applications run. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you build websites.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design and develop computer hardware. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that runs computers and other devices. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and Information Systems Managers plan and direct the activities of computer and information systems departments. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialists design, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer Software Engineer
Computer Software Engineer
Computer Software Engineers design and develop computer software. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you get started in this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. This course may be useful in understanding the fundamentals of coding, which could help you collect and analyze data.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9tqyt2/c
Reading list
We've selected 15 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 for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals.
This monumental work comprehensive treatise on computer programming. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic algorithms to advanced data structures. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about computer programming.
This classic book comprehensive introduction to algorithms. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data structures to advanced algorithms. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about algorithms.
This classic book is written by the original creators of the C language. It provides a concise and authoritative overview of the language, and valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about C.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems from a programmer's perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, from computer architecture to operating systems. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about computer systems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision. It covers a wide range of topics, from image processing to object recognition. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about computer vision.
Comprehensive guide to programming in C, covering the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as pointers and data structures. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about C programming.
Provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms, covering both the theory and practice of algorithm design and analysis. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about algorithms.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of deep learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from deep learning models to deep learning applications. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about deep learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of natural language processing with Python. It covers a wide range of topics, from natural language understanding to natural language generation. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about natural language processing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems concepts. It covers a wide range of topics, from process management to file systems. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about operating systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks. It covers a wide range of topics, from network protocols to network security. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about computer networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of database systems. It covers a wide range of topics, from database design to database query processing. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about database systems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from supervised learning to unsupervised learning. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about machine learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data structures and algorithms in C. It valuable reference for anyone who wants to learn more about these topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer organization and design, covering key concepts such as computer architecture, assembly language, and operating systems. While it may be more advanced than the level of this course, it valuable reference for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of computer systems.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9tqyt2/c
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Effort
Five weeks of study, five hours a week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Santa Cruz
Instructor
Ira Pohl
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Coding for Everyone: C and C++. It's comprised of four courses:
- C for Everyone: Structured Programming
- C++ For C Programmers, Part A
- C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals (viewing)
- C++ For C Programmers, Part B
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