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Jan Schaffranek

Course Description:

Would you like to learn and master the C programming language, and you are already familiar with any other programming language? Then this course is the right for you.

You don't have to get bored in courses for complete beginners since you already know what if-statements, functions, etc. are.

I will show you in a quick and precise way what the difference of the C programming language compared to others.

Read more

Course Description:

Would you like to learn and master the C programming language, and you are already familiar with any other programming language? Then this course is the right for you.

You don't have to get bored in courses for complete beginners since you already know what if-statements, functions, etc. are.

I will show you in a quick and precise way what the difference of the C programming language compared to others.

At the beginning of the course, I will show you how to easily install the required software. We then dive straight into the world of programming. All the code from the videos will of course be made available.

Don't wait any longer and sign up for the course today to explore the fascinating world of C programming and take your skills to the next level.

This course consists of the following topics:

  • Variables and Data Types: Understand the basics of data storage and manipulation.

  • Queries and Logic: Learn about conditional statements and logical operators

  • Loops: Discover different types of loops and how to use them.

  • Functions and headers: Learn how to create functions and use header files.

  • Compiler processes: Debug and Release Mode

  • Tools: Clang-Tidy and Clang-Format

  • Pointers and memory management: Immerse yourself in the world of pointers and effective memory management.

  • Stack and heap memory: Distinguish between stack and heap memory and their use

  • Arrays and strings: Use arrays and strings to process and store data.

  • Structures and Enums: Learn how to create custom data types and use enums.

  • Files I/O Operations: Learn how to read, write and, edit files

Become a pro today, in the technology of tomorrow.See you in class.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The right way to code in c
  • Everything from variables to threads
  • Fast and precise guide for people that can already code in another language
  • How to use the developement tools

Syllabus

Introduction
Windows: Compiler Installation (1)
Windows: Compiler Installation (2)
Linux: Compiler Installation (1)
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a fast-paced introduction to C, which allows experienced programmers to quickly grasp the language's unique features
Covers pointers and memory management, which are essential for writing efficient and reliable C code and are often a stumbling block for new C programmers
Includes instruction on Clang-Tidy and Clang-Format, which are valuable tools for maintaining code quality and consistency in C projects
Explores compiler processes, debug versus release mode, and debugging techniques, which are critical for software development
Requires familiarity with programming concepts, which may exclude absolute beginners who have no prior coding experience
Teaches file I/O operations, which are essential for developing applications that interact with data stored in files

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Reviews summary

Quick c start for experienced programmers

According to learners, this course offers a quick and effective introduction to C programming for those already familiar with another language. Students highlight the clear and concise explanations, particularly appreciating the focus on the key differences of C compared to other languages. The coverage of fundamental C concepts like pointers and memory management is frequently mentioned as a major strength, providing a solid foundation in these often-challenging areas. While generally highly positive, a few students noted that the pace is indeed fast-paced and requires prior programming experience as stated, and some might need supplementary resources for deeper dives into specific topics.
Moves quickly through topics.
"The pace is fast, but suitable for experienced developers."
"Sometimes the pace felt a bit too quick, but you can always rewatch."
"Moves very fast, which is good for a 'quick start' but maybe overwhelming for some."
Designed for programmers, not beginners.
"This course requires previous programming knowledge, as advertised."
"Definitely not for complete beginners."
"If you don't have experience with another language, this might be too fast."
"Assumes familiarity with basic programming constructs."
Delivers on its promise of a fast intro.
"Perfect if you're already coding in other languages and want to quickly get up to speed in C."
"A quick and precise guide."
"Great course to quickly learn the main differences of C."
"It delivered on its promise of a 'quick start' and was ideal for someone like me."
"Gets you programming in C very fast."
Strong focus on core C features like pointers.
"Really helped understand the nuances of pointers and memory."
"Provides a solid foundation, especially on memory management."
"I now have a much better grasp on pointers and arrays."
"The sections on pointers, arrays, and memory management were particularly helpful and well-explained."
Well-explained core concepts specific to C.
"The instructor clearly explains the concepts."
"Explains the topics very well for someone who is used to other programming languages."
"Very clear and concise explanation on C."
"I really liked that the differences to other languages where pointed out explicitly which made the content easier to digest."
"The course is concise and to the point."
"Excellent explanations, especially the differences between C and other languages."

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 Quick Start to C Programming - Coming from another language with these activities:
Review Data Structures and Algorithms
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms, as C relies heavily on manual memory management and pointer manipulation.
Show steps
  • Review array implementations and pointer arithmetic.
  • Practice implementing linked lists and trees in C.
  • Solve basic algorithm problems using C.
Read 'C Programming: A Modern Approach'
Deepen your understanding of C syntax, semantics, and best practices by studying a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pointers and memory management carefully.
  • Work through the examples and exercises in the book.
  • Compare the book's approach to the course material.
Implement common C string functions
Solidify your understanding of pointers and memory management by reimplementing standard C string functions like `strcpy`, `strlen`, and `strcat`.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of string functions to implement.
  • Write your own versions of these functions.
  • Test your implementations thoroughly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a blog post on C memory management
Reinforce your understanding of C's memory management by explaining the concepts in a clear and concise blog post.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on C memory management.
  • Outline the key topics to cover in your post.
  • Write the blog post, explaining concepts clearly.
  • Edit and proofread your post carefully.
Build a simple command-line utility
Apply your C programming skills by developing a practical command-line tool, such as a text editor or a file manager.
Show steps
  • Define the scope and features of your utility.
  • Design the program's architecture and data structures.
  • Implement the core functionality in C.
  • Test and debug your utility thoroughly.
Read 'The C Programming Language' (K&R)
Gain a deeper appreciation for the C language by studying the original reference manual written by its creators.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pointers and memory management.
  • Work through the examples and exercises.
  • Compare K&R's approach to modern C programming practices.
Contribute to a C project on GitHub
Enhance your C programming skills by contributing to an open-source project, gaining experience with real-world code and collaboration.
Show steps
  • Find a C project on GitHub that interests you.
  • Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Quick Start to C Programming - Coming from another language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Programmer
A systems programmer works closely with operating systems, hardware, and low-level software. This role often involves writing code in C to build the foundations of computing systems. The quick start nature of this course, designed for those with prior programming experience, is great for a systems programmer who needs to learn C efficiently. The course's focus on pointers, memory management, and compiler processes is precisely the kind of knowledge that a systems programmer needs to succeed. Additionally, the course covers fundamental concepts such as stack versus heap memory, file input and output, and debugging techniques.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded systems engineers design and develop systems that are integrated into devices, such as microcontrollers and sensors, often utilizing C programming. This course is particularly useful for an embedded systems engineer who needs a rapid introduction to C, because it assumes familiarity with programming concepts. The course goes into the details of pointers and memory management and the use of custom data types, which are all crucial skills. Knowing how to use debuggers, compilers, and tools like clang-tidy are very beneficial for an embedded systems engineer.
Game Developer
Game developers build interactive experiences, and C is a language often used in game engine development and performance-critical code. This course helps build a foundation in C for a game developer that is already proficient in other programming. The course's emphasis on efficient memory management and performance optimization helps developers create smooth and responsive games. Game developers will find the sections on pointers, arrays, and data structure implementation to be particularly relevant.
Operating Systems Developer
Operating systems developers create the core software that manages computer hardware and software resources. C is often used to build operating systems. This course may be useful for an operating systems developer because of its speed and direct approach for those familiar with other programming languages. The course's coverage of pointers, memory management, and file I/O operations can be a great help. The sections on debugging and compiler processes will also help you be an operating systems developer.
Firmware Engineer
Firmware engineers develop low-level software that controls hardware devices. This course is helpful because it quickly introduces the C programming language to those already familiar with programming. A firmware engineer will make use of the fact that the course covers pointers, memory allocation, and data structures. Furthermore, firmware engineers will find tools such as debuggers, clang-tidy, and clang-format to be invaluable for development.
Software Performance Engineer
Software performance engineers analyze and optimize software for efficiency. This course may be useful for a software performance engineer because it provides a path into C, which is often used to control system resources. The course's lessons on memory management, compiler processes, and debugging will help someone in this role understand how their choices impact performance. This is a quick-start course, and that will be beneficial for someone whose current role has taught them the basics of software development.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers design and build robotic systems. These systems often rely on C for low-level control and real-time processing. This course may be helpful for someone already familiar with programming, such as a robotics engineer, because it introduces the C language in a quick and efficient manner. The course's topics such as pointers, memory management, and file input and output will give needed skills to robotics engineers. The course also covers debugging, which is an important part of hardware/software integration.
Database Developer
Database developers design and build databases, often working with C for performance-critical operations and database internals. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it is designed for those already familiar with programming. This course teaches pointers, memory management, and file I/O, all of which are fundamental to working with databases. These skills can help database developers write more performant and robust database systems.
Device Driver Developer
Device driver developers create software that allows operating systems and applications to interact with hardware devices. This course may be useful for a device driver developer because it provides a direct and efficient way to learn the C language. The course's exploration of pointers, memory management, and file I/O are particularly relevant for device drivers. Debugging skills are also crucial for this role, and those are covered in the course.
High-Performance Computing Engineer
High performance computing engineers work on optimizing software for supercomputers and parallel processing systems. C programs are often used for their speed and low-level control. This course may be useful for a high performance computing engineer who needs to learn C but is already familiar with programming concepts. The course's emphasis on memory management, pointers, and compiler processes may prove valuable in this role. Additionally, understanding how to debug C code will help improve performance.
Compiler Developer
Compiler developers work on creating the tools that translate code into machine instructions. C is often used in compiler development because of its low-level control. This course may be helpful for a compiler developer because it dives into compiler processes and debugging. The course's focus on pointers, memory management, and how to use debuggers will help a compiler developer. The course is useful because it quickly covers the basics for those already familiar with programming.
Financial Software Developer
Financial software developers create the software and systems that power the financial industry. C is often used when speed and efficiency are paramount. This course may be useful for this role because it gets programmers started with the C language quickly. Lessons on pointers, memory, and efficient use of compiler tools will help this developer create high-performance and reliable systems. The course emphasizes debugging, which is useful for financial applications that need to be extremely reliable.
Scientific Software Developer
Scientific software developers create applications for simulations, data analysis, and scientific research. C is often used because of its performance and low-level access. This course may be useful for someone in this role who needs to learn C quickly because it is designed for programmers who already have experience in another language. The course's coverage of pointers, memory management, and I/O operations can be quite useful. Additionally, knowing how to use debuggers and other tools are important for scientific computing.
Security Engineer
Security engineers analyze and protect software and systems from threats. C, while not the most common language for security, is sometimes used for low-level tools. This course may be useful for a security engineer who needs to quickly pick up the C programming language. The course's focus on memory management and pointers may provide insights, as vulnerabilities in C programs often originate from improper memory usage. Understanding how to use debugging tools is beneficial for security analysis.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze data to draw insights and build models. While Python and R are more common in data science, C may be used for performance-critical components. This course may be useful for a data scientist who needs to use or understand C, because it provides a quick on-ramp for those coming from other programming languages. The course's focus on fundamental concepts such as data types, loops, and functions can be beneficial in this role. The course may also provide necessary context if a data scientist works with a code base that contains C.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Quick Start to C Programming - Coming from another language.
Comprehensive guide to C programming, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced topics like memory management and data structures. It's particularly useful for programmers coming from other languages as it highlights the nuances and best practices specific to C. The book is often used as a textbook in university-level C programming courses. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the core concepts of C.
This book, often referred to as K&R, is the classic reference on the C programming language, written by its creators. While it may be more concise and less beginner-friendly than some modern textbooks, it provides a deep understanding of the language's core principles. It's particularly valuable for understanding the historical context and design decisions behind C. useful reference for experienced programmers.

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