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"Mastering C Programming: A Comprehensive Theory Course" is an all-inclusive program designed to provide you with the knowledge and expertise necessary to become a proficient C programmer. Whether you are a novice without any prior programming experience or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your skills, this course is tailored to meet your requirements.

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"Mastering C Programming: A Comprehensive Theory Course" is an all-inclusive program designed to provide you with the knowledge and expertise necessary to become a proficient C programmer. Whether you are a novice without any prior programming experience or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your skills, this course is tailored to meet your requirements.

This course adopts a theory-based approach, laying a strong foundation in the principles and concepts that form the bedrock of the C programming language. Starting with an introduction to C, you will explore its historical significance and relevance in the programming world. We will guide you through the process of setting up your programming environment and acquainting you with popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) to ensure a seamless learning experience.

As you progress through the course, you will delve deeply into the fundamental building blocks of C programming. From variables and constants to data types and operators, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively utilize these essential elements. Various input and output techniques will be explored, enabling you to manipulate data proficiently using C's powerful operators.

Flow control is a critical aspect of programming, and this course extensively covers it. You will learn how to employ if and else statements to make decisions in your code, create loops for repetitive tasks, and efficiently branch using switch case statements. Moreover, you will discover the potency of function-oriented programming and explore different types of functions, including recursive functions.

Arrays, pointers, and strings are indispensable components of C programming, and you will acquire the skills to leverage their capabilities. You will gain an understanding of multidimensional arrays and harness pointers for memory manipulation, thereby unlocking the full potential of these features. Additionally, you will explore structures and unions, enabling you to construct complex data structures within C.

To showcase your newfound skills, you will undertake a hands-on project focused on library management. This project will test your knowledge as you develop a functional system for book addition, deletion, and updates. Furthermore, you will learn how to perform file input/output operations and utilize standard libraries to augment your programs.

By the conclusion of this course, you will possess a profound comprehension of C programming and be equipped with the skills necessary to develop robust applications. Are you prepared to embark on your journey to becoming a C programming expert? Enroll now and seize the opportunity to master C programming.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of the c programming language.
  • Develop a solid understanding of variables, data types, and operators, enabling efficient manipulation of data in c.
  • Master the use of arrays, multidimensional arrays, and pointers for efficient memory management and manipulation of complex data structures and lot more.
  • Gain hands-on experience and build confidence in coding by implementing the concepts through practical exercises.

Syllabus

Introduction
Environment & IDE setup
Variables & constants
Identifiers, keywords & variable declaration
Read more
Data types
This section introduces C programming, covering environment setup, variables, data types, input/output, and operators.
Input & output
Operators
Students learn conditional statements, loops, break and continue, switch case, and the goto statement.
If & else statements
Loop introduction
Loop continued (part-2)
Break & continue Statement
Switch case
Goto statement
This section covers function types, calling methods, recursion, and assignments related to functions.
Functions & types of functions
Function types
Methods of calling a function
Recursion
Functions assignment
Students learn about arrays, including declaration, initialization, and manipulation.
Array intro
Array question
Multidimensional array
2D array question
This section introduces pointers, their relationship with arrays, functions, and dynamic memory allocation.
Pointers intro
Pointers & arrays
Pointers & functions
Dynamic memory allocation
Students learn about strings, including manipulation using library functions.
Strings introduction
Strings & functions
This section covers structures, pointers to structures, and the difference between structures and unions.
Structure introduction (part-1)
Structure continued (part-2)
Structure & pointers and structure & functions
Union & difference between struct and union
Students learn file input/output operations.
File Input / Output Introduction (part-1)
File Input / Output continued (part-2)
This section covers standard library functions.
Standard Library Introduction (part-1)
Standard Library Continued (part-2)
Students work on a mini-project involving menu creation, book management functions, and accessing the project code on GitHub.
Mini Project Introduction
Main Menu
Add book function
Delete function
Update function & all available books function
GitHub link of the project code
Practice Set

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Begins with an introduction to C, guiding learners through setting up their programming environment and acquainting them with popular Integrated Development Environments, which ensures a seamless learning experience
Adopts a theory-based approach, laying a strong foundation in the principles and concepts that form the bedrock of the C programming language, which is ideal for learners with no prior experience
Covers file input/output operations and the use of standard libraries to augment programs, which are essential skills for developing robust applications
Includes a hands-on project focused on library management, testing knowledge through the development of a functional system for book addition, deletion, and updates, which builds confidence in coding
Explores structures and unions, enabling learners to construct complex data structures within C, which is a core skill for intermediate and advanced programmers
Teaches C programming using IDEs, but does not specify which IDEs, so learners may need to do additional research to determine which IDEs are most appropriate for them

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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 Programming : A Comprehensive Theory Course with these activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, and control flow to prepare for the C-specific implementations.
Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review notes from any prior programming courses or tutorials.
  • Complete online quizzes or practice exercises on basic programming concepts.
  • Write simple programs in a language you are already familiar with to refresh your skills.
Read 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'
Supplement the course material with a beginner-friendly guide to C programming, reinforcing fundamental concepts and providing additional examples.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'.
  • Read the first few chapters covering basic syntax, variables, and data types.
  • Try the example programs provided in the book.
Practice coding basic C programs
Reinforce your understanding of C syntax and concepts by writing small programs that solve simple problems.
Show steps
  • Write a program to calculate the area of a rectangle.
  • Write a program to check if a number is even or odd.
  • Write a program to print the first N Fibonacci numbers.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a C Programming Cheat Sheet
Consolidate your knowledge by creating a cheat sheet that summarizes key C syntax, data types, and functions.
Show steps
  • Review your course notes and identify the most important concepts.
  • Organize the information into a clear and concise format.
  • Include examples of common C syntax and functions.
Develop a Simple Calculator Program in C
Apply your C programming skills by building a calculator that performs basic arithmetic operations.
Show steps
  • Design the user interface for the calculator.
  • Implement functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Handle user input and perform calculations accordingly.
  • Test the calculator thoroughly to ensure accuracy.
Contribute to a C-based Open Source Project
Enhance your C programming skills by contributing to an existing open-source project written in C.
Show steps
  • Find a C-based open-source project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project's documentation and coding style.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Read 'The C Programming Language' by Kernighan and Ritchie
Deepen your understanding of C by studying the classic reference book written by the language's creators.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The C Programming Language' (K&R).
  • Read the chapters relevant to the topics covered in the course.
  • Work through the examples and exercises provided in the book.

Career center

Learners who complete C Programming : A Comprehensive Theory Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that interacts directly with hardware. This role relies on a deep understanding of programming fundamentals using languages like C, and this comprehensive course helps build a solid foundation with its thorough coverage of data types, operators, memory management through pointers, and input/output techniques. The focus on structures and unions, along with understanding pointers, is crucial for working with hardware registers and memory-mapped peripherals. This course also provides critical knowledge of how to use standard libraries, which can be invaluable when developing embedded solutions.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer writes the low-level code that runs on embedded devices, often interacting directly with hardware. They need strong C programming skills, and this course helps build a strong foundation, due to its detailed coverage of variables, data types, operators, and flow control. The course specifically focuses on memory management using pointers, which is critical in a memory-constrained environment, is very valuable for any Firmware Engineer, and the knowledge gained from this course is directly applicable to programming microcontrollers and hardware interfaces. Furthermore, the lessons about using standard libraries assist in code re-usability.
Real-Time Systems Programmer
A Real Time Systems Programmer develops code for systems that must respond to inputs within strict time constraints such as those found in industrial automation or aerospace. They use C because of its direct access to hardware. This course helps build a strong foundation in C programming with its focus on low level programming concepts such as memory management through pointers. Also, the importance of data structures, functions, and file input/output is also covered. A real time programmer will need the material presented in this course.
Systems Programmer
A Systems Programmer works on the core components of operating systems, device drivers, and other low-level software. This position requires advanced programming knowledge in C, which is often used in systems-level work, and this course provides an in-depth understanding of the C programming language. The course’s focus on pointers, memory management, flow control, and file I/O operations, will be very useful, helping a Systems Programmer write efficient and reliable code. The exploration of standard libraries is critical to mastering the tools for system programming. The hands-on project related to library management provides relevant experience and demonstrates how these skills translate into solving practical problems.
High Performance Computing Programmer
A High Performance Computing Programmer focuses on optimizing code to run efficiently on supercomputers. This role often requires a strong background in C, the focus of this comprehensive course. The course's detailed coverage of pointers and memory management using pointers and the knowledge of arrays, data structures, and control flow helps an individual to write low-level, highly efficient code. Moreover, the course’s emphasis on practical application, including library management, can help with implementing parallel computing algorithms.
Game Programmer
A Game Programmer develops the underlying logic and systems that power video games. They often need to work with low-level systems, especially when creating game engines, and C is a common language in this industry, particularly for performance-intensive operations. This course's extensive focus on memory management, data structures, and control flow, all crucial for efficient game development, helps prepare an individual for this role. The course, emphasizing arrays, pointers, and functions, equips aspiring Game Programmers with the tools they need. Learning how to use standard libraries is also a key component of game development, which often relies on third-party tools.
Operating Systems Developer
An Operating Systems Developer works directly with the core of a computer’s operating system. This role requires deep knowledge of C as it is a foundation for most operating system kernels. This course may be useful to aspiring Operating System Developers due to the extensive coverage of data structures, memory management, and control flow, helping build a strong foundation in these critical concepts. The course’s modules on pointers and file input and output are particularly relevant, as they are essential for kernel-level operations.
Security Software Engineer
A Security Software Engineer develops software to protect systems and data from threats. They often use C for low-level security tools and software. The course may help any aspiring security software engineer, as C's low-level access to memory, control, and system resources is critical when dealing with security software. The course provides an in-depth understanding of pointers, memory management, and data handling, along with the ability to create file input output operations. This can help developers write secure and optimized code.
Network Programmer
A Network Programmer builds software for network infrastructure. This field requires a deep understanding of low-level systems, where C is a common language. The course may be useful for any network programmer as it provides instruction in data structures, memory management, and input/output techniques, which is useful when dealing with network protocols. The course’s focus on pointers, structures and file I/O operations would help to create robust and performant network applications.
Compiler Developer
A Compiler Developer creates and maintains software that translates programming languages into machine code. They work with low-level programming concepts, and C is often used in the implementation of compilers. This course may be useful, as working through the exercises builds a strong base in C programming, which helps an aspiring compiler developer understand the fine details of language implementation. The course’s thorough coverage of pointers, data structures, and file I/O prepares an individual to work with code translation and code optimization.
Robotics Software Engineer
A Robotics Software Engineer develops software for robots, with a special emphasis on real-time systems and hardware interaction. A robotics software developer often needs strong C programming skills, due to low-level hardware interactions and performance critical code. This course may be useful to any prospective Robotics Software Engineers with its comprehensive coverage of C fundamentals, including data structures, memory management with pointers and input/output operations. Mastering these aspects of C, as taught in the course, is critical for programming robotic systems.
Graphics Programmer
A Graphics Programmer creates the software that renders visual elements in applications and games. They often need to work with low-level programming languages like C, especially for performance-critical graphics operations. This course may be useful, with its comprehensive coverage of memory management, pointers, and data structures, provides a good foundation for understanding how to handle graphics data efficiently. The concepts of pointers and array manipulation are especially relevant when working with graphics buffers. This course can be a good stepping stone to learning advanced graphics libraries and tools.
Database Developer
A Database Developer designs, develops, and maintains databases. While many applications use higher-level languages, a deep understanding of C may be useful for building database systems at their core. This course may be useful, as the program provides a foundation in essential C concepts, such as memory management, data structure implementation using structures and unions and the use of file input output functionality. The course also helps to introduce fundamental programming concepts, which can help in understanding overall system design.
Application Developer
An Application Developer creates applications for various platforms. While C isn't always the primary language for all application programming, understanding its fundamentals is useful for creating performant modules or working on system interaction layers. This course may be useful with a good coverage of core C concepts like variables, data types, operators, and control flow. Learning about data structures, pointers, and file I/O may be practically useful in application development.
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer designs and implements tests for software. This role benefits from a strong understanding of programming fundamentals, including C, for creating test scripts and tools. This course may be useful, as its focus on the fundamentals of C and data structures may help test engineers write more complete tests for software applications. The course’s practical approach to programming, including the library management project, helps develop skills that are useful in software testing.

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 C Programming : A Comprehensive Theory Course.
This book, often referred to as 'K&R,' is the definitive guide to the C programming language, written by its creators. It provides a comprehensive and authoritative explanation of C's features and syntax. While it can be challenging for beginners, it's an invaluable resource for deepening your understanding of C and its underlying principles. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Is designed for individuals with no prior programming experience, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It provides a step-by-step approach to learning C, covering fundamental concepts in a clear and concise manner. While not required, it can serve as a valuable supplement to the course material, especially for those who find the initial concepts challenging. It is particularly helpful for building a solid foundation before diving into more advanced topics.

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