Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers from Coursera

This course is the fourth and final course in the specialization exploring both computational thinking and beginning C programming. Rather than trying to define computational thinking, we’ll just say it’s a problem-solving process that includes lots of different components. Most people have a better understanding of what beginning C programming means!

This course assumes you have the prerequisite knowledge from the previous three courses in the specialization. You should make sure you have that knowledge, either by taking those previous courses or from personal experience, before tackling this course. The required prerequisite knowledge is listed below.

Prerequisite computational thinking knowledge: Algorithms and procedures; data collection, analysis, and representation; abstraction; and problem decomposition

Prerequisite C knowledge: Data types, variables, constants; STEM computations; selection; iteration (looping); arrays; strings; and functions

Throughout this course the computational thinking topics you'll explore are: automation, simulation, parallelization, and algorithm analysis.For the programming topics, you'll continue building on your C knowledge by implementing file input and output in your programs and by exploring pointers in more depth.

Module 1: Learn how to read, write, and append to files. Explore automation

Module 2: Discover the benefits of simulation and parallelization

Module 3: Learn how to perform algorithm analysis to quantify algorithm complexity

Module 4: Explore how to use pointers in more depth

What's inside

Syllabus

File IO and Automation

Simulation and Parallelization

Algorithm Analysis

Pointers

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials

Builds a strong foundation for beginners

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant in an academic setting

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are useful for personal growth and development

Provides a comprehensive study of science, math, and technology

Reviews summary

Dr. t's helpful course

Students enjoyed Dr. T's course, and found it very helpful. Many appreciated support from Dr. T and the course materials. However, one difficult assignment in week four was buggy.

Students found Dr. T's course helpful.

"All of the courses in this specialization have been very helpful."

"Thanks, Dr.T for helping me in this course. I just loved it."

Some students found the week four assignment buggy.

"Assignment in Week 4 was horribly buggy"

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 Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers with these activities:

Practice file input and output in C

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Warming up with basic C file input and output operations will help improve your understanding of file handling concepts covered in Module 1.

Browse courses on File IO

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Review the syntax for file input and output functions.
Write a simple C program to read data from a file.
Write a simple C program to write data to a file.

Read 'The C Programming Language' by Kernighan and Ritchie

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Reviewing this foundational book on C programming will strengthen your understanding of the core concepts covered throughout this course.

View C Programming Language, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The C Programming Language'.
Read through the chapters relevant to the topics covered in this course.
Complete the exercises provided in the book.

Participate in a C programming study group

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Engaging with peers in a study group will provide opportunities to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and improve your understanding of C programming.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find or form a study group with other C programming learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics and work on projects together.
Collaborate and support each other in your learning journey.

Five other activities

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Explore automation in C

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Delving into tutorials on automation techniques in C will complement the concepts discussed in Module 1, enhancing your understanding of automating tasks.

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Find online tutorials on automation in C.
Follow the tutorials to learn how to automate tasks using C.
Experiment with different automation techniques.

Develop a C program to simulate a real-world scenario

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Embarking on a project that involves simulating a real-world scenario will allow you to apply the concepts covered in Module 2, enhancing your understanding of simulation techniques.

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Identify a real-world scenario that can be simulated using a C program.
Design and implement the C program to simulate the scenario.
Test and refine your program.

Solve algorithm analysis problems

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Engaging in practice drills for algorithm analysis will reinforce the techniques covered in Module 3, improving your ability to analyze algorithm efficiency.

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Find online resources with algorithm analysis problems.
Solve the problems using the techniques learned in the course.
Analyze the time complexity of your solutions.

Write a blog post about your experiences learning C programming

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Reflecting on your learning journey through a blog post will help you consolidate your knowledge of C programming concepts and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Choose a topic related to your experiences learning C programming.
Write a blog post that shares your insights, challenges, and successes.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Build a portfolio of C programming projects

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Creating a portfolio of C programming projects will showcase your skills and understanding of the concepts covered in this course, making it a valuable asset for your professional development.

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Identify projects that demonstrate your C programming abilities.
Develop and implement the projects.
Document your projects and showcase them in a portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

As a Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. You will need to have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. This course will help you build a solid foundation in these areas, and will also introduce you to advanced topics such as file input and output, simulation, parallelization, and algorithm analysis. These skills are essential for success in the software development field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that makes computers work. They use their knowledge of programming languages and algorithms to create software applications that solve problems or perform specific tasks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Computer Programmer, including a strong understanding of C programming, file input and output, and algorithm analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts use their knowledge of computer science and business to design and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and then develop systems that meet those needs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Computer Systems Analyst, including a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze data and identify trends. They use these insights to make recommendations and solve problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Analyst, including a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts use their knowledge of computer science and business to design and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and then develop systems that meet those needs. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Systems Analyst, including a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to extract insights from data. They use these insights to solve problems and make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Scientist, including a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. They use their knowledge of security vulnerabilities and countermeasures to identify and mitigate risks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Information Security Analyst, including a strong understanding of computer security, network security, and risk management. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They ensure that data is accurate, secure, and accessible. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Database Administrator, including a strong understanding of data structures, programming languages, and database management systems. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Network Administrator, including a strong understanding of networking protocols, network security, and network management tools. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. They use their knowledge of security vulnerabilities and countermeasures to identify and mitigate risks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Security Analyst, including a strong understanding of computer security, network security, and risk management. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. They also study the theoretical foundations of computer science. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Computer and Information Research Scientist, including a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. They write user manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain how to use and maintain products. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Technical Writer, including a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers teach computer science to students at the high school or college level. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and grade assignments. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Computer Science Teacher, including a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They use their knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Web Developer, including a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming.

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Game Developer

This course may be useful for aspiring Game Developers, who use their knowledge of computer science to design and develop video games. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. You will also learn how to perform algorithm analysis and how to use pointers in C programming. These skills are essential for success in the game development field.

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