We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Srikanth Pragada

This course is meant to teach how to write programs to beginners of programming. It teaches how to get started with programming using C Language. It covers the following topics of C language:

  • Language Elements
  • Control statements - if and switch
  • Loops
  • Arrays
  • Chars and Strings
  • User-defined Functions
  • Pointers
  • Arrays vs. Pointers
  • Structures
  • Text and Binary file handling
  • Pre-processor Directives
  • Command-line Arguments
  • Dynamic Memory Allocation
Read more

This course is meant to teach how to write programs to beginners of programming. It teaches how to get started with programming using C Language. It covers the following topics of C language:

  • Language Elements
  • Control statements - if and switch
  • Loops
  • Arrays
  • Chars and Strings
  • User-defined Functions
  • Pointers
  • Arrays vs. Pointers
  • Structures
  • Text and Binary file handling
  • Pre-processor Directives
  • Command-line Arguments
  • Dynamic Memory Allocation

This course lays a strong foundation for future languages such as C++, Java, C# etc.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Will be able to write programs using c language and will be thorough with all fundamentals of programming

Syllabus

Will have learnt how to write programs using C language and developed skill required to learn other languages like C++, Java and C#

This lecture covers the following :

  • Different types of languages

  • How to download and install Code Blocks IDE

  • How to write a simple C Program and run it

  • How to use printf() to print and scanf() to read input from user

Read more

This lecture covers the following:

  • Constants

  • Data types

  • What is an Operator

  • Arithmetic Operators

  • Assignment Operator

  • Combined Operators

  • Increment and decrement Operator 

  • Difference between pre-fix and post-fix notations

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate language elements:

  • Conversion from Inches to Centimeters and Feet

  • Calculation of Area and Circumference of a Circle

  • Net amount to be paid

  • Display total and average marks

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to use if statement

  • Relational and logical operators

  • How to use multiple if statements

  • How to use nested if statements

  • How to use switch statement

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate control structures:

  • Binning products based on price

  • Smallest of 4 numbers

  • Calculator

  • Area calculation for different objects

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is a loop

  • The while loop

  • The do while loop

  • The for loop

  • How to use break and continue statements

  • How to write nested loops

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate looping structures:

  • How to check whether a number is a Strong number

  • How to display common factors of two numbers

  • How to check whether a number is a Palindrome

  • How to print Prime numbers between 1 and 100

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is an Array

  • How to declare and use an Array

  • Searching an Array

  • Sorting an Array

  • Double dimension Array

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate Arrays:

  • Identity Matrix

  • Check whether two double dimension arrays are equal

  • Insert values that are in order into array

  • Sorting double dimension array

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is Binary Search

  • Binary Search Algorithm

  • Time Complexity of Linear Search and Binary Search

  • Program to implement Binary Search

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to use char datatype 

  • Functions related to char datatype

  • How to declare and use a string

  • String related functions 

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate chars and strings:

  • Encrypt a string by adding 1 to ASCII code of each char

  • Replace source char with target char in a string

  • Print string without leading and trailing spaces

  • Sort an array of strings

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to create user-defined function

  • How to pass parameters to function

  • How to return value from a function

  • How to use Arrays with Functions

This lecture uses the following programs to demonstrate user-defined functions:

  • Function to return largest factor of a number other than itself

  • Function to return position of a number in an array

  • Function to return true if array is in sorted order, otherwise false

  • Function to return true if a string has only alphabets, otherwise false

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is scope of a variable

  • What is visibility of a variable and how it is different from scope

  • What is extent of a variable

This lecture demonstrates how to use recursion:

  • Function to print the given number in reverse order using recursion

  • Function to return factorial of the given number using recursion

  • Function to return single digit sum of the number without using recursion

  • Function to return single digit sum of the number using recursion

This lecture covers the following:

  • Auto storage class

  • Static storage class

  • Register storage class

  • Extern storage class

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is a pointer

  • How to declare and use pointer with indirection (*) operator

  • Pass by value

  • How to use pointers to pass parameters by reference

  • Similarities between pointer and array

  • What is pointer arithmetic and how to use it

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is a structure

  • How to declare and use a structure

  • Creating an array of struct type 

  • Operations allowed with structures

  • Nested structures

  • How to use a pointer to structure 

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to open a file using fopen()

  • How to write and read characters using fputc() and fgetc() 

  • Reading line by line from text file using fgets()

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is a Binary file

  • How to use fread() and fwrite() to read and write binary files

  • Random access using fseek()

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to use enumeration 

  • Using typedef statement

  • What is prototype declaration and its importance

  • What is pre-processor and its role 

  • How to use #define to define constants and macros 

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to use command line arguments using argc and argv

  • The union data structure

  • Recursion

  • Dynamic memory allocation 

This lecture covers the following:

  • What is  linked list?

  • Advantages of linked list

  • How to create linked list?

  • Deleting blank lines from a file using linked list - application of linked list

This lecture covers the following:

  • How to add, modify, list and search contacts stored in a binary file

  • How to create a menu, handle options in the menu

  • How to implement random access

This is to test basics of C Language. By passing this examination, you would prove that you have understood the fundamentals of C Language.

This examination is to test your knowledge of C Language at Intermediate level. By passing this exam you would prove that you are thorough with all concepts of C programming.

This is to test your knowledge about library functions

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Code Blocks IDE, which is lightweight and cross-platform, making it accessible for beginners on various operating systems
Covers fundamental programming concepts like data types, operators, control statements, and loops, which are essential for building a strong foundation
Includes test-your-knowledge sections after each topic, allowing learners to assess their understanding and reinforce learning
Explores file handling, preprocessor directives, command-line arguments, and dynamic memory allocation, which are useful for more advanced programming tasks
Teaches C, which is a foundational language that helps learners understand how computers work and prepares them for other languages
Includes topics like pointers and dynamic memory allocation, which can be challenging for beginners and may require extra effort to grasp

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Solid c fundamentals for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in C programming, making it an excellent starting point for absolute beginners. Students particularly highlight the clear explanations and helpful examples and hands-on coding demonstrations. The course covers a wide range of fundamental C topics, living up to its comprehensive syllabus. However, some students note that later, more advanced topics such as pointers and dynamic memory allocation can feel rushed, potentially requiring additional study. Assessment quality is also mentioned, with some finding the quizzes and exams tricky or not always fully aligned with lecture depth. While it covers a lot, learners should be prepared for potential challenges on complex subjects.
Covers a broad range of C topics.
"It covers a lot of ground, from basic syntax to file handling and pointers. Very comprehensive for a beginner course."
"I was surprised by how many C topics were included, even things like dynamic memory allocation and linked lists."
"The syllabus is quite extensive and the course touches upon most fundamental C concepts."
Practical demonstrations aid understanding.
"The examples provided really helped solidify my understanding. Coding along was key to learning."
"I found the demo programs, especially the ones for arrays and strings, very useful for practice."
"The instructor walks through many practical coding examples which makes the concepts stick."
"Seeing the code run step-by-step in the demonstrations was very beneficial."
Excellent for absolute programming beginners.
"This course was a great start for me as a complete beginner. Explained things simply and built confidence."
"I had zero programming experience, and this course gave me a really solid foundation in C."
"The initial lectures on basics like variables and loops were very clear and easy to follow."
"It really helped me understand the fundamental building blocks of programming using C."
IDE installation instructions are old.
"Getting Code Blocks set up was a pain, the instructions were outdated and didn't work easily."
"The course uses an older IDE and the initial setup part needs updating for newer operating systems."
"Had to figure out the development environment setup myself as the video guide was not current."
Tests can be tricky or inconsistent.
"Some test questions felt disconnected from the lecture material or were poorly worded."
"The quizzes were okay for checking basic understanding, but the final exams were much harder than expected."
"I found some assessment questions covered edge cases not clearly explained in the videos."
"The Test Your Knowledge sections were helpful, but the main exams were a bit frustrating."
Advanced concepts need more depth.
"Pointers section was a bit rushed. I had to look up other resources to fully grasp it."
"While it covers file handling, I felt the explanation wasn't deep enough for real-world use."
"Dynamic memory allocation was particularly confusing with the level of detail provided."
"The pace picked up significantly in the second half, especially with structures and linked lists."

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 Language for Beginners with these activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Reinforce fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, and control flow to build a solid foundation for learning C.
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 any language to practice these concepts.
Read 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'
Provides a comprehensive introduction to C programming, suitable for absolute beginners.
Show steps
  • Read the first few chapters covering basic syntax and data types.
  • Try the example programs provided in the book.
  • Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.
Codecademy C Course
Practice coding exercises on Codecademy to reinforce understanding of C syntax and programming concepts.
Show steps
  • Sign up for a Codecademy account.
  • Complete the introductory C programming course.
  • Focus on exercises related to loops, arrays, and functions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Simple Calculator Program
Develop a calculator program to apply learned concepts like operators, control statements, and user input.
Show steps
  • Design the calculator's functionality (addition, subtraction, etc.).
  • Write the C code to implement the calculator functions.
  • Test the program thoroughly with different inputs.
  • Add error handling for invalid inputs.
Document Your Learning Journey
Create a blog or journal to document your learning process, challenges, and solutions encountered while learning C.
Show steps
  • Set up a blog or use a notebook.
  • Write about each new concept learned in C.
  • Document any problems encountered and how you solved them.
Contribute to a Simple Open Source C Project
Contribute to a small open-source C project to gain experience with real-world coding practices and collaboration.
Show steps
  • Find a beginner-friendly open-source C project on GitHub.
  • Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
  • Identify a small bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Study 'The C Programming Language' by K&R
Delve into the classic 'K&R' book to gain a deeper understanding of C's core principles and best practices.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pointers and memory management carefully.
  • Work through the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Compare your solutions with online resources or other learners.

Career center

Learners who complete C Language for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Operating Systems Developer
An operating systems developer is involved in creating and maintaining the core software that manages a computer's hardware and resources. A deep understanding of C is crucial for this role because many operating systems are written in C. This course helps a future operating systems developer through its coverage of pointers, memory allocation, and file handling. These topics are essential for interacting directly with the system's hardware. The course provides a solid base for further learning in this field. This course may be useful for future operating systems developers.
Firmware Engineer
A firmware engineer develops the low-level software that controls the hardware on a device. These programs are often embedded directly in the device's memory. Because firmware engineers must be able to program closely with the hardware, a strong understanding of system architecture and low level memory is needed. This course can help by introducing necessary aspects of low level programming such as pointers and dynamic memory allocation. This course may be useful for future firmware engineers.
Embedded Systems Programmer
An embedded systems programmer develops software for devices that are not general-purpose computers, like those found in cars or medical equipment. This role requires a strong understanding of low-level programming, and this course's focus on C language fundamentals, including pointers, memory allocation, and file handling, is essential for working with these constrained systems. The course's coverage of control structures and loops directly applies to writing efficient code for real-time systems. This course may be useful for anyone seeking to excel as a programmer of embedded systems.
Robotics Software Engineer
A robotics software engineer develops the programs that control the behavior of robots. This career requires a deep understanding of software engineering as well as an understanding of the complex hardware that robots are composed of. This course can help teach skills useful for this role, such as control flow, looping structures, and pointers. These topics are vital for interacting with robot hardware and creating complex control systems. The course helps build a foundation for the more complex languages that are often used in robotics. This course may be useful for future robotics software engineers.
Software Engineer
A software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This role benefits from a solid foundation in programming concepts, and this course helps build that foundation by teaching C, which is a foundational language. The course covers essential topics such as control flow, data structures, and functions, which are used in various software engineering tasks. The course's introduction to different programming paradigms and its practical applications through exercises make it a useful starting point for aspiring software engineers. This course may be useful to any aspiring software engineer.
Network Programmer
A network programmer develops software that facilitates communication between computers or devices on a network. This role often requires a strong understanding of low level programming languages, as well as a strong understanding of computer architecture. This course's emphasis on pointers, memory allocation, and file handling are useful for building the low-level foundation needed in this role. This course may be useful for future network programmers.
Algorithm Developer
An algorithm developer designs and implements efficient methods to solve computational problems. The work of an algorithm developer involves a deep understanding of data structures and memory management, which is covered in this course. An algorithm developer translates these mathematical ideas into computer programs, which is something that this course teaches. The course's exercises and examples that demonstrate the core principles of programming are useful for anyone looking to pursue a career in algorithm development. This course may be useful for future algorithm developers.
Game Developer
A game developer uses programming skills to create the logic and systems within video games. Many game engines, especially those used for performance-heavy tasks, use C or C++ as their core languages. This course gives a strong foundation by teaching C, and helps build a foundation for understanding the more complex syntax of C++. The course's emphasis on pointers, memory management, and low-level manipulation directly relates to efficient game development. The course may be useful for future game developers.
Database Systems Developer
Database systems developers work on the software that stores, organizes, and retrieves data. They are often involved in low level memory manipulation and must have an understanding of system architecture. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to C, a language used in database systems, which helps with this understanding. The course's coverage of pointers, file handling, and dynamic memory allocation are useful for anyone looking to pursue a career in database systems development. This course may be useful for future database developers.
Compiler Developer
A compiler developer works on creating the programs that translate human-readable code into machine code. Because of the complexity of compiler development, a deep understanding of low level programming and computer architecture is paramount. This course helps build a foundation through its instruction in C language which allows for low level memory manipulation. The course's coverage of pointers and memory management are useful for those who wish to develop compilers, and the course may be useful in other areas of compiler development as well. The course may be useful for future compiler developers.
Data Structures and Algorithms Instructor
A data structures and algorithms instructor teaches or trains individuals in the subject of data structures and algorithms. A deep and comprehensive understanding of computer programming is necessary to teach this topic. This course, with its detailed introduction to core computer science topics such as arrays, pointers, control flow, and loops, can help in building this expertise. This course may be useful for future instructors.
Quantitative Analyst
A quantitative analyst applies mathematical and statistical methods to solve complex financial problems. The role of a quantitative analyst involves designing algorithms to manage risk and analyze financial markets. This course helps build the low level programming knowledge that is essential to writing efficient code for these tasks. While not typically used in quant roles themselves, the course helps build a foundation for learning languages that are more typically used. This course may be useful for future quantitative analysts.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation, such as user manuals and API guides, for technical products and software. While the role doesn't involve programming, this course may be useful to better understand the concepts and programming techniques that they will be documenting. Those who have a background in programming are better suited to write about programming. This course may be useful for future technical writers.
Technology Journalist
A technology journalist reports on news and developments in the technology industry, translating technical information into understandable language for the general public. This course is useful to help technology reporting as it gives an understanding of the core principles of software creation, which are frequently discussed in technology news. Having an understanding of programming concepts and practical coding experience helps a technology journalist write more accurately about software. This course may be useful for future tech journalists.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist provides technical assistance to computer users. While this job does not necessarily require programming, having a foundation of common CS concepts helps an IT specialist have a broader understanding of the work. An IT support specialist who has taken this course can understand the user's problems on a deeper level. The course's curriculum in fundamentals can give a strong foundation for a future IT support specialist. This course may be useful for future IT support specialists.

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 Language for Beginners.
This book, often referred to as K&R, classic and highly respected resource for learning C. Written by the creators of the C language, it provides a concise and authoritative guide to the language's features and principles. While it may be challenging for absolute beginners, it is an invaluable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of C. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer science courses and by experienced programmers alike.
Is designed for individuals with no prior programming experience, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It covers the fundamentals of C programming in a clear and accessible manner. The book provides step-by-step instructions and numerous examples to help readers grasp the core concepts. It is particularly useful for those who prefer a structured learning approach with plenty of hands-on exercises.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser