C Programming: Modular Programming and Memory Management from edX

In this course, part of the C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate program, you will be introduced to the concept of modular programming: that is, dividing up more complex tasks into manageable pieces.

Within moments you will be coding hands-on in a new browser tool developed for this course, receiving instant feedback on your code. No need to install anything!

You will learn how to write your own functions (just like functions in mathematics for example). You will also gain insight into a computer's architecture and learn how its memory is organized.

Given the vast amount of memory computers have these days, how does your program remember where a certain variable is stored? This brings about the important topic of how memory is efficiently addressed inside a computer, and with it, the topic of pointers.

Pointers are often considered the most difficult part and main struggle for C program developers. We will introduce you to this central topic with our novel and innovative visualization tools and show you precisely how pointers work. No need to struggle!

The programming concepts you will gain in this course are foundational to any programming language.

By the end of this short course, you willhave reached the third milestonein the C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate program, unlocking the door to a career in computer engineering.

This course has received financial support from the Patrick & Lina Drahi Foundation.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Break acomplex programming task into a number of functions to which you pass arguments
Recall how computer memory is organized to store variables and arrays

Find the address of a variable
Perform simple pointer arithmetic

Break acomplex programming task into a number of functions to which you pass arguments
Recall how computer memory is organized to store variables and arrays
Find the address of a variable
Perform simple pointer arithmetic

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an extensive overview of fundamental programming concepts that are common to most programming languages

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in programming, particularly those interested in C programming

Introduces innovative visualization tools to help learners understand complex concepts like pointers

Provides instant feedback on code, eliminating the need for external compilation and debugging tools

Emphasizes practical application of concepts through hands-on coding exercises, enhancing learning retention

Offers rich multimedia content, including videos, readings, and discussion forums, providing diverse learning experiences

Reviews summary

Clear introductory course

Learners say this introductory course is easy, engaging, and useful for beginners. They liked the interactive tools and found the explanations clear. However, some learners would have liked more practice with memory allocation.

Good course for beginners.

"I did not have any foreknowledge what so ever in C and the interactive tools help greatly to understand everything."

Helpful interactive tools.

"I did not have any foreknowledge what so ever in C and the interactive tools help greatly to understand everything."

Would have liked more practice with memory management.

"I would have liked to have more exercises to practice memory allocation"

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: Modular Programming and Memory Management with these activities:

Review your notes from previous programming courses

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Refresh your knowledge of programming concepts to prepare for this course

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Reach out to experienced C programmers for guidance

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Gain access to valuable knowledge and support from experienced professionals

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Attend a local C programming meetup

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Connect with other C programmers and learn from their experiences

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Four other activities

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Read 'The C Programming Language' by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

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Gain a deeper understanding of the C programming language by reading the definitive book on the topic

View C Programming Language, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Write a program in C to print the contents of an array

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Practice writing simple C programs to familiarize yourself with the language syntax

Browse courses on C Programming

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Follow a tutorial series on pointers in C

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Enhance your understanding of pointers by following a structured tutorial series

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Create a blog post comparing and contrasting different sorting algorithms in C

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Reinforce your understanding of sorting algorithms by writing a blog post about them

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Career center

Learners who complete C Programming: Modular Programming and Memory Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that teach computer science concepts and skills to students. Computer Science Teachers may benefit from learning about all of the topics covered in this course.

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Computer Programmer Analyst

Computer Programmer Analysts combine elements of both Computer Programmers and Systems Analysts. It may be helpful for Computer Programmer Analysts to learn about all of the concepts covered in this C Programming course.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, test, and maintain software programs for computers and applications. It is helpful for Software Developers to learn about modular programming and computer memory organization so they can efficently break down complex programming tasks and organize data.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the code for a wide range of computer programs. It is helpful for Computer Programmers to learn about computer memory organization and how to efficiently address memory inside a computer.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze an organization's computer systems to identify areas for improvement. Computer Systems Analysts might benefit from learning about modular programming, computer memory organization, and pointers.

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Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and maintain information systems for organizations. Information Systems Managers may benefit from learning about modular programming, computer memory organization, and pointers in this course.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Information Security Analysts might find it helpful to learn about pointers and pointer arithmetic in this course.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. It may be helpful for Data Scientists to learn about modular programming, computer memory organization, and pointers.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, organize, and execute IT projects. IT Project Managers may benefit from modular programming, computer memory organization, and pointers to manage projects effectively.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. It may be helpful for Computer Hardware Engineers to learn about computer memory organization and how to efficiently address memory inside a computer.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, tests and maintains software programs for computers and applications. The skills you will gain in this course may help you build a foundation in essential programming concepts that are valuable for Software Engineers.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators plan, implement, and maintain databases. A Database Administrator may benefit from learning about the organization of computer memory and how to efficiently address memory inside a computer.

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Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Computer Network Architects may benefit from learning about modular programming and computer memory organization in this course.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study an organization's current business processes and procedures and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. Systems Analysts may use modular programming to break a complex programming task into a number of functions to which you pass arguments.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Web Developers might find it helpful to learn about modular programming to be able to break a complex programming task into a number of functions.

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