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Cary Huang

The C language has been around for a long time… and it is commonly considered as a low level programming language because it tends to bring your application closer to the computer hardware, requiring you to manage system resources manually and carefully.

No other programming languages have such granularity, which makes C a unique and desired programming language for embedded device, firmware, drivers and infrastructure software such as a database.

Read more

The C language has been around for a long time… and it is commonly considered as a low level programming language because it tends to bring your application closer to the computer hardware, requiring you to manage system resources manually and carefully.

No other programming languages have such granularity, which makes C a unique and desired programming language for embedded device, firmware, drivers and infrastructure software such as a database.

Instead of learning C from text book or from a traditional university teacher, I believe the best way to learn C programming language or any other languages is to learn from someone who has been in the industry, made expensive mistakes and finally done something that made an impact.

In the past 10 years, I have built many innovative solutions and applications in the smart metering, communication, database and security industries and at the same time made expensive mistakes in order to become better.

For this reason, I will show you the fundamentals of C programming based on my real industrial experience. In addition to just show you how certain things work, I will also show you what to do and what no to do in order to avoid deadly and expensive mistakes in your career.

In most of the lectures, I will guide you through the C codes that we will be building together step by step with combination of some power point presentations.

If you are a beginner or someone who knows a little about C programming and would like to further enhance your skillsets. This course will help you jump start your career with C programming.

Enroll today and see you inside.

Cary

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The basics of c programming
  • Tips and tricks of writing c code
  • Strategies to avoid deadly coding mistakes
  • Become qualified c programmer
  • Integrated development environment setup
  • Linux and build environment setup
  • Software compilation
  • Makefile basics
  • Virtual machine basics

Syllabus

Getting Started
Introduction
Course Outline
Set Up Ubuntu 18.04 Linux Environment
Read more

Let's get started in writing some C codes! Download the myprogram.zip in the resource and import to your Eclipse IDE before you continue to the next chapter

This lecture refers to the following lectures:

  • Array Basics

  • Types of Loops

  • Arithmetic Operators

This module concludes part 1 of the lecture. You can download the source codes that we have been working on together in the resource

Please download myprogram-part2.zip in the resource, which is an empty project that we will be building together for the rest of the lecture.

This is the end of the course. You can download myprogram-part2_withcode.zip, which contains all the C codes that we have worked on together.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Ubuntu 18.04, which is an older but stable Linux distribution, making it easier for beginners to find support and tutorials online
Covers makefiles, which are essential for managing compilation in C projects, and are widely used in professional software development environments
Emphasizes avoiding common and costly mistakes, which is valuable for those new to C and helps establish good coding practices early on
Uses Eclipse IDE, a popular integrated development environment, which is helpful for beginners to learn and use in C/C++ development
Teaches C string manipulation functions like `memcpy`, `strcpy`, `memcmp`, and `strcmp`, which are crucial for working with text data in C
Requires learners to download `.zip` files and import them into Eclipse IDE, which may pose a challenge for learners with limited experience using computers

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Reviews summary

Beginner linux c programming essentials

Learners say this course provides a solid foundation for beginners wanting to learn C programming in a Linux environment. Students appreciate the instructor's focus on practical tips and avoiding common mistakes drawn from their industry experience. While many found the explanations of core concepts like pointers and memory management clear, some noted that the initial setup process could be challenging. The step-by-step coding examples are frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, helping learners grasp concepts through hands-on practice. Overall, it's seen as a good starting point, though some mention needing additional resources for more advanced topics. The course effectively bridges basic C syntax with practical application, making it relevant for those aiming for a career in areas like embedded systems.
Step-by-step coding helps solidify learning.
"Building the code along with the instructor was the key to understanding the concepts."
"The hands-on coding exercises and examples provided were very helpful."
"Having the project files available made practicing easier and reinforced the lessons."
Instructor shares valuable real-world insights.
"The tips on avoiding common coding mistakes based on the instructor's experience are worth the price."
"I liked hearing about the instructor's real-world applications of C in embedded systems."
"The practical advice helped me understand not just 'how' but 'why' things are done certain ways."
Provides a strong starting point for novices.
"This course was perfect for someone like me who knew nothing about C programming."
"It starts slow enough and builds up concepts well for an absolute beginner."
"I found it easy to follow along even with zero prior knowledge of C or Linux."
Complex pointer concepts made understandable.
"The lectures on pointers finally made sense! It was the clearest explanation I've seen."
"Excellent explanation of pointer arithmetic and memory allocation."
"I finally feel like I understand how to work with pointers effectively after this course."
Environment setup can be tricky for some.
"Setting up Ubuntu 18.04 and Eclipse IDE was a bit confusing initially, took some troubleshooting."
"I struggled with the IDE setup on my specific Linux distribution, required extra steps."
"Wish there were more detailed instructions or troubleshooting tips for the virtual machine setup."
Covers fundamentals but not advanced C.
"Good intro, but it doesn't go deep enough into more complex C features."
"I would need to take another course to learn advanced C programming techniques."
"It only scratches the surface of some topics; could use more depth."

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 [Beginner Friendly] Linux C Programming Success Essentials with these activities:
Review Basic Linux Commands
Familiarize yourself with basic Linux commands to navigate the environment used in the course.
Browse courses on Linux Command Line
Show steps
  • Review common commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm, and cp.
  • Practice using the terminal to navigate directories and manipulate files.
Review Data Types and Variables
Solidify your understanding of C data types and variable declaration to avoid common errors.
Browse courses on Data Types
Show steps
  • Review the different data types in C (int, float, char, etc.).
  • Practice declaring and initializing variables of different types.
  • Understand the concept of scope and lifetime of variables.
Read 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'
Supplement your learning with a beginner-friendly guide to C programming.
Show steps
  • Read the first few chapters covering basic syntax and data types.
  • Try the example programs provided in the book.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Implement Basic C Programs
Reinforce your understanding by writing simple C programs to solve common 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.
Create a C Cheat Sheet
Compile a cheat sheet of C syntax, data types, and common functions for quick reference.
Show steps
  • List important C keywords and their usage.
  • Summarize the different data types and their sizes.
  • Include examples of common functions like printf, scanf, and string manipulation functions.
Build a Simple Calculator Program
Apply your C programming skills to create a functional calculator.
Show steps
  • Design the user interface for the calculator.
  • Implement the arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Handle user input and error conditions.
  • Test the calculator thoroughly.
Read 'The C Programming Language'
Deepen your understanding of C with the definitive guide by Kernighan and Ritchie.
Show steps
  • Read chapters on pointers, structures, and file I/O.
  • Work through the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Contribute to a C Open Source Project
Gain practical experience by contributing to a real-world C project.
Show steps
  • Find a C open source project on platforms like GitHub.
  • 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 [Beginner Friendly] Linux C Programming Success Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An embedded systems engineer designs, develops, and tests software and hardware for embedded systems. This role requires a deep understanding of low-level programming, which this course provides insight into through its focus on the C language. The course teaches the fundamentals of C, which is frequently used in embedded systems as well as specific topics such as memory management, pointers, and low-level operators. It also emphasizes practical application, making it particularly relevant for aspiring embedded systems engineers. The course's hands-on approach with code examples will help build a foundation for developing device drivers and firmware. The course's focus on avoiding expensive mistakes will be highly beneficial.
Firmware Engineer
A firmware engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining the software that controls the hardware of a device. This often involves direct interaction with hardware at a low level, often using C. This course's focus on C programming and its low-level concepts makes it especially useful for a firmware engineer. The course helps one understand the nuances of how C interacts with hardware, through topics such as memory deallocation, pointer usage, and bitwise operators, all critical for firmware development. The course is appropriate for beginners or those with some prior C programming experience as it will assist in improving one's skills and understanding. The experience of the instructors in avoiding mistakes is a further bonus.
Device Driver Developer
A device driver developer is responsible for creating the software that allows operating systems to interact with hardware devices. Because this often requires low-level interaction with hardware, C is a common choice of language for its granularity and control over memory. This course is useful for aspiring device driver developers because it gives real-world experience using C programming with coverage of pointers, memory management, and low-level operators. The course's approach combining practical examples with theoretical instruction is relevant to writing efficient and reliable device drivers. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on avoiding critical coding mistakes would be particularly helpful in a high-stakes environment.
Systems Programmer
A systems programmer works on the core software that enables computers to run, including operating systems and device drivers. This often requires mastery of low-level languages like C, which is the focus of this course. The course is designed for beginners or those with some knowledge of C to develop their skills, making it advantageous for those considering this field. The course covers fundamental concepts such as pointers, memory management, and system calls, which are crucial in systems programming. The course's practical approach, drawing from industry experience, will be particularly beneficial to those working on low-level system components. The material on common errors will be particularly useful in a high-stakes environment.
Operating Systems Developer
An operating systems developer creates and maintains the core software that manages computer hardware and software resources. A strong command of C is essential for this work because it is so close to the hardware level. This course is useful for aspiring operating systems developers because it provides a practical, hands-on approach to learning C with an emphasis on the areas that are relevant to operating system development. The course covers essential concepts like memory management, pointers, and low-level manipulation. The course’s methodology, based on real industrial experience, is advantageous for understanding the intricacies of OS development. The course helps develop a better understanding of software compilation and the use of makefiles.
Database Software Engineer
A database software engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining database systems. Many database systems are written in C because of its performance and low-level control. This course is useful for anyone looking to become a database software engineer because it provides deep insight into C programming and hands-on experience with practical code examples. The course covers topics such as function pointers, working with strings and memory management, which are critical for efficient database development. The course will be particularly helpful given the instructors experience building databases and avoiding common mistakes. The focus on building a foundation is also very helpful for career growth.
Robotics Software Engineer
A robotics software engineer develops the software that controls robots, often involving low-level programming and interaction with hardware. C is frequently used for this purpose because of its ability to manage system resources. This course is useful for a robotics software engineer because it gives a comprehensive introduction to the C language and low level concepts such as memory deallocation and pointers, which are important for robotics. The focus on avoiding errors and working with embedded systems allows one to develop a practical skillset. The course is appropriate for beginners and those with prior C experience, which will aid learners in this field.
Software Engineer
A software engineer develops applications often with an emphasis on functionality and reliability. While many languages are used for software development, C is often preferred for performance-critical applications. This course is useful for aspiring software engineers as it provides instruction into low-level programming concepts using C, which helps build a strong foundation. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to C, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced topics such as pointers and memory management. The practical approach of the course, combined with the instructor's real-world experience, is beneficial for anyone entering the software engineering field. The course shows how to avoid common mistakes in software engineering.
High-Performance Computing Engineer
A high performance computing engineer develops applications and optimizes systems for computationally intensive tasks. C is frequently used in this field because of its speed and low-level access to computer hardware. This course is beneficial for high performance computing engineers as it focuses on C programming, covering essential concepts such as memory access, pointers, and bitwise operations. The course would help one build a foundation that is necessary for optimizing code for performance. The focus on practical application in the course will help with writing efficient C code. The emphasis on avoiding errors will be particularly valuable in high performance environments.
Game Engine Programmer
A game engine programmer develops the underlying software that powers video games. C is a very common language for game engine programming because of its speed and control over hardware. This course may be useful for aspiring game engine programmers because it focuses on the C programming language, providing low-level understanding of memory management, pointers, and system operations. The course gives a practical foundation that is useful in game engine development. The instructor's emphasis on avoiding common errors is especially important for performance critical game development.
Security Software Developer
A security software developer creates tools and systems to protect computer systems and networks from threats. C is frequently used in security software because it provides low level control and performance and is typically efficient. This course may be useful for security software developers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to the C programming language and its low level features such as memory management and pointers. The course gives hands-on practical skills and will help provide a foundation for those who want to write secure software. The course's emphasis on avoiding mistakes is useful as this is crucial in the security domain.
Infrastructure Engineer
An infrastructure engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the underlying systems that support software applications. C is often used in infrastructure software for performance and low level access. This course may be useful for a aspiring infrastructure engineer because it provides a practical introduction to the C language and its low level features. The course covers essential concepts like pointers, memory management, and low-level operators, which are critical for infrastructure development. It also covers concepts such as makefiles, compilation, and string manipulation. The focus on learning from past mistakes is particularly helpful, due to the importance of reliable infrastructure.
Compiler Developer
A compiler developer works on creating the software that translates programming languages into machine code. This role requires a deep understanding of programming languages and how they interact with hardware. This course may be useful for an aspiring compiler developer due to its practical introduction of the C language at a low level. The course discusses important topics including memory management and pointers. The focus on the nuts and bolts of C programming, compiler operations, and makefiles, will help one develop a foundation for understanding how compilers work. The course’s instruction on avoiding software errors is applicable to compiler development.
Network Programmer
A network programmer develops software that facilitates communication between computers or devices. C is often used in networking due to its performance and low level access to hardware resources. This course may be useful for a network programmer as it provides a detailed introduction to the C language and practical techniques. The course covers memory management, pointers, string manipulation and low level operations which are important for efficient networking. The instructor's hands-on method is advantageous along with the focus on avoiding costly mistakes, as they will be useful in development of network software.
Technical Trainer
A technical trainer educates others on technical subjects, which may include C programming. While this role is not about directly writing software, the course's emphasis on practical examples and real-world experience is applicable to teaching. The course is useful for one who wishes to become a trainer, because understanding why and how certain things are done is helpful to explain concepts to others. The course provides one with a practical understanding of the C language due to its industrial focus. The course structure which goes from the basics up to more advanced topics can be useful to an aspiring technical trainer.

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 [Beginner Friendly] Linux C Programming Success Essentials.
This book, often referred to as K&R, classic and comprehensive guide to the C programming language. It provides a deep understanding of the language's features and principles. While more advanced, it's an invaluable resource for serious C programmers. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Provides a gentle introduction to C programming, making it ideal for beginners. It covers the fundamentals of the C language with clear explanations and examples. It is especially helpful for those with no prior programming experience. This book can be used as a reference text throughout the course.

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