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Tim Buchalka's Learn Programming Academy and Jason Fedin

What you will learn in this course?

The C programming language in 2020 is still one of the most popular and widely used languages. Having C programming skills gives you great career options, but learning the C language, particularly some of the trickier advanced stuff can be really difficult.This course is designed to take your basic C skills to the next level and help you obtain mastery of the language by helping you understand advanced concepts of the C programming language, enabling you to master the art of problem-solving in programming using efficient, proven methods.

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What you will learn in this course?

The C programming language in 2020 is still one of the most popular and widely used languages. Having C programming skills gives you great career options, but learning the C language, particularly some of the trickier advanced stuff can be really difficult.This course is designed to take your basic C skills to the next level and help you obtain mastery of the language by helping you understand advanced concepts of the C programming language, enabling you to master the art of problem-solving in programming using efficient, proven methods.

You’ll learn how to write high-quality C code and to make yourself more marketable for higher-level programming positions.Just some of the topics in this huge 28-hour course include Threads, Function Pointers, Double Pointers, Recursion, Networking using Sockets, Bit manipulation, Macros, Signals, Storage Classes and loads more.  Check the curriculum on this page for full details of what is included in this very comprehensive course.By the end of this course, with your new-found skills, you will be able to apply for real-time/embedded C programming positions or any job that requires mastery of the C programming language and be able to apply your new skills developing your own Advanced C programs.What's different about this course?Jason Fedin is your instructor in this course and this course takes the skills you learned in that course to the next level.This course focuses on the details and a thorough understanding of all advanced C programming concepts. This is not just a how-to course, it is a "why?" course. You will learn how to implement specific advanced C concepts such as multi-threading and double pointers, in addition to learning why they are the best approach and how they make you a high-quality C programmer. Many, many examples, challenges and quizzes are provided to test your understanding of every concept that you have learned. This course is unique to other courses here at Udemy in that the details and the why are explained. We do not just go through projects and provide a how-to.

Who is the course aimed at?This is not a beginner's course.  It's assumed you have some knowledge of the C programming language, preferably having completed our Beginner course (here on Udemy) or similar training and/or commercial programming experience in C or a similar language.

Getting started

If you are ready to get started, click on the enroll or Add to Cart button on this page and start taking your C Language skills to the next level.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand and be able to apply advanced concepts of the c programming language to create advanced c applications.
  • Understand function and double pointers, recursion, bit manipulation, macros, signals and loads more (check curriculam on this page for full list).
  • Learn all about threads and networking with sockets.
  • Master the art of problem solving in programming using efficient, proven methods.
  • Be able to apply advanced c concepts to other programming languages.
  • How to write high quality c code to make yourself more marketable for senior programming positions and be apply for real-time/embedded programming positions.

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to Class!
Class Organization
The C99 Standard
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores advanced C concepts like threads, function pointers, and bit manipulation, which are essential for developing complex and efficient applications
Teaches networking using sockets, which is a fundamental skill for developing networked applications and understanding network communication protocols
Focuses on the 'why' behind advanced C concepts, providing a deeper understanding beyond just the 'how-to' implementation, which is valuable for problem-solving
Requires prior knowledge of C programming, suggesting that learners should have a solid foundation before taking this course
Covers the C99 and C11 standards, which are relatively old, so learners should be aware of the differences between these and newer standards
Includes installation instructions for older IDEs like CodeLite, so learners may need to adapt instructions for more modern development environments

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Reviews summary

In-depth advanced c concepts

According to learners, this Advanced C Programming Course is highly effective for those looking to move beyond the fundamentals and delve into complex topics. Students particularly appreciate the deep dives into areas like pointers, memory management, threading, and bit manipulation. The instructor's focus on explaining the 'why' behind concepts rather than just the 'how-to' is frequently mentioned as a major strength. While the course is lauded for its thoroughness, some indicate the prerequisites are crucial, suggesting it's genuinely for those with prior C experience. The inclusion of numerous examples and challenges is seen as beneficial for solidifying understanding.
Course content focuses on older C standards.
"The course mentions C99/C11, which are older, but the core concepts are still relevant."
"While the C basics covered are timeless, some modern practices aren't discussed."
"Keep in mind the standard versions used if you're working with newer compilers/features."
Definitely not for total beginners in C.
"Make sure you have solid C basics before starting; this course assumes you do."
"This is truly an *advanced* course, not a gentle introduction."
"If you're new to C, start with a beginner course first, you'll get lost here."
Practice exercises help solidify understanding.
"The coding challenges after each section were incredibly helpful for reinforcing concepts."
"Lots of practical examples that you can follow along with."
"Found the quizzes and demos useful for checking my understanding as I went."
Excellent explanation of complex pointer usage.
"Finally, a course that makes sense of double pointers and function pointers!"
"The module on advanced memory management and pointers was worth the price alone."
"My understanding of pointer arithmetic and void pointers greatly improved."
Deep dive into concepts' purpose and function.
"Unlike other courses, this one really explains *why* we do things this way, not just the steps."
"I loved the focus on the underlying principles and memory models in C, not just syntax."
"Helped me understand the deeper aspects of C I missed in basic tutorials."

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 Advanced C Programming Course with these activities:
Review Pointers and Memory Management
Solidify your understanding of pointers and memory management in C to prepare for advanced topics like double pointers and dynamic data structures.
Browse courses on Dynamic Memory Allocation
Show steps
  • Review the basics of pointer declaration and usage.
  • Practice dynamic memory allocation using malloc, calloc, realloc, and free.
  • Work through examples of pointer arithmetic and pointer-based data structures.
Read 'C Programming: A Modern Approach'
Review fundamental C concepts and explore alternative explanations to solidify your understanding of the language.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'C Programming: A Modern Approach'.
  • Review the chapters on pointers, memory management, and data structures.
  • Compare the book's explanations with the course materials to gain a deeper understanding.
Read 'Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets'
Gain a deeper understanding of C's nuances and potential pitfalls by studying a classic text on advanced C programming techniques.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course topics, such as pointers, memory management, and the preprocessor.
  • Work through the examples and exercises in the book to reinforce your understanding.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Implement Data Structures Using Pointers
Reinforce your understanding of pointers by implementing common data structures like linked lists, trees, and graphs using pointer-based techniques.
Show steps
  • Choose a data structure to implement (e.g., linked list, binary tree).
  • Design the data structure using pointers to connect nodes.
  • Implement the basic operations for the data structure (e.g., insertion, deletion, search).
  • Test your implementation thoroughly with various test cases.
Create a Cheat Sheet for Bit Manipulation
Consolidate your knowledge of bit manipulation techniques by creating a cheat sheet with common operations and examples.
Show steps
  • Review the bit manipulation operators and their functionalities.
  • Create a table summarizing the operators, their symbols, and their effects.
  • Include examples of common bit manipulation tasks, such as setting, clearing, and toggling bits.
  • Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference and quick lookup.
Create a Blog Post on Multithreading in C
Solidify your knowledge of multithreading by explaining the concepts and providing code examples in a blog post.
Show steps
  • Research the fundamentals of multithreading in C.
  • Write a clear and concise explanation of multithreading concepts.
  • Include code examples demonstrating thread creation, synchronization, and data sharing.
  • Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.
Develop a Simple Network Chat Application
Apply your knowledge of sockets and networking to build a real-world application that allows users to communicate over a network.
Show steps
  • Design the client-server architecture of the chat application.
  • Implement the server-side code to listen for incoming connections and manage client communication.
  • Implement the client-side code to connect to the server and send/receive messages.
  • Test the application thoroughly with multiple clients and network conditions.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced C Programming Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Software Engineer
An Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for devices that are not traditional computers, like appliances, vehicles, and industrial equipment. A deep understanding of low-level programming, such as what is provided by this course, is crucial in this field. This course on advanced C programming is particularly relevant as it explores topics like bit manipulation, memory management, and working with hardware interfaces which are fundamental to embedded systems programming. The course's focus on efficient coding and problem-solving makes it beneficial for anyone looking to work in embedded software.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops the low-level software that controls hardware devices, often using languages like C. This course is a good fit since it provides an in-depth look at advanced C programming, which is often used in firmware. The course covers topics like bit manipulation, memory management, and hardware interactions, which are all critical skills for a firmware engineer. The course’s emphasis on the “why” behind design decisions is particularly relevant, helping to produce robust and efficient firmware solutions.
Systems Programmer
A Systems Programmer works on the core software components of computer systems such as operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities. This role requires expertise in low-level programming languages like C, and this course helps build a foundation for the same. The course covers advanced C concepts, including function pointers, networking with sockets, and threads, all essential tools for systems programming. The emphasis on understanding how various parts of a system interact will be beneficial to aspiring systems programmers.
Operating Systems Developer
An Operating Systems Developer creates and maintains the core software that runs a computer, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. The course material, with its focus on low-level operations, memory management, and system-level concepts makes it useful for anyone interested in creating an OS. The course’s detailed look at bit manipulation, threads, and networking with sockets are highly relevant for the type of work an operating systems developer undertakes. This course provides an understanding of these core concepts that is often necessary to work at that level.
High Performance Computing Programmer
A High Performance Computing Programmer writes software for supercomputers and other large-scale computational systems. These roles often require an expert-level understanding of lower-level languages such as C. This course, with an emphasis on advanced C concepts such as bit manipulation, memory allocation, and efficient system utilization, is helpful for those looking to develop code for high-performance environments. The ability to write efficient code, which is a key outcome of this course, is essential for this field.
Performance Engineer
A Performance Engineer analyzes and optimizes software systems for speed and efficiency. This role requires understanding of low level coding techniques and how code translates to machine functions, the exact skills that are taught in this course. This course explores memory management, bit manipulation and efficient problem solving which are all very relevant to this role. The course's focus on the “why” behind design decisions is invaluable for anyone aiming to optimize programs. This course will help anyone who wishes to work in performance.
Game Engine Developer
A Game Engine Developer builds and maintains the core software that forms the foundation of video games. The highly optimized and controlled environment that the C language provides has made it a mainstay in game development, and this course in advanced C programming may be useful. This course teaches advanced concepts such as bit manipulation, memory management, and function pointers, all critical for highly performant game engines. The focus on efficient problem solving will greatly benefit anyone aiming to optimize and structure the code of game engines.
Device Driver Developer
A Device Driver Developer writes the software that enables an operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Working in this field requires a deep understanding of system interactions and low-level programming, and this course may be useful for developing such understanding. The course's coverage of topics such as bit manipulation, function pointers, and system calls is directly applicable to device driver development. The focus on efficient low-level programming taught in this advanced C course will help prepare anyone to excel in this role.
Compiler Developer
A Compiler Developer works on the software that translates human-readable code into machine code. The role typically requires a deep understanding of language design, memory management, and low-level programming concepts, all of which may be introduced through this advanced C course. The course's focus on bit manipulation, memory layout, and efficient coding helps an aspiring compiler developer understand the fundamental concepts involved in compilation and code generation. The ability to problem solve, a key takeaway from this course, helps one break down the complex work of a compiler into manageable parts.
Robotics Software Engineer
A Robotics Software Engineer develops software that controls robots and robotic systems. The role often involves low-level programming, interacting with hardware, and developing real-time control systems. This course may be useful for gaining mastery over C, a popular language in robotics. The course covers topics including multi-threading, hardware interaction, and efficient memory management, all highly pertinent to robotics. The problem-solving and critical thinking skills developed in the course will be useful for developing robust robot control systems.
Network Programmer
A Network Programmer writes software for network communication and infrastructure. The role requires a deep understanding of networking concepts and low-level programming, both of which may be helped by this course, especially the detailed section on network programming using sockets. The course also includes instruction on multi-threading, which is critical for building high-performance network applications. The strong focus on the “why” behind design decisions is important in any network programming role.
Database Systems Developer
A Database Systems Developer works on the design, implementation, and maintenance of database software. Although the role does not always require a deep knowledge of C, the course may be useful for building a strong foundation in computer science principles. This course’s exploration of topics like memory management, efficient algorithms, and data structures, all necessary for optimizing database performance and resource utilization, may be useful for aspiring database developers. The problem-solving skills gained in this course can help database developers write more efficient and optimized code.
Software Architect
A Software Architect designs the high-level structure of software systems, often working with a variety of tools, languages, and frameworks. While it is not always necessary to have in-depth knowledge of advanced C, a deep understanding of computing fundamentals, such as those taught in this course, can be very helpful. Topics such as system memory allocation, efficient program design, and problem solving techniques, covered in this course, can help an architect make better decisions regarding system design and resource allocation, even when not coding directly in C. It helps build a strong foundation.
Security Software Engineer
A Security Software Engineer develops software that helps protect systems and data from cyber threats. This involves a range of programming skills, and while C is not always needed in security, some roles use it because of its low-level nature. This course may be helpful for building a solid foundation in system interactions and low-level programming. The course’s focus on memory management, system calls, and efficient code can also help individuals in this role analyze and debug potentially vulnerable software. The course will further develop problem-solving skills that will be useful in any security career.
Quantitative Developer
A Quantitative Developer builds software for financial markets and quantitative trading systems. While C is not always used directly in this field, some roles in financial tech require the same skills that this course aims to teach. A Quant developer, especially in high frequency trading, often needs a deep understanding of low-latency coding, memory management, and efficient algorithms. This course helps build a foundation in these essential areas. It also aims to develop problem-solving skills that are essential in any quantitative role.

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 Advanced C Programming Course.
Provides a comprehensive and modern introduction to the C programming language. It covers all the essential topics, including pointers, memory management, and data structures, with clear explanations and numerous examples. While the course assumes some prior knowledge, this book can serve as a valuable reference for reinforcing fundamental concepts and exploring alternative perspectives. It is often used as a textbook in introductory C programming courses.

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