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Interacting with the System and Managing Memory

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Andrew D. Hilton, Anne Bracy, and Genevieve M. Lipp

Andrew D. Hilton, Anne Bracy, and Genevieve M. Lipp

The final course in the specialization Introduction to Programming in C will teach you powerful new programming techniques for interacting with the user and the system and dynamically allocating memory. You will learn more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user. Learning about dynamic memory allocation will allow your programs to perform complex tasks that will be applied in the final part of the specialization project: a Monte Carlo simulation for calculating poker hand probabilities.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Interacting with the user and system

So far, our programs have had a rather limited interaction with the user or rest of the system, printing some results to standard output (typically to the terminal). Now that we have learned about topics such as strings and arrays, we are ready to learn how to write a program that takes input from the user, takes arguments on the command line, accesses files, and does many other things we typically think of real programs as doing.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches powerful new programming techniques for interacting with the user and the system

Covers dynamic memory allocation, allowing for more complex programming tasks

Provides a solid foundation in programming concepts and techniques

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in C programming

Suitable for learners with basic programming knowledge who want to advance their skills

Part of a specialization in Introduction to Programming in C, offering a comprehensive learning path

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Reviews summary

Foundational c programming: system interaction & memory

According to learners, this course covers crucial topics in C programming, specifically focusing on interacting with the system and managing memory dynamically. Many students find the content, particularly pointers and dynamic allocation, to be challenging but essential for building more complex programs. The final Poker Project is frequently mentioned as a highlight, providing valuable hands-on experience, although some find it difficult and requiring significant effort. Learners appreciate how the course builds on previous courses in the specialization, offering a solid foundation for professional programming, but some mention the need for careful attention to detail and debugging.

Effectiveness relies on understanding previous courses.

"This course heavily relies on the concepts taught in the previous modules of the specialization."

"Make sure you are comfortable with pointers and basic C syntax before starting this one."

"Building upon the foundation from earlier courses is crucial for success here."

"If you haven't taken the preceding courses, this one might be too difficult."

Lectures and explanations are generally clear and helpful.

"The instructor explains complex topics like dynamic memory allocation clearly."

"I found the lectures easy to follow, even when covering challenging material."

"The explanations provided a good conceptual understanding before tackling the assignments."

The poker project provides practical application of concepts learned.

"The Monte Carlo simulation poker project was a great way to apply all the concepts from the specialization."

"Working on the final project was demanding but provided invaluable experience with larger programs."

"I enjoyed implementing the poker hand probability calculation - it felt like a real programming task."

"The project really helped solidify my understanding of dynamic memory and file I/O."

Covers fundamental topics critical for C programming.

"The topics covered in this course are absolutely essential for anyone serious about C programming."

"Learning about file I/O and command-line arguments was very practical and immediately useful."

"This module provides the foundational knowledge needed to write programs that interact with the user and system."

"Understanding programming in the large and managing memory are key skills taught here."

Concepts like pointers and dynamic memory allocation are difficult.

"Managing dynamic memory and pointers in C is inherently tricky, and this course tackles it head-on."

"I really struggled to grasp the concepts of malloc, calloc, realloc, and free initially."

"Pointers and manual memory management were challenging but fundamental topics covered well."

"Understanding memory allocation and deallocation was the hardest part for me, but crucial."

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 Interacting with the System and Managing Memory with these activities:

Complete basic C programming exercises

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Brush up on basic C programming skills to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Review basic syntax and data types in C
Practice writing simple C programs using loops and conditionals
Solve coding exercises on basic C programming concepts

Review the book 'C Programming: A Modern Approach' by K.N. King

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Gain a deeper understanding of C programming concepts by reading and reviewing this recommended book.

View C Programming: A Modern Approach, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read selected chapters or sections of the book
Take notes and summarize the key concepts and examples
Discuss the book with classmates or a mentor

Follow tutorials on dynamic memory allocation in C

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Enhance your understanding of dynamic memory allocation and its applications in C programming.

Browse courses on Dynamic Memory Allocation

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Find online tutorials or resources on dynamic memory allocation in C
Follow the tutorials to learn about malloc(), free(), and other related functions
Practice using dynamic memory allocation in your own C programs

Five other activities

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Solve coding challenges on file handling in C

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Sharpen your skills in reading, writing, and manipulating files using C.

Browse courses on File Operations

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Set up a development environment for C programming
Find online coding challenges or exercises on file handling in C
Solve the challenges and write code to read, write, and manipulate files

Create a visual representation of the memory layout in a C program

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Enhance your understanding of memory management in C by creating a visual representation of the memory layout.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

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Study the memory layout of a C program, including stack, heap, and static memory
Use a tool or create your own diagram to visualize the memory layout
Explain the memory layout and its implications for C programming

Build a small C program that interacts with the user

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Demonstrate your understanding of user interaction and input/output in C by creating a practical program.

Browse courses on Console Applications

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Design a simple C program that takes user input and performs a specific task
Write the C code, including functions for input, output, and calculations
Test and debug your program to ensure it runs correctly

Develop a C program to simulate a simple card game

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Apply your knowledge of C programming to a real-world project by simulating a simple card game.

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Design the game rules and logic
Implement the game logic in C, including functions for dealing, playing, and scoring
Test and refine your program to ensure it simulates the game accurately

Participate in coding competitions on C programming

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Challenge yourself and test your C programming skills by participating in coding competitions.

Browse courses on Coding Challenges

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Find online coding competitions or hackathons focused on C programming
Register for the competition and prepare by practicing C programming algorithms and data structures
Participate in the competition and try to solve the coding challenges within the time limit

Career center

Learners who complete Interacting with the System and Managing Memory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists write code to help solve problems. They may create, design, and develop software. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Computer Scientist by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Software Engineer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation in memory management for your career as an Information Security Analyst. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security controls to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation in memory management for your career as a Cybersecurity Engineer. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Data Scientist by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models to solve complex problems. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Machine Learning Engineer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Backend Developer

Backend Developers are responsible for the server-side of web applications. They design, develop, and maintain the code that runs on the server. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Backend Developer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end of web applications. They design, develop, and maintain the code that runs on the server and the code that runs in the browser. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Full Stack Developer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Front-End Developer

Front End Developers are responsible for the user interface of web applications. They design, develop, and maintain the code that runs in the browser. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Front End Developer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Web Developer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

System Administrator

System Administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a System Administrator by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting databases. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Database Administrator by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Security Engineer

Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security controls to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Security Engineer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining cloud computing systems. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a Cloud Engineer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations. They work to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. A background in programming is essential. This course may help build a foundation for your career as a DevOps Engineer by giving you a better understanding of memory management. Interacting with the System and Managing Memory covers more sophisticated uses for pointers, such as strings and multidimensional arrays, as well as how to write programs that read and write files and take input from the user.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Interacting with the System and Managing Memory.

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

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Classic introduction to the C programming language. It covers the basics of the language, including data types, operators, control flow, and functions. It also includes a chapter on pointers and dynamic memory allocation.

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

Cover image

Cover image

Expert C Programming

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Covers advanced topics in C programming, such as bit manipulation, assembly language, and multithreading. It also includes a chapter on debugging.

Expert C Programming: Deep Secrets

(中文) C expert programming (asynchronous books)(Chinese...

Cover image

Cover image

C Traps and Pitfalls

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Collection of common traps and pitfalls in C programming. It provides advice on how to avoid these problems and how to debug them if they occur.

C Traps and Pitfalls

Cover image

Cover image

Applied Computational Physics

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Guide to writing effective and efficient C++ code. It covers topics such as object-oriented programming, templates, and error handling.

Applied Computational Physics

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of Computer Programming, Volume 4B

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Comprehensive guide to computer programming. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic algorithms to advanced data structures.

Slipcase for The Art of Computer Programming,...

Cover image

Cover image

Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective,...

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Guide to the design and implementation of computer systems. It covers topics such as operating systems, computer architecture, and networking.

Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective,...

Cover image

Cover image

Operating System Concepts

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Guide to the design and implementation of operating systems. It covers topics such as process management, memory management, and file systems.

Operating System Concepts

Operating System Concepts Essentials, 2nd Edition

Operating System Concepts

Operating System Concepts

Operating System Concepts, Seventh Edition

Operating System Concepts, 6th Edition

Operating System Concepts with Java

Operating System Concepts Essentials

Operating System Concepts with Java

Operating Systems Concepts with Java

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Course image

Effort

4 weeks of study, 6–8 hours/week

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Duke University

Instructors

Andrew D. Hilton

Anne Bracy

Genevieve M. Lipp

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

This course belongs to a collection called Introductory C Programming. It's comprised of four courses:

Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion
Interacting with the System and Managing Memory (viewing)
Programming Fundamentals
Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches powerful new programming techniques for interacting with the user and the system

Covers dynamic memory allocation, allowing for more complex programming tasks

Provides a solid foundation in programming concepts and techniques

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in C programming

Suitable for learners with basic programming knowledge who want to advance their skills

Part of a specialization in Introduction to Programming in C, offering a comprehensive learning path

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