The Beginner's guide to Advanced C programming for Linux from Udemy

-Why should you learn how to code C?

It makes you a better programmer - in all languages.C is the mother of all languages, almost all other programming languages are based on C. By learning the "basement", you improve the ceiling and the entire structure.
It looks really good on your resumé/CV.Most programmers (and their bosses) know that people who code C, are mostly better coders in any language. It makes your job application or freelance bid stand out from the crowd in a positive way.
It makes you a better sysadmin.You can be a good sysadmin without knowing how to code but if you aim to be great at Linux, then you must know how to code C. Most Linux software (and most of Linux itself) is written in C. If you want to understand the system in depth, then learning C is your best option.
It improves your general knowledge of computers.In order to write advanced C code you must understand the hardware. C is very connected to the hardware. There are no classes or objects or any other filtered layers between you and your hardware. You manipulate the RAM directly with your pointers and you execute kernel system calls in direct contact with the operating system. By learning advanced C, you learn to understand the OS and your computer's hardware.

-Why learn C from dr Jonas Birch and not from the other ten Udemy instructors?

Experience in the C language.When dr Birch was 18 years old and had been coding C for five years, he was traveling all over Europe, invited to different coding and security conferences, giving lectures about C and security. Since then he has coded C almost every day - for an additional 20 years.
Experience in teaching.
dr Birch has been teaching the C language (live) almost full time the last six years, helping hundreds and hundreds of students learn the mother of all languages - in Linux.
Very soothening voice and amazing sound quality.dr Birch has a very dark, relaxing voice which is very easy to listen to (a really underestimated feature). He is recording in a professional recording studio with enterprise level microphone and equipment, which makes for a very good listening experience.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the basics of the linux operating system
Move on to the advanced features of linux
Learn the basics of programming in c

Learn how to write advanced c code for the linux operating system
Learn how to create advanced internet services, like writing your own web server
Learn how to write secure code

Learn the basics of the linux operating system
Move on to the advanced features of linux
Learn the basics of programming in c
Learn how to write advanced c code for the linux operating system
Learn how to create advanced internet services, like writing your own web server
Learn how to write secure code

Syllabus

Learn the basics of C coding and the basics of Linux

Writing output to the screen

Reading input from the keyboard

Integer numbers

Decimal (float) numbers

Troubleshooting your code

While loops

If statements

Functions

Random numbers

Sleep

Countdown

ASSIGNMENT: dice game

SOLUTION: dice game

Structures

Switch

Pointers

For loops

Learn how to write advanced C code and the more advanced parts of the Linux system

Introduction of Advanced section

Dynamic memory allocation

Read from keyboard with a timeout

XOR encryption

Ncurses 1: Screens

Ncurses 2: X and Y

Ncurses 3: "Arrow"

Function pointers

Linked lists

The "&" (ampersand)

Sockets 1: Building a simple TCP client

Sockets 2: Creating a sample TCP server

Forking your code

Build your own webserver 1: Accepting connections

Build your own webserver 2: Parsing HTTP requests

Build your own webserver 3: Handling routes and an HTTP response

Build your own webserver 4: Reading and sending files

ASSIGNMENT: Fix the webserver

SOLUTION: Build your own webserver 5: Finishing the webserver

What the course is about.

Introduction

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundation in C programming within the Linux environment, which is essential for understanding and customizing the operating system at a deeper level

Starts with the basics of C coding, including data types, loops, and functions, which builds a strong foundation for more advanced concepts

Explores advanced C concepts such as dynamic memory allocation, function pointers, and linked lists, which are crucial for building complex applications

Covers socket programming and building a simple TCP client/server, which are fundamental skills for developing networked applications and services

Includes a section on XOR encryption and writing secure code, which introduces learners to basic security practices in C programming

Teaches how to build a web server from scratch, which provides a low-level understanding of how web servers function and handle HTTP requests

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 The Beginner's guide to Advanced C programming for Linux with these activities:

Review Basic Linux Commands

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Familiarize yourself with essential Linux commands to better understand the environment where you'll be writing and running C code.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Review common commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm, cp, mv, and grep.
Practice using these commands in a virtual machine or a Linux environment.

Brush up on C Fundamentals

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Revisit the core concepts of C programming, including data types, pointers, and memory management, to ensure a solid foundation for the advanced topics covered in the course.

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Review your previous C notes or textbook.
Work through basic C exercises on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode.

Read 'Understanding Pointers in C'

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Deepen your understanding of pointers, a critical concept in C, by studying a dedicated resource.

View Pointers on C on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Understanding Pointers in C'.
Work through the examples and exercises in the book.

Four other activities

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Implement Data Structures in C

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Reinforce your C programming skills by implementing common data structures like linked lists, stacks, and queues from scratch.

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Choose a data structure to implement (e.g., linked list).
Write C code to implement the data structure's core functions.
Test your implementation thoroughly.

Build a Simple Command-Line Utility

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Apply your C programming knowledge to create a practical command-line utility for Linux, such as a file search tool or a simple text editor.

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Define the functionality of your command-line utility.
Design the program's architecture and data structures.
Implement the utility in C, using appropriate Linux system calls.
Test and debug your utility thoroughly.

Explore 'Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment'

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Delve into the details of Linux system programming to enhance your understanding of how C code interacts with the operating system.

View Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment'.
Focus on chapters related to system calls, file I/O, and process management.

Contribute to a C-Based Open Source Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the C programming community by participating in an open-source project related to Linux or system programming.

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Find a suitable open-source project on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
Study the project's codebase and contribution guidelines.
Identify a bug to fix or a feature to implement.
Submit your code changes for review.

Career center

Learners who complete The Beginner's guide to Advanced C programming for Linux will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Operating Systems Developer

An Operating Systems Developer contributes to the core software that manages a computer's hardware resources. This course directly aligns with the work done by an Operating Systems Developer. The course's emphasis on writing advanced C code for Linux provides a strong foundation for working on operating systems, particularly since substantial parts of Linux are written in C. This course teaches direct manipulation of RAM and direct interaction with the operating system, which is needed by an Operating Systems Developer, helping them develop a deep understanding of the system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operating Systems Developer

Systems Programmer

A Systems Programmer works closely with the operating system, often writing low-level code. This role requires a deep understanding of how software interacts with hardware, which is precisely what this course provides. With its focus on advanced C programming in Linux, this course gives future systems programmers the skills they need to manipulate memory directly with pointers, execute kernel system calls, and understand the operating system. Knowing how to code in C is essential for a systems programmer because it allows them to work at a granular level. This course builds a foundation that may be useful to anyone pursuing a career in system programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineers develop the low-level software that controls hardware devices. This role requires a firm grasp of low-level programming, which is what this course offers. The course's content relating to advanced C programming in Linux and its emphasis on direct hardware interaction with C through pointers, make this course particularly relevant for a Firmware Engineer. The ability to manipulate memory and interface with the OS directly, as taught in this course, helps one become proficient as a Firmware Engineer.

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Reverse Engineer

Reverse Engineers analyze software to understand how it works, often at a low level. This course is very helpful to a Reverse Engineer, as it dives into advanced C programming for the Linux OS. The course's focus on memory management, pointers, and direct interaction with the OS gives the reverse engineer a solid base. Knowing how to create applications at a hardware level translates well to understanding how others' implementations work. A Reverse Engineer may find this course's content helpful.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop software for devices like microcontrollers. The low-level hardware interaction taught in this course may be valuable in this role. Since device programming often involves C, this course, focused on advanced C programming for Linux, will be very helpful. Gaining proficiency in manipulating memory directly, a skill sharpened by this course's use of pointers, is essential in this work. An Embedded Systems Engineer who has taken this course understands how software directly interfaces with hardware and uses this knowledge in their designs.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and program robots. This role requires a strong understanding of low-level systems and software. This course, which focuses on advanced C programming in Linux, may be useful for a Robotics Engineer. Direct interaction with operating systems and hardware, as offered in the course, is highly relevant to robotics work. By taking this course, a Robotics Engineer will be better equipped to manage the intricacies of robotic systems.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineering involves protecting systems from vulnerabilities, which requires a detailed understanding of how systems operate. This course may be useful to a Security Engineer because it emphasizes low-level system interactions in C for Linux. Knowing how to manipulate RAM and interact directly with the OS, which is taught in the course, will help a Security Engineer find weaknesses in code, analyze how security breaches may occur, and develop robust security measures. The course's inclusion of secure coding practices reinforces the Security Engineer's skills.

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High-Performance Computing Engineer

High Performance Computing Engineers develop software and systems for high-speed computing. This type of work often benefits from low-level programming optimizations of the kind this course teaches. Focusing on advanced C for Linux, this course may be useful for a High Performance Computing Engineer by imparting skills in memory management and direct hardware interaction. A High Performance Computing Engineer who takes this course can understand performance bottlenecks and write more efficient programs.

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Network Programmer

A Network Programmer builds software for network communication, often involving low-level socket programming. This course may be useful for a Network Programmer because it covers advanced C programming for Linux, including socket programming. This experience prepares a Network Programmer for developing network applications, as they now understand both the operating system and network concepts. This course's coverage of building a web server from scratch allows a Network Programmer to understand network protocols.

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Game Programmer

A Game Programmer works on the software that powers video games. While many areas of game programming use higher-level languages, this course may be useful for a Game Programmer, especially for lower-level systems work. A Game Programmer who takes this course will get a sense of the architecture of the system. This course, with its emphasis on the foundational principles of C and Linux, helps build a strong base for a game programmer.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer works with both software development and IT operations. While DevOps engineering mainly utilizes higher-level tools, this course may be useful for a DevOps engineer. Strong foundational knowledge of low-level coding may give an edge to a DevOps Engineer, especially when troubleshooting. The course's aim to improve understanding of Linux can benefit any DevOps Engineer. The course's advanced aspects of Linux and C show the infrastructure level, which DevOps Engineers might need.

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Database Developer

Database Developers focus on creating and managing databases. While the day-to-day work of a database developer is often in higher-level languages, this course may be useful to a Database Developer. This is especially true for those working on performance critical aspects of the database. This course’s focus on memory management and operating system interaction may help a Database Developer in optimizing database performance. Taking this course will build a foundation that will be helpful for the database engineer.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer creates software applications. While this role often uses higher-level language, this course may be useful to a Software Developer. The course will make one a better programmer, according to its description. The course's deep dive into C, the mother of all programming languages, will help a Software Developer who wishes to understand programming at a deeper level. The course will strengthen a Software Developer's foundation and improve problem-solving in all languages.

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Backend Developer

A Backend Developer builds the server-side logic and databases behind the user interfaces. While the role does not always need low-level system expertise, this course may be useful for a Backend Developer, especially in roles that benefit from deep system knowledge. A Backend Developer must know how different parts of the system work. The advanced C and Linux skills taught in this course provide a strong background. The course's section on building a web server allows the Backend Developer to understand server-side concepts.

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Technical Instructor

A Technical Instructor teaches technical subjects, often requiring a deep understanding. The course may be useful for a Technical Instructor because it is taught by someone with experience teaching this exact material. The instructor is able to clearly explain the material and this is necessary for a good teacher. The experience of the instructor highlights what is needed for quality technical instruction. This course would also provide the instructor with the knowledge of the C language, which is necessary for becoming a good Technical Instructor.

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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 The Beginner's guide to Advanced C programming for Linux.

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment

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Classic resource for understanding the intricacies of UNIX and Linux system programming. It covers topics such as file I/O, process control, interprocess communication, and network programming in detail. While it may be more valuable as additional reading, it provides a deep dive into the system-level concepts that are essential for advanced C programming on Linux. It is commonly used as a textbook in university courses and by industry professionals.

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment...

Kindle Edition

Advanced Programming in the Unix Environment

Hardcover

Advanced Programming in the UNIX® Environment, 2/e...

Paperback

Pointers on C

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Provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and working with pointers in C. Pointers are a fundamental concept in C programming, and mastering them is crucial for writing efficient and effective code. This book offers clear explanations, examples, and exercises to help you develop a strong understanding of pointers. It is particularly useful for the advanced C programming topics covered in this course.

Pointers on C

Paperback

$$$$

The Beginner's guide to Advanced C programming for Linux

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

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