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Frank Anemaet

If you're new to programming then learning C might seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be so hard. This course will teach you the absolute basics of the C programming language and spare you from all the complex topics. This course can be used as a starter for a followup course, already knowing some of the basics.

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If you're new to programming then learning C might seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be so hard. This course will teach you the absolute basics of the C programming language and spare you from all the complex topics. This course can be used as a starter for a followup course, already knowing some of the basics.

The C programming language is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. Anywhere you can see a computer operating system, a C programming language is in use. The reason for this is that C is a powerful programming language because of its flexibility and high performance. It is used to write computer software like Operating Systems, Games, Embedded Systems and etc. It provides a good platform for software designers and developers to design their software application.

The most important reason why anyone should learn C programming language is that you will be able to design any type of application using this language. However, C is quite a complex language because it is very low level. In fact, it is very close to machine language. But despite that it is still widely used for example in operating system development and electronic chip programming.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The absolute basics of the c programming language
  • How to run c code
  • How to make c program
  • How to do basic input/output
  • How to create loops and functions

Syllabus

Introduction
Run C code
Hello World
Data types
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation in C, a language known for its use in operating systems, embedded systems, and game development, making it a versatile skill for aspiring developers
Focuses on the absolute basics, which helps learners build a strong foundation before tackling more complex programming concepts and advanced topics
Covers fundamental programming concepts like data types, arithmetics, functions, and loops, which are essential for understanding more advanced programming paradigms
Teaches how to run C code and create basic programs, which are crucial first steps for anyone starting their programming journey

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Reviews summary

Introduction to c programming basics

According to learners, this course offers a positive introduction focusing on the absolute basics of C programming. Students find the explanations clear and appreciate that it successfully covers the fundamental concepts outlined in the syllabus. While many highlight it as a solid starting point, some feel it is too basic and lacking depth on more complex topics, even those fundamental to C like pointers, suggesting a need for external resources or further study to build practical skills beyond the initial foundation. The course appears well-suited for complete beginners.
Practical examples aid understanding.
"The code examples provided were very helpful in seeing how things work."
"Liked the practical demonstration of input/output operations."
"Seeing the arithmetics and comparison in code made it click for me."
"The examples reinforced the theoretical concepts well."
Concepts are easy to understand and follow.
"The explanations were clear and concise, making complex ideas simple."
"I appreciated how the instructor broke down each topic."
"Very easy to follow along, especially with the code examples."
"The way functions and repetitions were explained made perfect sense."
Excellent introduction for absolute novices.
"This course provides a good foundation for absolute beginners."
"I found this course to be a perfect starting point for learning C."
"It really helped me get a grasp of the basic concepts like data types and loops."
"As someone completely new to programming, this was exactly what I needed to get started."
Students often need additional resources.
"You'll need to practice a lot on your own and look up more detailed information."
"I had to use other tutorials to fully understand certain concepts after this course."
"This course serves as a stepping stone; don't expect to be proficient without further study."
"Needs more hands-on exercises and projects to solidify learning."
Stays strictly on basics, may feel incomplete.
"It covers the basics well, but feels very limited; doesn't really go into pointers or memory management."
"Good as a first step, but you will definitely need more courses after this one."
"I felt it was too basic and didn't provide enough depth for practical application."
"While it promises basics, it barely scratches the surface of the language's power."

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 the Basics with these activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Reinforce fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, and control flow to prepare for learning C.
Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials on basic programming concepts.
  • Complete practice exercises on variables and data types.
  • Write simple programs using loops and conditional statements.
Read 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'
Supplement course material with a beginner-friendly guide to C programming.
Show steps
  • Read the first few chapters covering basic syntax and data types.
  • Try out the code examples provided in the book.
  • Work through the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Practice Input/Output Exercises
Reinforce understanding of input and output operations in C through repetitive exercises.
Show steps
  • Write programs to read different data types from the user.
  • Format output using printf and scanf functions.
  • Handle errors related to input and output operations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a C Cheat Sheet
Compile a cheat sheet of C syntax, data types, and common functions for quick reference.
Show steps
  • Gather information on C syntax, data types, and functions.
  • Organize the information into a concise and easy-to-read format.
  • Share the cheat sheet with other students for feedback.
Build a Simple Calculator Program
Apply learned concepts to build a practical calculator program that performs basic arithmetic operations.
Show steps
  • Design the program's user interface and functionality.
  • Implement the arithmetic operations using C code.
  • Test the program thoroughly to ensure accuracy.
  • Add error handling to handle invalid inputs.
Explore 'The C Programming Language' by K&R
Deepen understanding of C with the classic reference by Kernighan and Ritchie.
Show steps
  • Read chapters on advanced topics like pointers and memory management.
  • Study the code examples and try to implement them yourself.
  • Work through the exercises to challenge your understanding.
Help Beginners on C Programming Forums
Reinforce your understanding of C by helping other beginners on online forums.
Show steps
  • Find online forums or communities dedicated to C programming.
  • Answer questions from beginners and provide helpful guidance.
  • Explain concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Career center

Learners who complete C Programming the Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for devices that are not general-purpose computers. This often involves working very close to the hardware, and requires a strong understanding of low level programming. This course, by teaching the basics of C, a language often used in embedded systems, provides an important starting point. The course's emphasis on data types, basic input and output, and creating functions helps build a foundation for the work that an Embedded Systems Engineer would do. Those who seek to enter this role should certainly learn the basic concepts of C. The course's focus on the absolute basics of C will be extremely beneficial.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer works with the low-level software that controls the hardware of devices. This work often involves programming in C, as it allows direct manipulation of hardware components. This course is a useful introduction to anyone wanting to enter the field of Firmware Engineering because it covers the basics of C, including how to run code, make programs, and handle basic input and output. The course's emphasis on the C programming language helps an engineer to understand the core concepts of this language, which is often used to develop firmware for devices. The course helps build a strong foundation in C programming that can be applied to the field of Firmware Engineering.
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots. This often involves interacting with low level hardware, for which C is frequently used. This course may be useful for a budding Robotics Engineer because it introduces the basics of the C language, which is commonly used in creating robotic control systems. The course's emphasis on understanding how to run C code, create functions, and handle input/output operations, is particularly useful. By learning the fundamentals of C the student gains a good point of reference when learning other aspects of robotics. The course's focus on practical C skills will be beneficial for anyone wanting to enter the field of Robotics Engineering.
Operating Systems Developer
An Operating Systems Developer creates and maintains the core software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. This complex work often requires proficiency in C, which is a language closely tied to operating system development because it provides low level control and high performance. This course may be useful by teaching the absolute basics of the C programming language, which helps to build the foundational programming capabilities needed for this role. This course can be used to study how C code runs, how to make a C program, and how to create functions. The course's focus on the relationship between the C language and the machine provides a suitable starting point for aspiring Operating System Developers.
Game Programmer
A Game Programmer writes the code that brings a video game to life, implementing the game’s mechanics, user interfaces, and other features. This often involves using programming languages such as C, especially for performance-critical systems. This course provides a starting point for anyone who wants to become a Game Programmer because it introduces the foundational programming concepts of the C programming language. The course's coverage of data types, arithmetics and input/output operations helps to establish the fundamentals needed before delving into more complex game development. The course's teaching of how to create loops and functions will prove to be extremely beneficial, as these form critical components in game engines.
Software Developer
A Software Developer creates applications that run on various devices. They often use many programming languages, but a background in C can establish a strong base. This course may be useful for a Software Developer, because it provides the absolute basics of a programming language, C. This also includes how to run C code, make C programs, basic input/output, and creating functions. While C is not always used in higher level software development, familiarity with C programming is useful when handling low level operations. The concepts taught, like lists and repetition, may help to solve any challenge a Software Developer could face. The course's focus on practical skills related to programming makes it a good starting point.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. While this role spans many areas of software development, understanding the basics of C can provide a deeper insight into programming concepts, especially those related to lower-level systems. This course may be useful for anyone interested in becoming a Software Engineer because it introduces them to the fundamental concepts of programming through the C language, including data types, how to create a function, and how to create loops. Although the role of Software Engineer may not always require C programming, the course's focus on the basics of C allows aspiring engineers to build a foundation of programming skills. The knowledge of how C works can be helpful in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of software development.
Systems Architect
A Systems Architect designs the overall structure of a computing system, considering both hardware and software. They often need an understanding of low-level programming, which is where knowledge of C can be helpful. This course may be useful to anyone seeking to become a Systems Architect, because it provides the basics of the C programming language, helping one to understand the system level concepts. While not solely focused on C this course helps one to understand some of the foundational aspects of software development. The course’s focus on how C code runs and how to create programs helps one to achieve a better grasp of overall system design.
Computational Scientist
A Computational Scientist uses computers to solve complex scientific and engineering problems, often involving simulations and high performance computing. The C programming language is frequently used for these tasks because of its performance. This course may be useful for anyone studying to become a Computational Scientist because it introduces the basics of C. This can include concepts like data types, arithmetic functions, and loops, which form the building blocks for many algorithms. The course's emphasis on making C programs can be useful for research, and provides a starting point, even though this field sometimes uses different languages. The course helps build a strong foundation for using programming to tackle complex computational problems.
Computer Science Researcher
A Computer Science Researcher investigates new technologies and concepts in computing. This role may involve working on projects related to operating systems, embedded systems, or other areas where C is a relevant language. This course may be useful for those considering a career as a Computer Science Researcher, because it provides a foundation in C programming, which can help build understanding of many topics within computer science. Though the role does not require it, the course's teachings on data types, arithmetic, functions, and loops will help build a foundation for future research in the field. The course is a useful starting point for a future Computer Science Researcher by providing an understanding of key programming concepts.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases, ensuring their performance and security. While C is not directly used in the day to day tasks, the knowledge gained in this course may be helpful for understanding the underlying logic used by databases. C is often used in the systems that databases are built from. This course may be useful for a Database Administrator because it introduces the fundamentals of one of the lowest level programming languages, C. By learning how C works one can gain insights into how overall computing systems operate. The course's teaching on the basics of programming, creating loops, and understanding code flow could prove beneficial to a Database Administrator.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages computer networks. While the day-to-day work does not involve C, the knowledge gained from this course could be useful when working with low-level network protocols. This course may be useful for a Network Engineer, because it provides a foundational introduction to programming through C, including data types, comparisons, and lists. Although it's not directly used in networking, the course may help with general problem-solving skills. The course's focus on basic programming concepts helps build a foundation for more complex concepts, which may come up in networks.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes data to gain insights and make predictions. This often involves using a variety of programming languages, and a background in C may be useful for understanding the underlying principles of computer science. This course may be useful for a Data Scientist because it gives an introduction to the C programming language, while teaching data types, comparisons and functions. Although not directly related to Data Science, C helps one understand the fundamentals of programming, which may make learning other data science languages easier. The course's focus on logic and programming structures, such as repetition, may be useful for general understanding of development.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer tests software to ensure it meets quality standards. While this role may not require programming, understanding C may be beneficial for low-level testing and understanding how code works, which could be useful in some testing scenarios. This course may be useful for a Quality Assurance Engineer because it introduces the basics of C programming, including data types, arithmetic operations and functions. This may help them understand the code they are testing. Though not directly used in testing, the concepts taught in this course may help Quality Assurance Engineers test with deeper understanding of the underlying functionality. The course’s focus on creating programs and loops may be useful for understanding code flow.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation for software or hardware products, translating complex information into easily understandable guides. While a Technical Writer may not program C, some understanding of how low level software works. This course may be useful for an aspiring Technical Writer because it provides a basic understanding of how software is built. The course's introduction to C concepts, including data types, functions, and loops, can give a deeper insight into the subjects the writer may need to document. This course helps a Technical Writer better understand the concepts that they may be describing to others in their work. Though this is indirect, a foundation in C may be beneficial.

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 C Programming the Basics.
Is designed for individuals with no prior programming experience, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It covers the fundamentals of C programming in a clear and accessible manner. The book provides step-by-step instructions and practical examples to help you grasp the core concepts. It serves as a valuable companion to the course, offering additional explanations and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
This book, often referred to as K&R, classic and comprehensive guide to the C programming language. Written by the creators of C, it provides a deep understanding of the language's features and principles. While it may be more advanced than the course's introductory level, it serves as an excellent resource for further exploration and mastery of C. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer science programs.

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