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Tim Buchalka's Learn Programming Academy and Jason Fedin

Have you never programmed a computer before, and think or have been told that C is a good programming language to get started with. It is.

Maybe you have some experience with other programming languages, but want to learn C. It's a great language to add to your resume.

Or perhaps you are stuck in a low paying programming job, and want to move up to a better, more senior position. Learning C can help you.

The fact is, learning how to program in C is not only an excellent programming language to get started with, but it will also make you a better programming in other computer languages.

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Have you never programmed a computer before, and think or have been told that C is a good programming language to get started with. It is.

Maybe you have some experience with other programming languages, but want to learn C. It's a great language to add to your resume.

Or perhaps you are stuck in a low paying programming job, and want to move up to a better, more senior position. Learning C can help you.

The fact is, learning how to program in C is not only an excellent programming language to get started with, but it will also make you a better programming in other computer languages.

Why learn C ?

C is often considered to be the mother of all languages because so many other languages have been based on it.

Though C is simple it is one of the most powerful languages ever created. Considering it was created over 40 years ago, it is still used heavily and is usually in the top 5 or 10 most popular and most widely programming languages in the world.

Learning C can actually make you a better programming in other languages like C++, Java, or C# by equipping you with a mental model of what the computer is actually doing when you run your programs.By learning how things really work "under the hood", and understand memory space, CPU architecture and so on, you can create more efficient programs, and obtain a huge advantage over other programmers in the process.

If you want to become a better developer, learning C is a great way to start.

Why enrolling in this course is the best decision you can make.

By the end of this course, you will understand the fundamentals of the C Programming Language, and make yourself more marketable for entry level programming positions.

You will understand variables and the different data types, be able to utilize functions and arrays, understand the concept of pointers, learn about control flow (decision statements and iteration).

You will be in a position to apply for real-time programming positions, and truly understand the core language that most modern languages are based on.

If you have previously used the C programming language, then this course will deepen your understanding of it. If you have never used it, no problem, you will see that it can help you become a more efficient C developer.

The course will be constantly refined in the future based on student feedback.

This course does not skip on the details. You will learn how to write high quality code and become an excellent problem solver. This course does not just present how to code in the C programming language, but, also includes all the details on "why" you are doing the things you are doing. At the end of this course, you will fully understand the concepts of the C Programming language.

Your instructor, Jason Fedin has been teaching students for over 12 years via online classes at over 10 different online Universities. He has created many different class curriculums, ranging from mobile programming to bash scripting to Object-Oriented Design and of course the C programming language.

Additionally, he has been developing software for over 16 years in the real world at various companies, specializing in Object-Oriented Development and Mobile Applications.

This means you are learning from someone who has all the professional training, skills, and experience you need to teach you how to become proficient in the C programming language.

If you are ready to get that first paid programming job, or to move up to a more senior programming position, then this course is for you.

Your new job or consulting opportunity awaits.

Why not get started today?

Click the Signup button to sign up for the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of the c programming language
  • Make yourself more marketable for entry level programming positions
  • Create your first c application
  • Learn one of the most popular, widly used languages in the world
  • Understand variables and the different data types
  • Apply for real-time programming positions
  • Understand the core language that most modern languages are based on
  • Learn how to write high-quality code

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to Class!
Class Organization
Fundamentals of a Program
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the C programming language, making it suitable for individuals with little to no prior programming experience
Covers fundamental concepts such as variables, data types, functions, arrays, and pointers, which are essential for building a strong foundation in C programming
Explores control flow statements and iteration, enabling learners to write programs that make decisions and repeat actions, which are crucial for creating complex applications
Requires installing and configuring a C compiler and CodeLite, which may present a barrier for learners who are not familiar with software development tools
Focuses on using CodeLite, which is an integrated development environment that may not be as widely used as other popular IDEs like Visual Studio or Eclipse

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Reviews summary

Solid c fundamentals for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation for anyone starting out with C programming, even those with no prior coding experience. Many found the instructor's explanations clear and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible. The course structure and practical examples are frequently highlighted as strengths, helping students grasp core concepts like variables, data types, control flow, arrays, and functions. While overwhelmingly positive, a few students noted that initial setup or environment configuration could be tricky depending on the operating system, and some wished for slightly more depth on advanced topics like pointers.
Hands-on coding reinforced learning effectively.
"The coding challenges and demonstrations were very helpful in practicing what I learned."
"I enjoyed working through the practical examples; they made the concepts click."
"The hands-on labs were a great way to apply the theory from the lectures."
"Coding along with the instructor helped solidify my understanding."
Perfect starting point for new programmers.
"As someone who had zero programming experience, this course was the perfect introduction to C."
"It truly starts from scratch and builds up your knowledge step-by-step."
"If you are a complete beginner, this course is definitely for you."
"I had never coded before, and I feel like I understand the basics now."
Course builds a strong base in C fundamentals.
"This course gave me a really solid understanding of the core C language."
"I learned how things work 'under the hood' which is exactly what I needed."
"It covers all the essential topics needed to start writing C programs."
"Variables, loops, functions - I feel confident with the fundamentals now."
Instructor makes C concepts easy to understand.
"The instructor explains things in a very clear and concise manner, which is crucial for beginners like me."
"His explanations of fundamental concepts are incredibly easy to grasp."
"I really appreciate how the course breaks down complex ideas into simple terms."
"The teaching style is very good, making the material easy to follow along."
Some found pointer explanations insufficient.
"While the basics were covered, I felt the section on pointers could have gone into more detail."
"Pointers are a tricky concept, and I felt I needed supplemental resources after this section."
"I struggled a bit with the pointer material; more examples or explanations would help."
"The section on pointers was okay, but perhaps could be expanded for better clarity."
Environment setup may require extra effort.
"Getting the compiler and IDE set up took me longer than expected on Windows."
"Had some issues configuring CodeLite correctly, needed to search online for solutions."
"The installation steps were generally clear, but platform differences caused a bit of trouble."
"It was a bit difficult to get the development environment running smoothly at first."

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 For Beginners - Master the C Language with these activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Review fundamental programming concepts to build a solid foundation before diving into C-specific syntax and features.
Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of variables, data types, and operators.
  • Practice writing simple algorithms and flowcharts.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic control structures like if-else statements and loops.
Read 'C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide'
Read this book to gain a solid understanding of C programming fundamentals before or during the course.
Show steps
  • Read the first few chapters covering basic syntax and data types.
  • Work through the examples and exercises provided in the book.
  • Take notes on key concepts and syntax rules.
Code Simple Programs
Practice writing simple C programs to reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in each module.
Show steps
  • Write a program to calculate the area of a circle.
  • Write a program to reverse a string.
  • Write a program to check if a number is prime.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a C Programming Cheat Sheet
Create a cheat sheet summarizing key C syntax, data types, and functions for quick reference.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of essential C syntax elements.
  • Organize the cheat sheet by topic (e.g., data types, operators, control flow).
  • Include brief examples for each syntax element.
Build a Simple Calculator Program
Start a project to build a simple calculator program that performs basic arithmetic operations.
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'
Read this book to deepen your understanding of C programming and learn from the language's creators.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pointers and memory management carefully.
  • Work through the examples and exercises, paying attention to detail.
  • Compare your code with the solutions provided in the book.
Contribute to a C Open Source Project
Contribute to an open-source C project to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other developers.
Show steps
  • Find a C open-source project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
  • Respond to feedback from other contributors.

Career center

Learners who complete C Programming For Beginners - Master the C Language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Operating Systems Developer
An Operating Systems Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the core software that controls a computer's hardware. They are the people who develop the operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. This career path often requires a deep understanding of computer architecture, memory management, and low-level programming. C is the dominant language used in the development of operating systems, making this course in C programming particularly useful to any aspiring operating systems developer. This course teaches the fundamentals of the C programming language, such as variables, data types, functions, pointers, and control flow and how these concepts translate into operating systems. The course’s focus on understanding how the computer behaves “under the hood” makes it a great option for a developer of operating systems.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for devices that are not traditional computers, such as those found in cars, appliances, or industrial equipment. This role often requires a deep understanding of how software interacts with hardware and how to optimize code for resource-constrained environments. A course in C programming is essential for this career path, as C is frequently used in embedded systems development because of its efficiency and low level memory access features. The course’s strong focus on the fundamentals, such as data types, variables, control flow, arrays, and functions, combined with its emphasis on understanding the “why” behind the code is directly relevant to the challenges of embedded systems software. By understanding how things really work “under the hood”, and understand memory space, CPU architecture, and so on, a potential embedded systems engineer can create more efficient programs. Furthermore, the focus on writing high-quality code and solving complex problems is invaluable for this job.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops the low-level software that controls hardware devices. This involves working closely with both hardware and software to ensure that the two components can communicate effectively. The role is common in consumer electronics, telecommunications, and industrial automation. Firmware is often written in C, making learning C programming extremely beneficial for aspiring firmware engineers. This course teaches all the necessary fundamentals of the C language, including variables, data types, pointers, control flow, and functions. The course’s emphasis on understanding how things really work “under the hood”, and understanding memory space, will help a firmware engineer write more efficient software. The course’s focus on writing high-quality code provides a great base for understanding operating systems.
Software Developer
A Software Developer writes, tests, and maintains software applications. They work on various types of software, from desktop applications to web services. A background in C programming is beneficial, as many applications and operating systems leverage code written in C or a related language. A course in C programming provides a solid foundation in programming concepts, like control flow, data structures, and algorithms, which are crucial for any type of software development. The course's focus on understanding the fundamentals of the language, such as variables, data types, functions, and pointers, will help any potential software developer to better design and maintain software applications. Also, the emphasis on writing high-quality code and problem solving will help them in their day-to-day duties.
Game Developer
A Game Developer is a software engineer who designs and builds video games. This role requires a strong understanding of programming concepts, game design principles, and often, high-performance computing. C is widely used in game development, particularly for game engines and performance-critical components. This course builds a strong foundation in C programming, which is beneficial to any aspiring game developer. The course teaches fundamental C programming concepts and its focus on memory management makes it a perfect candidate to learn the details of programming in order to develop games. Also, the course will equip any future game developer with the problem solving skills necessary to write high-quality code.
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and tests robots and robotic systems. They often need to work with embedded systems, control algorithms, and sensor data. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles. C is frequently used to program microcontrollers in robots, especially in robotics applications where performance and precision are crucial. This course may be useful for a robotics engineer who wishes to learn how to program in C. The course covers the fundamentals of C programming, including variables, data types, pointers, and control flow. This will be particularly valuable for those who wish to program robots at the lowest level, maximizing performance.
Compiler Developer
A Compiler Developer creates the software that translates human-readable programming languages into machine code. The role requires a very deep understanding of computer architecture and programming language theory. This often involves working with assembly languages, and understanding how code interacts with hardware. C is often used in the development of compilers because it provides a low-level view of memory and direct access to hardware. This course may be useful, as it teaches the fundamentals of the C language, a popular choice for those working in the field of compilers. This course also provides a mental model of what the computer is actually doing when you run your programs. The knowledge gained here provides a strong foundation for understanding the inner workings of compilers.
Software Architect
A Software Architect is responsible for making high-level design choices and dictating technical standards, including software coding standards. They oversee the design and implementation of complex software systems. A deep understanding of various programming languages and paradigms like C is beneficial for the Software Architect. A course in C may be useful as it teaches low level programming details. The course focuses on understanding the concepts of how the language works and how to program in it, which may help establish a foundation for understanding a broader range of technical requirements for this role. The course’s emphasis on writing high-quality code can also translate to creating effective software architectures.
Database Developer
A Database Developer designs, implements, and maintains databases. This work involves creating data schemas, developing stored procedures, and optimizing database performance. While other languages are more common in database work, C is still used in specific areas of database system development, particularly the parts that are closely related to the operating system. This course may be useful as it teaches the fundamentals of C, which can help a database developer to understand the inner workings of some database systems. The course covers variables, data types, control flow, and the concept of memory, which can help understand how databases function efficiently.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst studies an organization's computer systems and procedures, and then designs information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently. This role involves understanding both the business needs and the technical aspects of systems. This function may require a general understanding of programming concepts and languages, including C. While not directly involved in programming, such a course may be useful in developing a general technical literacy. The course introduces fundamental concepts, such as variables, data types, control flow and functions, which provides a basis for understanding technical systems.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for testing software and hardware to make sure they work correctly. This role includes writing test plans and test cases and documenting software defects. While not directly involved in writing production code, a quality assurance engineer may benefit from understanding programming concepts, including those introduced in C. This course may be useful as it introduces fundamental C concepts, including variables, data types, pointers, control flow, and functions. This helps build a basic understanding of software and its underlying mechanisms.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation, such as user manuals, help guides, and API documentation for software and hardware. This role requires a strong understanding of the technology being documented. While a technical writer does not write code, a basic understanding of programming concepts may be useful. This course may be helpful to a technical writer, particularly if they are writing about software that relies on C. This course introduces fundamentals such as variables, data types, pointers, functions and control flow, providing a basis for understanding software at a low level. Having the ability to understand C programs may be useful in communicating with the engineers who write the code.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer plans, implements, and maintains an organization's network infrastructure. While not directly coding in C, having a general understanding of programming and software is useful in this role, as networking systems often involve interacting with software. This course may be useful, as it covers the basics of C programming, including variables, data types, control flow, pointers and function calls. This provides a basic understanding which could prove useful, particularly when interacting with software, especially in the field of networking. The course emphasizes understanding the concepts of the C language and writing program code, which can translate to a deeper understanding of complex systems.
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist provides technical support to end users of computers, software and hardware. They troubleshoot computer problems, install software and maintain IT infrastructure. While not directly involved in developing software, a basic understanding of programming can be useful for troubleshooting technical problems. This course may be useful as it provides a basic understanding of software development through the C programming language. This course could help them better understand the basic concepts of a programming language, including data types, variables, contol flow and function calls.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes complex data to extract insights, using statistical methods and machine learning. While data scientists typically use languages like Python or R, an understanding of C programming may be useful in situations where performance is critical. This course may be helpful as it introduces fundamental programming concepts in C. This language may be particularly useful in situations where performance is critical, and where Python or R are not suitable. The course covers the fundamental concepts of C, including variables, data types, pointers, control flow, and functions, which provide a basic foundation.

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 For Beginners - Master the C Language.
This book, often referred to as K&R, is the definitive guide to the C programming language, written by its creators. It provides a comprehensive and authoritative explanation of C. While it can be challenging for absolute beginners, it's an invaluable resource for understanding the language's nuances and best practices. It is commonly used as a textbook in computer science courses.
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 concise manner. The book provides numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning. It is particularly helpful for understanding basic syntax and program structure.

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