Why to learn C Programming?

Before discussing how to learn C, let us find out, why to learn C. If you want become a good programmer, having a good command over C language is essential. C language is the mother of so many modern languages and scripts. Knowledge in C acts as fundamental to learn these modern languages and scripts.

Also C is the language of system programming. C is becoming a fast replacement for assembly language. It is essential for the aspiring system and embedded programming professionals to learn C. System and embedded programming is the most fascinating field of programming.

Also note that programming is the most fascinating and creative job. It is a fine art first and technology later. Programming is also highly satisfying and rewarding job for the people who like it. Software industry is always short of good quality programmers and always in search of them. So why don't you become such quality programmer.

How to learn C Programming?

The best way to learn C is to have access to Linux machine. Linux (or Unix) is the best platform to learn C. Learning C with any other operating system is a compromise.

If you really want to become a good programmer, the best investment you can do is,buying some computer and loading Linux OS on it. Netbook (small laptops) are enough as they cost less. Even if you do not have any computer, no problem. Get hold of Linux Live CD (contact DEPIK for this CD). Put this CD in any of your friend's computer, and reboot it. You will get Linux OS up and running without disturbing your friend's hard disk. Start writing C programs on this Linux OS. Even better thing is put Linux OS on your pen-drive. Carry it with you. Boot your friend's computer with this pen-drive. Again you got Linux OS infront of you. Now what ever programs you have written will get saved in your pen-drive. Shutdown the Linux OS, take your pen-drive, leaving your friend's comptuer unchanged. So you are carrying Linux OS and your C programs on your pen-drive. Contact DEPIK for help.

If you are a technical student studying electronics or computers, you must load Linux and practice Linux. Windows is for ordinary users and kids. Linux is for professionals to learn and practice programming. If you load Linux, entire Linux OS is comes with source code. You can find source program files of all most all applications you are using. These source files have tremendous value in learning how professional programs were written. Once you are good at programming, these C program files of various applications will teach you a lot, which no textbooks can do.

If you want to become a good programmer, go through the programs written by professionals. This chance comes only for Linux (open source) users.

Learning C

C language can be learned at various levels. At higher levels one can attempt more complex programs.

Level 1

At this level one should learn writing simple C programs that contain only one function that is main function.

The main function can contain following types of statements in the following sequence.

• Variable declaration statements
• Input statements to accept values from the user
• Processing statements to compute the output
• Output statements to display the computed output.

In the main function, practice the usage of following statements:

• If
• If-else
• If-else,If-else if-else if else
• Switch
• For loop
• Whilw loop
• Do while loop
• Break and continue statements

Use the following types of variables in the main function:

• Char,short,int and float
• Arrays of above types
• Structure variables

Also practice the usage of all arithmetic operators, logical operators, conditional operators and bit wise operators.

Level 2

Writing function to do the processing. And call the function from main function to do processing. So main function contains following statements:

• Variable declaration statements
• Input statements to accept variable values from the user
• Calling the function by passing input arguments and getting output
• Output statements to display the output returned by the function

Level 3

• Write programs that contain multiple functions.
• Understand the difference between local variables and global variables and use both types of variables.
• Understand the use of pointer variable and use them
• Understand the difference between static allocation of memory and dynamic memory allocation and use both of them
• Understand the role of pointers in dynamic memory allocation
• Use various standard I/O library functions

Level 4

• Write programs that contain multiple functions distributed in multiple C files
• Practice linked lists (both single and double linked lists)
• Practice various search and sort algorithms