Freshman in an electronic engineering program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the programming languages C and C++ in the context of an electronic engineering program. Participants explore the appropriateness of learning C++ alongside C, particularly in relation to hardware programming requirements and recommendations for learning resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether learning C++ would be beneficial given that C is the primary language taught in their program.
  • Another participant mentions that while C++ is a superset of C, some hardware may only support programming in C, particularly in embedded systems.
  • A participant shares their experience using C for embedded system real-time programming and notes that C++ is not an option for their specific applications due to the use of a real-time extension of C.
  • A recommendation is made for the K&R textbook as a resource for learning C, with a note on the improvements in the current edition compared to the first.
  • There is a suggestion that while C is the focus, learning C++ later could still be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and appropriateness of learning C++ alongside C, with some emphasizing the limitations of C++ in certain hardware contexts. The discussion does not reach a consensus on whether learning C++ is advisable.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependency on specific hardware capabilities and programming requirements, indicating that the suitability of C or C++ may vary based on the application.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in electronic engineering programs, individuals interested in embedded systems programming, and those seeking resources for learning C and C++.

exis
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Hi,

I'm a freshman in an electronic engineering program in university. Throughout the course we're supposed to learn how to program using C. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to learn C++ on my own instead. From what I gather, C++ is a superset of C however I've also been told that some hardware can strictly be programmed only using C. Is this true? If yes, are there any C ebooks/books that you suggest I use to learn C?

Thanks in advance
 
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exis said:
Hi,

I'm a freshman in an electronic engineering program in university. Throughout the course we're supposed to learn how to program using C. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to learn C++ on my own instead. From what I gather, C++ is a superset of C however I've also been told that some hardware can strictly be programmed only using C. Is this true? If yes, are there any C ebooks/books that you suggest I use to learn C?

Thanks in advance

I use C a lot for embedded system real-time programming. C++ would probably work as well, but the embedded systems I work with use a real-time extension of C, so C++ is not an option.

The standard textbook for C is K&R. The first edition left a lot to be desired, but the current edition is very complete and userul, IMO:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131103628/?tag=pfamazon01-20

.
 


C it is then... Thanks for replying berkeman
 


C and C++ are similar, it might be useful to pick up C++ later on.
 

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