Looking to teach myself C, where do I start?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources and recommendations for learning the C programming language, including software options for coding and suggestions for tutorials and books. The scope includes both practical software tools and educational materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests downloading Code::Blocks for learning C, highlighting its support for a later version of C compared to MSVC 2010, which is also mentioned as an option for those interested in C++.
  • Another participant recommends the book "The C Programming Language" as a highly regarded resource for learning C, sharing their personal experience of using it alongside an understanding of C++.
  • A different participant expresses a preference for the classic K&R book and mentions that gcc is the standard compiler for Linux/BSD users.
  • One participant emphasizes that C is more "techy" than C++ due to its non-object-oriented nature and suggests using the gcc compiler with any text editor, specifically mentioning geany on Ubuntu.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of using specific compilers and books for learning C, but there are multiple software options and personal preferences expressed, indicating no consensus on a single best approach.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the operating system being used, and the choice of tutorials may vary based on individual learning preferences. There is no resolution on which compiler or tutorial is definitively superior.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-learning C programming, particularly beginners seeking guidance on software tools and educational resources.

btbam91
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As the title states, I am looking to learn C. What software do I download to start with? Also, what are good text/video tutorials that I can learn from?

Thanks!
 
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I recommend Code::Blocks. Although, if you would rather learn C++ and have a decent speed computer and don't mind proprietary freeware, I would recommend you go with MSVC 2010. The only advantage, IMO, to MSVC is the real time error highlighting. The advantage to CB, for learning C, is that it(well... the compiler it comes with, to be exact) supports a much later version of C than MSVC.

As for tutorials, it depends on your taste, and how you learn. The ones at cprogramming.com are pretty good, I used them. Try to work your way down this list of tutorials, and come back with anything you get stuck on.
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_C_Programming_Language

This book is regarded pretty highly in the world of C. I taught myself C with it, even though when I did, I had an understanding of C++.

The compiler I use for C is Pelles C and have had no problems with it yet, it is very similar to Visual Studio 2008, which is used for C++.
 
For books, I really like the classic K&R. As for a compiler, if you are on Linux/BSD, gcc is pretty much the standard.
 
Thanks for the info guys! Time to start my research!
 
I would say go with C. It's the mother of all languages and is more "techy" than C++ as it's not object oriented.

All you need to start is the gcc compiler and any text editor. I use geany on my ubuntu.
 

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