Programming newbie trying to learn C

  • Thread starter Thread starter rtmich224
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Programming
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for learning the C programming language, particularly for beginners with no prior programming experience. Participants share their thoughts on specific books and resources, as well as suggestions for compilers and IDEs suitable for C programming.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions they are using Xcode as a compiler and seeks recommendations for books, specifically inquiring about "Learn C on the Mac: For OS X and iOS."
  • Several participants assert that "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie (K&R) is the essential book for learning C.
  • Some participants note that while K&R is highly regarded, it requires a certain level of reading comprehension and may not be the most accessible for complete beginners.
  • Another participant suggests "Software Tools" by Kernighan and Plauger as a supplementary resource to K&R for additional examples.
  • Multiple participants recommend "Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets" as a valuable follow-up book after K&R.
  • One participant advises considering CodeBlocks as an alternative IDE to Xcode, highlighting its compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems.
  • There is a suggestion that "C: A Reference Manual" can serve as a useful reference after gaining some familiarity with C through other texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of K&R as a foundational text for learning C, but there are differing opinions on its accessibility for beginners. Recommendations for supplementary books and alternative IDEs also vary among participants.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express concerns about the prerequisites for understanding K&R, indicating that it may not be suitable for all beginners. The discussion also reflects varying preferences for IDEs, with no consensus on the best choice.

rtmich224
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I have no background knowledge of any computer language whatsoever. I have been following several online beginner tutorials in C and want to continue learning the language. I am using Xcode as a compiler.
I have ordered "Learn C on the Mac: For OS X and iOS"
David Mark (Author), James Bucanek (Author), and am wondering if this is a good starting point. I plan on taking a class (C++ is offered not C) but that will be several months out.

Is anyone familiar with the book I ordered and can anyone recommend some good books or starting points? Possibly a book to use in conjunction with what I already ordered to make things a little easier? Thanks
 
Technology news on Phys.org
There is only one book about C, K&R.
 
Borek said:
There is only one book about C, K&R.

+1 on that.
 
The only problem with K&R is the prerequisite. You don't need to know anything about computer programming, but you do have to know how to read accurately. It isn't written on the principle that a thousand woolly words are easier to understand than one precise one.

If you want more examples to go with K&R, get "Software tools" by Kernighan and Plauger.
 
AlephZero said:
The only problem with K&R is the prerequisite. You don't need to know anything about computer programming, but you do have to know how to read accurately. It isn't written on the principle that a thousand woolly words are easier to understand than one precise one.

If you want more examples to go with K&R, get "Software tools" by Kernighan and Plauger.

can you elaborate on this in simpler/layman terms? Thank you

Ryan
 
There are three books on C I like: K&R, then Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets, and finally, C: A Reference Manual.
 
I know that you're asking about the book, but let me point you in the direction of a different compiler / IDE. I've never used XCode, so I can't say anything negative about it.

However, I can say that CodeBlocks is a wonderful compiler/IDE. It is also compatible with Mac. I would suggest using CodeBlocks instead of XCode in case you ever have to do your coding on a Windows computer. Since XCode is only compatible with Mac, it seems to me like getting familiar with CodeBlocks would be in your best interest.
 
jhae2.718 said:
There are three books on C I like: K&R, then Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets, and finally, C: A Reference Manual.

Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets is such an excellent book. Highly recommended. I guess you could say it's an excellent second book on C.
 
Grep said:
Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets is such an excellent book. Highly recommended. I guess you could say it's an excellent second book on C.

In my opinion one should start with K&R, then move on to Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets, and then use C: A Reference Manual as just that.
 

Similar threads

Learning data structures and algorithms in different programming languages
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
3K
C/C++ Learn C++ with Bjarne Stroustrup's "Programming Principles and Practice" Book
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
11K
Do you consider writing this program a bit of a challenge?
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
C/C++ Running a C++ project in Xcode Mac Os
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Python How does one assess progress when learning a programming language?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Trying to decide which programming language I want to learn
  • · Replies 397 ·
14
Replies
397
Views
22K
C/C++ Learning to Code Game Enemy AI in C++ from Scratch or in Assembly?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
What is the best way to learn logic of computer language?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
What is the next step for learning programming?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
C/C++ Suggested books to supplement learning C and C++ programing?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K