C Demystified: Mastering Programming
Learn C from the beginning
Discover one of the earliest programming languages and what it has to offer
What is C?
Why do I need to learn about the 3rd letter of the alphabet!? Is something that you’re probably thinking about right now.
C is a low-level language.
It didn’t use to be. Back in the day when people carved punch cards out of granite, C was an incredible way to be free of the drudgery of lower-level languages like assembly.
But now in these modern times, current-generation languages offer all kinds of features that didn’t exist in 1972 when C was invented. This means C is a pretty basic language with not a lot of features. It can do anything, but it can make you work for it.
So why would we even use it today?
As a learning tool: not only is C a venerable piece of computing history, but it is connected to the bare metal in a way that present-day languages are not. When you learn C, you learn about how software interfaces with computer memory at a low level. There are no seatbelts. You’ll write software that crashes, I assure you. And that’s all part of the fun!
As a useful tool: C still is used for certain applications, such as building operating systems or in embedded systems). (Though the Rust programming language is eyeing both these fields!)
This is the canonical example of a C program. Everyone uses it.
#include <stdio.h>
int main(void)
{
printf("Hello, World!\n");
}
PreRequisites
Visual Studio Code and MinGW
Visual Studio Code is a lightweight code editor and MinGW is a software development environment that allows C/C++ to run. You can install both of them via this link, give it a read:
How to Learn
You can either follow a DOCS approach or a video lecture approach, personally I shall recommend the DOCS approach because that’s more efficient and if you choose to pursue CS/SDE as a career path. Still pick whatever approach you want, who am I to judge :p.
Learning Resources:
DOCS approach (Recommended)
If you’d like to learn C in-depth you can check out this book:
“Beej’s Guide to C Programming”
Else you can check one of these:
“LearnC”
I’d recommend picking up either one of these three and sticking to it till you learn the basics of the language.
For those who only want to learn for college, learning till “pointers” is usually enough to score well in your exams.
Else you can go as in depth as you want.
Video Lectures Approach
CS50x(Highly recommended)
Not only will you get a free certificate from Harvard and edx for completing this, you’ll also learn a lot more things than just C.
“Click here to join CS50x”
BroCode(Time effective)
NesoAcademy (Indepth and easy to follow)
Personally I’d recommend CS50x because as a CS student only knowing C isn’t enough, but if you’d like to learn at a more relaxed pace you can learn through the other two resources.
Ok I’ve learned the language what now?
I’d recommend creating an account in CodeChef,Hackerrank or Leetcode and practicing there.
For beginners I’d recommend Codechef as their problems are on the easier side.
CodeChef
Create an account on “CodeChef”
Go serially through this sheet and try to solve atleast one problem daily for 30 days to create a habit.
Regular practice will make everything a breeze.
Solve coding challenges on platforms like CodeChef to apply your knowledge and enhance your problem-solving skills.
Hackerrank
After you’re comfortable with Codechef you can try to get a 5 star rating in C at Hackerrank.
There are other platforms like leetcode codeforces and codingninjas, you can explore and find the one you like.
I want to visually see what I’ve learnt!
Then I recommend creating some projects.
Click on what you want to make
“TicTacToe-Implement a classic game using C programming.”
“HangMan-Create a text-based hangman game to practice string manipulation and user input handling.”
The Future
The field of CSE is vast and cannot be condensed into one single blog. Next Steps:
Continuous Practice: Dedicate regular time to practice coding problems and work on personal projects to reinforce your skills.
Explore Advanced Topics: Delve deeper into advanced C concepts such as memory management, pointers, and data structures to expand your knowledge.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new developments in the field of computer science and explore other programming languages and technologies to broaden your skill set.
Additional Information
There are numerous domains one can dive into. Let’s take a brief look into some.
Competitive Programming
Competitive programming is a mental sport involving solving algorithmic problems within a specified time frame. Participants, typically referred to as “contestants,” compete against each other to solve a set of well-defined problems using programming languages like C++, Java, Python, etc. These problems often cover various topics such as data structures, algorithms, mathematics, and sometimes even artificial intelligence.
Web Development
- Frontend Development This involves creating the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) of a website or web application. Front-end developers use languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the visual elements of a site and make it interactive.
- Backend Development Back-end development involves building the server-side of a website or web application. Back-end developers work with languages such as Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, or Node.js to handle server logic, database interactions, and other server-side operations.
- Fullstack Development Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They have the skills to work on all aspects of web development, from designing the UI/UX to implementing server logic and managing databases.
Data Scientist
A data scientist is a professional who analyzes and interprets complex data to inform decision-making processes within an organization. They use a combination of statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and domain knowledge to extract insights from large datasets.
AI/ML Developer
AI/ML development involves creating and implementing algorithms and systems that enable computers to learn from data and perform tasks without explicit programming. This work encompasses designing, training, and optimizing machine learning models to solve various problems, from image recognition and natural language processing to recommendation systems and autonomous vehicles. AI/ML developers work with large datasets, experimenting with different algorithms and techniques to improve model performance and accuracy. They also collaborate with domain experts and stakeholders to understand requirements, gather data, and deploy AI solutions that address real-world challenges. From developing cutting-edge deep learning architectures to fine-tuning algorithms for specific applications, AI/ML development plays a crucial role in advancing technology and shaping the future of intelligent systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering C programming is not just about learning the syntax of a language; it’s about understanding the fundamental principles of computing and software development. Despite being a low-level language, C remains relevant in modern times, serving as both a learning tool and a practical tool for building critical systems like operating systems and embedded systems. By learning C, you gain insights into how software interfaces with computer memory at a low level, which is invaluable knowledge for any aspiring computer scientist or software engineer. Whether you choose to follow the recommended resources and approaches or explore other avenues, the journey of learning C programming opens up a world of possibilities in various domains of computer science, from competitive programming and web development to data science and artificial intelligence. So, embrace the challenge, dive into the world of C programming, and let your curiosity and passion drive you towards mastering this foundational language in the realm of computer science and engineering.