C for Dummies

by Dan Gookin

while (dead_horse) beat ():

If you're like most people, the above seems like nonsense. Actually, it's computer sense--C programming. After digesting C For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you'll understand it. C programs are fast, concise and versatile. They let you boss your computer around for a change. So turn on your computer, get a free compiler and editor (the book tells you where), pull up a chair, and get going. You won't have to go far (page 13) to find your first program example. You'll do short, totally manageable, hands-on exercises to help you make sense of:


All 32 keywords in the C language (that's right--just 32 words) The functions--several dozen of them Terms like printf(), scanf(), gets (), and puts () String variables, numeric variables, and constants Looping and implementation Floating-point values In case those terms are almost as intimidating as the idea of programming, be reassured that C For Dummies was written by Dan Gookin, bestselling author of DOS For Dummies, the book that started the whole library. So instead of using expletives and getting headaches, you'll be using newly acquired skills and getting occasional chuckles as you discover how to:


Design and develop programs Add comments (like post-it-notes to yourself) as you go Link code to create executable programs Debug and deploy your programs Use lint, a common tool to examine and optimize your code A helpful, tear-out cheat sheet is a quick reference for comparison symbols, conversion characters, mathematical doodads, C numeric data types, and more. C For Dummies takes the mystery out of programming and gets you into it quickly and painlessly.

Genres: Programming, Computer Science, Reference, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent primer for C programming. I taught myself from step one off of this book. Entertaining and educational, and the jokes mostly worked!

[Brian Mercer · Rating 3 out of 5]

mostly helpful, but sometimes the tone of the book was overly comedic and lacked actual information, which was frustrating.

[David Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dan Gookin is great but this is not one of his best books. It feels like the trial version for his far superior and more complete book that is the C All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies. This book is enough to get your feet wet but only that. If you are serious about learning C, skip it and go straight to the Desk Reference which I cannot recommend highly enough!

[Vicarage]

rubbish

[Mohamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

very simpliied book with many examples on every objective that makes it easy for every learner.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was a kid I read the heck out of this book. I remember writing source code on letter paper because I wasn't allowed near a computer to do it there. I wrote software and then typed it in at school when I could.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A C programming language intro that has been written in a catchy style. The explanations do not miss the important notions. Recommended for fresh starters.

[Claremont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent C primer, definitely a good read for people with little to no experience in programming. Concepts are described in clear english.

[Philip Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I'm starting out learning programming. Some of the programs required modifications to work properly but it only made me work harder. Overall it was perfect for beginners.

[Luke Hauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great start to any C programmers journey, this book includes a lot of information for beginners and exercises to complete throughout to really ground the information In your mind, using approachable language and gags to help make it as bearable as possible.

[Ernie Cordell · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a strain putting up with all those bad jokes. But I persisted. If only it had been a film: If I hadn't walked out, I wouldn't have lost so much time. I tried to zip through it cursorily, but there were too many fifth-rate conundrums competing for pun status. I put my thorough review on Amazon -- I think -- it's not exactly art, either.

[Adamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

if only it did more on pointer and linked lists.

[Srijata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for starting out. However, must be followed up by a lot of actual practice to really learn the language.

[Aashish Panigrahi]

It's Ok . It's a good book for people who have never programmed before and this is clearly visible from it's title . Other than that this book is a fucking piece of shit , because it's too easy for anyone .