Learn C Fundamentals

Learn C programming through an adaptive roadmap that adjusts to your level, guiding you from core syntax and memory management to pointers, problem-solving, and advanced performance techniques.

Beginner

90 Lessons

12h

Certificate of Completion

Learn C programming through an adaptive roadmap that adjusts to your level, guiding you from core syntax and memory management to pointers, problem-solving, and advanced performance techniques.

AI-POWERED

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Explanations

This course includes

1 Project

132 Playgrounds

6 Challenges

13 Quizzes

This course includes

1 Project

132 Playgrounds

6 Challenges

13 Quizzes

Course Overview

C is a powerful, foundational language that underpins modern software—from operating systems to embedded systems and high-performance applications. It forms the basis for languages like C++ and Java, influencing the design and behavior of many modern programming languages. Learning C helps you understand how programs interact with memory and hardware, giving you deeper insight into how computers work. This adaptive roadmap tailors your learning path to your experience and goals. Beginners start with C fund...Show More

TAKEAWAY SKILLS

Programming Language

Learn To Code

What You'll Learn

Write and debug C programs confidently using debugging and profiling tools

Understand low-level concepts such as pointers, memory allocation, and the stack/heap

Build coding fluency through hands-on challenges and exercises

Solve real-world puzzles that reveal C’s intricacies and power

Explore advanced topics including data structures, concurrency, and parallel programming

What You'll Learn

Write and debug C programs confidently using debugging and profiling tools

Course Content

Introduction to C Programming

Discover the historical importance of C programming and its efficiency for performance-driven tasks. Learn to program effectively in C for optimal results.

Getting Started with C

Virtues and Challenges When Should I Use C?The Bottom Line

Data Types in C

Learn to create programs by mastering data types, using variables, defining constants, and writing effective C statements.

First Steps Variables Data Types and Sizes Declarations Constants Statements and Scope Quiz on Basic Types and Statements

C Operators and C Expressions

Master C Operators and C Expressions, explore type conversion in C, create custom type names, and apply these concepts in practical programming tasks.

Building Expressions Using Operators Type Conversions Defining Your Own Type Names Other Convenient Operators Exercises on Operators and Expression Quiz on Operators and Expressions

Control Flow in C

Explore control flow, mastering for loops, switch case, and conditional statements in C with break and continue for seamless logic control.

The for Loop Other Types of Loops in C Conditionals The break and continue Statements A switch Statement Exercises on Control Flow Quiz on Control Flow

Functions in C

Discover C functions to boost modularity and efficiency, understand the scope of variables in C, and utilize function arguments with practical examples.

Rationale Defining a Function Input Arguments Returning Values Argument Checking Variable Scope Automatic vs. Static Variables Variadic Functions Exercises on Functions Quiz on Functions

Complex Data Types

8 Lessons

Learn to handle complex data using C arrays, command-line arguments, and structures, enhancing your programming capabilities with practical applications.

Stack vs. Heap

5 Lessons

Know stack vs. heap concepts to efficiently manage the stack and heap in C, optimizing memory usage in your programs.

Pointers in C

7 Lessons

Learn to use pointers in C for dynamic memory allocation, efficient data handling, and seamless interaction between pointers and arrays in C.

C String

5 Lessons

Explore strings in C, utilize the C standard library functions, and work with arrays of strings through practical exercises.

10.

Input and Output Stream

6 Lessons

Learn input and output streams in C, work with binary files, explore random access, and apply these concepts through hands-on exercises.

11.

Macros and the C Preprocessor

4 Lessons

Learn the basics of the C preprocessor, including #define directives, macros with arguments, and conditional compilation for efficient code management.

12.

Header Files, Compiling, and Linking

3 Lessons

Organize C programs effectively using header files, understand compiling in C, and streamline workflows with linking in C and efficient Makefile usage.

Write a Shell in C

Project

13.

C Debugger

5 Lessons

Debug C programs using the GNU debugger GDB, manage breakpoints, and refine your skills to avoid common issues with an efficient C debugger approach.

14.

Code Profiling

3 Lessons

Practice using gprof, code profiling, and GCC optimization flags to identify performance bottlenecks and speed up your code effectively.

15.

Parallel Programming in C

6 Lessons

Learn how to use parallel programming techniques in C with POSIX threads, OpenMP, and MPI to optimize performance and tackle complex tasks efficiently.

Project: Using a Bootstrapped t-test

Project

16.

Conclusion

1 Lesson

Look at the comprehensive understanding and lasting skills in C programming.

17.

Miscellaneous

1 Lesson

Explore useful C libraries like GLib, GSL, BLAS/LAPACK, Apophenia, and gnuplot.

18.

Appendix: Setting Up the Environment

2 Lessons

Build a foundation in setting up your C programming environment across different operating systems.

Course Author

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Emma Bostian 🐞

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Anthony Walker

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Emma Bostian 🐞

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