Learn C from Scratch

This course will help you learn C by helping you understand fundamentals and the libraries and tools that make up the C ecosystem.

Beginner

90 Lessons

12h

Certificate of Completion

This course will help you learn C by helping you understand fundamentals and the libraries and tools that make up the C ecosystem.

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

The incredibly efficient and powerful C language forms the basis for many other languages like C++ and Java. It allows you to interact directly with memory and perform low-level computer operations, enhancing your programming skills and understanding. This makes it an excellent choice for enhancing your programming skills. This course covers fundamental programming concepts in C, including data types, control flow, functions, input/output, and memory management. It also covers more advanced topics such as ...Show More

TAKEAWAY SKILLS

Programming Language

Learn To Code

What You'll Learn

The ability to learn the essentials of C syntax with hands-on programming exercises

An understanding of low-level memory management in C

Hands-on experience with debugging and profiling tools for C

Familiarity with the fundamentals of parallel programming in C

What You'll Learn

The ability to learn the essentials of C syntax with hands-on programming exercises

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

Show License and Attributions

Trusted by 1.4 million developers working at companies

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Emma Bostian 🐞

@EmmaBostian

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

Carlos Matias La Borde

Software Developer

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

Kenan Eyvazov

DevOps Engineer

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Emma Bostian 🐞

@EmmaBostian

Hands-on Learning Powered by AI

See how Educative uses AI to make your learning more immersive than ever before.

Instant Code Feedback

Evaluate and debug your code with the click of a button. Get real-time feedback on test cases, including time and space complexity of your solutions.

AI-Powered Mock Interviews

Put your skills to the test in a simulated interview setting. Receive personalized feedback based on your performance. Available in Premium & Premium Plus plans.

Adaptive Learning

At various checkpoints throughout Educative courses, you will be prompted to take a quick assessment. Receive a condensed curriculum tailored to your strengths and skill gaps.

Explain with AI

Select any text within any Educative course, and get an instant explanation — without ever leaving your browser.

AI Code Mentor

AI Code Mentor helps you quickly identify errors in your code, learn from your mistakes, and nudge you in the right direction — just like a 1:1 tutor!