Home>Courses>Advanced Programming Techniques in C

Advanced Programming Techniques in C

Gain insights into pointers, arrays, strings, and structures in C. Explore function pointers and bitwise operations. Discover recursion, memory allocation, and effective debugging techniques.

Intermediate

146 Lessons

10h

Certificate of Completion

Gain insights into pointers, arrays, strings, and structures in C. Explore function pointers and bitwise operations. Discover recursion, memory allocation, and effective debugging techniques.

AI-POWERED

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Explanations

This course includes

179 Playgrounds

15 Challenges

26 Quizzes

Course Overview

Course Content

Apply Your Skills

Recommendations

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn advanced programming techniques in C. This course is perfect for you if you have prior knowledge of programming concepts, like data types, variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions in C. You will start by covering the most common secondary data types including: pointers, arrays, strings, structures, and enums. You will then learn some more advanced concepts around functions such as function pointers, typecasting, bitwise operators, and bit fields. In the latter...Show More

In this course, you will learn advanced programming techniques in C. This course is perfect for you if you have prior knowledge ...Show More

Course Content

Introduction

2 Lessons

Get familiar with advanced C concepts, including pointers, functions, and Linux programming.

Who Should Take This Course?

Course Learning Outcomes

Pointers

8 Lessons

Unpack the core of pointers, memory addresses, pointer operators, and multi-level indirection.

Memory Addresses

Introduction to Pointers

Pointer Operators

Double Pointers

More Pointer Types

Challenge: Calculate the Area and Perimeter

Solution Review: Calculate the Area and Perimeter

Quiz on Pointers

Arrays

10 Lessons

Examine array concepts, initialization, memory allocation, bounds, and element manipulation in C.

What is an Array?

Initializing Arrays

Arrays and Memory

Accessing an Out of Bound Index

Printing Addresses and Accessing Elements of an Array

Defining the Size of an Array

Copying Arrays

Challenge: Multiply Array Elements by 3

Solution Review: Multiply Array Elements by 3

Quiz on Arrays

Strings

8 Lessons

Enhance your skills in string manipulation, including traversal, handling multi-word inputs, and converting strings to integers.

Introduction to Strings

Traversing Strings

Difference Between a Numeric Array and a String

Multi-Word Strings

Pointers and Strings

Challenge: Convert a String Into an Integer

Solution Review: Convert String Into an Integer

Quiz on Strings

String Functions

10 Lessons

Dig into C string functions, from library utilities to custom implementations and challenges.

Standard Library Functions

Finding String Length

Copying String

Concatenating Two Strings

Converting String to Uppercase

Comparing Two Strings

Outputting Strings

Challenge: Generate the Nth Fibonacci Word

Solution Review: Generate the Nth Fibonacci Word

Quiz on String Functions

Structures

15 Lessons

Manage data efficiently using C structures, focusing on memory alignment, functionality, and complex data handling.

Different Ways of Handling Data

Handling Data Using Arrays

Handling Data Using Structures

Declaring and Defining Structures

Structures and Memory

Alignment of Elements in a Structure

Array of Structures

Structure and Pointers

Copying Structure

Nested Structures

Passing a Structure to a Function

Applications of a Structure

Challenge: Compare Two Given Dates

Solution Review: Compare Two Given Dates

Quiz on Structures

Union

6 Lessons

Master the steps to efficiently use unions in C for memory management and data handling.

Introduction to a Union

Comparison Between a Union and a Structure

Endianness and the Union

Access the Same Data in Different Ways Using a Union

Utility of a Union

Quiz on Union

Enumerations

4 Lessons

Learn how to use enums for efficient, readable, and organized data management in C programming.

Storing Data Using Strings, Constants, and Macros

Introduction to Enumeration

Embedding Variables of an Enum Into a Structure

Quiz on Enumeration

Function Pointers

5 Lessons

Unpack the core of calling functions via addresses, using `qsort()`, and array-based function pointers in C.

Calling Functions

Using Quick Sort

Challenge: An Array of Function Pointers

Solution Review: An Array of Function Pointers

Quiz on Function Pointers

10.

Variable Argument Lists

5 Lessons

Work your way through harnessing variable argument lists for flexible function calls.

Use of Variable Argument Lists

Display Any Number of Values

Challenge: Calculate the Average of Any Number of Integers

Solution Review: Calculate the Average of Any Number of Integers

Quiz on Variable Argument Lists

11.

Working With Bits

18 Lessons

Grasp the fundamentals of bit manipulation in C for efficient programming and conversion tasks.

Numbering Systems

Binary to Decimal

Common Bitwise Operations and Operators

One's Complement Operator

Left Shift and Right Shift Operators

The Utility of the Left Shift and Right Shift Operators

Challenge: Convert 2-Bytes Time Into Hours, Minutes, and Seconds

Solution: Convert 2-Bytes Time Into Hours, Minutes, and Seconds

Quiz on Bits

AND, OR, and XOR Operators

Masks and Their Construction

The Utility of the AND Bitwise Operator

The Utility of the OR Bitwise Operator

The Bitwise Compound Assignment Operator

Applications of Bitwise Operators

Challenge: Turn On the 3rd and 5th Bits

Solution Review: Turn On the 3rd and 5th Bits

Quiz on Bits

12.

Recursion

11 Lessons

Explore recursion forms, mathematical sum, factorial calculations, applications, and recursive challenges solutions.

Different Forms of Recursion

Find the Sum of Digits of the Whole Number

Find the Factorial

Tips, Applications, and Typical Recursive Calls

Challenge: Recursive Base Converter

Solution Review: Recursive Base Converter

Challenge: Recursive Prime Factors

Solution Review: Recursive Prime Factors

Challenge: Paper Sizes

Solution Review: Paper Sizes

Quiz on Recursion

13.

Classical Recursive Problems

4 Lessons

Focus on solving recursive problems like Towers of Hanoi and Beckett's Problem.

Challenge: Recursive Towers of Hanoi

Solution Review: Recursive Towers of Hanoi

Challenge: Beckett's Problem

Solution Review: Beckett's Problem

14.

Static and Dynamic Memory Allocation

8 Lessons

Master the steps to static and dynamic memory allocation in C, including practical implementation.

Memory Allocation

Static Memory Allocation

Static Memory Allocation: Example Program

Dynamic Memory Allocation

Dynamic Memory Allocation: Example Program

Challenge: Dynamically Allocate Space for Two Structures

Solution Review: Dynamically Allocate Space for Two Structures

Quiz on Static and Dynamic Memory Allocation

15.

Type casting and Typedef

5 Lessons

Break down type casting, typedef, variable length structures, and malloc() usage in C.

Type casting

Typedef

Variable Length Structure

Type casting and malloc( )

Quiz on Type Casting and Typedef

16.

C Under Linux

8 Lessons

Discover the logic behind using C in Linux, focusing on processes, forking, signals.

Introduction to Linux

Executing C Programs on a Linux Environment

Handling Multiple Signals

Quiz on C Under Linux

17.

Command Line Arguments

3 Lessons

Break apart command line argument usage and handling in C programming for various operations.

Command Line Arguments

Use of Command Line Arguments

Quiz on Command Line Arguments

18.

Creating Libraries

7 Lessons

Find out about creating and using static and dynamic libraries in C.

Libraries

Create a Static Library

Static Library: Create the Client

Quiz on Static Libraries

Create a Dynamic Library

Dynamic Library: Create the Client

Quiz on Dynamic Libraries

19.

Debugging C Programs

8 Lessons

Take a closer look at debugging C programs using gdb, traditional testing, and unit testing.

Errors

What is gdb?

Entering and Exiting gdb Mode

Execute the Entire Program Using gdb

Step, Next, and Breakpoints

Traditional Testing vs. Unit Testing

Create and Run Unit Testing Using CUnit Framework

Quiz on Debugging

20.

Conclusion

1 Lessons

Investigate advancing C skills with further courses and hands-on practice in C++.

Course Author

Project

Write a Shell in C

This project uses C to build a shell, implementing basic commands from scratch using standard libraries and system calls.

intermediate

1 hour 30 mins

Trusted by 2.6 million developers working at companies

"These are high-quality courses. Trust me. I own around 10 and the price is worth it for the content quality. EducativeInc came at the right time in my career. I'm understanding topics better than with any book or online video tutorial I've done. Truly made for developers. Thanks"

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

"Just finished my first full #ML course: Machine learning for Software Engineers from Educative, Inc. ... Highly recommend!"

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

"You guys are the gold standard of crash-courses... Narrow enough that it doesn't need years of study or a full blown book to get the gist, but broad enough that an afternoon of Googling doesn't cut it."

Carlos Matias La Borde

Software Developer

"I spend my days and nights on Educative. It is indispensable. It is such a unique and reader-friendly site"

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

"Your courses are simply awesome, the depth they go into and the breadth of coverage is so good that I don't have to refer to 10 different websites looking for interview topics and content."

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

"I've tried probably 5-7 different sites and Educative is easily the best. It perfectly blends explanation with interactivity"

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

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!

Recommended before starting this course

Course

Learn C

Learn C programming fundamentals like data types, control flow, functions, pointers, and memory allocation while exploring debugging, profiling, and optimization tools like GDB and gcc.

beginner

12 hours

Course

C Programming for Experienced Engineers

Delve into control flow, decision statements, loops, functions, pointers, recursion, and more. Gain insights into I/O and bitwise operators through 100+ examples to enhance your C programming skills.

intermediate

C Programming for Experienced Engineers

intermediate

9 hour

Related Courses and Skill Paths

Course

C Programming for Experienced Engineers

Delve into control flow, decision statements, loops, functions, pointers, recursion, and more. Gain insights into I/O and bitwise operators through 100+ examples to enhance your C programming skills.

intermediate

9 hours

Course

C Programming for Experienced Engineers

intermediate

9 hour

Free Resources

FOR TEAMS

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Unlock this course (and 1,000+ more) for your entire org with DevPath