HomeCoursesLearn C from Scratch

Free

Beginner

12h

Updated this week

Learn C from Scratch

Q: How can I learn C by myself?

To learn C by yourself, follow these steps: Understand the basics: Start with data types, variables, and control flow. Practice coding: Use online platforms like Educative for learning and programming exercises. Use a compiler: Install GCC or IDEs like Code::Blocks for coding practice. Build projects: Apply your knowledge in small projects to reinforce learning. Debug and optimize: Learn debugging tools like GDB and optimization techniques.

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

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Overview

Content

Reviews

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 compilation, debugging, and parallel programming. The content is comprehensive yet concise, making it accessible to learners at various levels. By taking this course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of C that will serve as a strong foundation for your programming career. Whether in the early stages of your career or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course will equip you with the skills and insights needed to excel in programming and beyond.

The incredibly efficient and powerful C language forms the basis for many other languages like C++ and Java. It allows you to in...Show More

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

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

TAKEAWAY SKILLS

Programming Language

Learn to Code

Content

90 Lessons1 Project13 Quizzes6 Challenges

Introduction to C Programming

4 Lessons

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

7 Lessons

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

Quiz on Basic Types and Statements

C Operators and C Expressions

6 Lessons

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

7 Lessons

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

10 Lessons

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

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.

Arrays

Writing to Arrays

Multidimensional Arrays

Variable Length Arrays

Command-Line Arguments

Structures

Exercises on Complex Data Types

Quiz on Complex Data Types

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.

Quiz on Stack and Heap Memories

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.

Pointers

Pointers and Arrays

Passing Pointers to Struct

Passing Pointers to Functions

Dynamically Allocated Memory

Exercise on Pointers

Quiz on Pointers

C String

5 Lessons

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

Strings

String Handling Using the C Standard Library

Arrays of Strings

Exercise on Strings

Quiz on Strings

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.

I/O Streams

Input and Output with Files

Binary Files (Raw Bytes)

Random Access

Exercise on Input and Output

Quiz on Input and Output

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.

The C Preprocessor and #define Directives

Macros with Arguments

Conditional Compilation

Quiz on Macros and the C Preprocessor

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.

Splitting a Program into Multiple Files

The GNU make Utility and Makefiles

Quiz on Header Files, Compiling, and Linking

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.

The GNU Project Debugger (GDB)

14.

Code Profiling

3 Lessons

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

Profiling of Code Using gprof

Known Slugs

Using the Compiler Optimizer Flags

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.

Why Parallel Programming?

Kinds of Parallel Programming

POSIX Threads

OpenMP

Message Passing Interface (MPI)

Quiz on Parallel Programming in C

Project: Using a Bootstrapped t-test

Project

16.

Conclusion

1 Lessons

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

Concluding Thoughts

17.

Miscellaneous

1 Lessons

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

Some Useful C Libraries

18.

Appendix: Setting Up the Environment

2 Lessons

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

Install Some Basic Tool

Test Your Environment

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

Course Author:

Fahim ul Haq

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Hands-on Learning Powered by AI

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

Personalized Interview Prep

Skip the LeetCode grind with a custom roadmap that adapts to your goals. Hands-on practice for Coding Interviews, System Design, and more.

Mock Interviews

Test your skills in a simulated interview setting. Receive personalized feedback based on your performance. Available for Coding Interviews, System Design, and more.

AI Prompt

Build prompt engineering skills. Practice implementing AI-informed solutions.

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.

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!

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Free Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C easy to learn?

Yes, C is relatively easy to learn for beginners as it has a straightforward syntax and structure. However, mastering concepts like pointers, memory allocation, and debugging requires consistent practice and problem-solving.

How can I learn C by myself?

To learn C by yourself, follow these steps:

Understand the basics: Start with data types, variables, and control flow.
Practice coding: Use online platforms like Educative for learning and programming exercises.
Use a compiler: Install GCC or IDEs like Code::Blocks for coding practice.
Build projects: Apply your knowledge in small projects to reinforce learning.
Debug and optimize: Learn debugging tools like GDB and optimization techniques.

Can I learn C in 10 days?

While learning the basics of C in 10 days is possible, achieving mastery will take longer. Focus on essential concepts like:

Data types and variables
Control flow (loops and conditionals)
Functions and scope
Arrays, pointers, and strings

Practice daily to solidify your understanding. Advanced topics like memory allocation and debugging may require additional time.

Is learning C better than C++?

It depends on your goals:

C: Ideal for learning low-level programming and system-level tasks like operating systems or embedded systems. It is simpler and helps you understand memory management.
C++: Builds on C, adding object-oriented programming features. It’s better suited for larger, complex applications like games or software development.

For beginners, learning C first can provide a strong foundation, making it easier to transition to C++ later.