Hey everyone, I'm looking to start learning C programming because I want to understand computers better. I've had some experience with Python and I'm quite advanced with GDScript (used in Godot game engine), but I haven't really touched C languages apart from a bit of C++. I've heard that C languages share similar syntax, so some suggest learning C# or C++ first, but I'm not sure if that's necessary. I plan to use VS Code for my coding, but I'm a bit lost on how to begin learning. Do I need to know another language first? Also, what are some projects or exercises I can work on to practice C? If C isn't the best starting point, which language would you recommend instead?
5 Answers
One solid way to start learning C is to grab the "C Programming Language" book by Dennis Ritchie, the creator of C. It’s packed with exercises that’ll really help you out. Just keep in mind, it’s not super beginner-friendly, so if you find it dense, that’s normal. It's great if you have some programming background already, but don’t be afraid to seek out other resources if you start struggling!
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check that out!
Just be careful—if you're new to programming, you might encounter a lot of errors that could be frustrating if you're not prepared.
You might also consider learning a higher-level language like Go first. C can be quite tricky and unforgiving, especially if you’re coming straight from Python. A good resource for beginners is "Effective C" by Robert C. Seacord. It's not just for seasoned pros; it has approachable content that focuses on writing secure code, which is super important! Once you grasp the fundamentals of C, tackle small projects like algorithms from Project Euler or create small games with raylib. The key is to start small and build up your understanding before diving into more complex projects!
I get why that might feel daunting. Just take it step by step, you’ll get there!
Absolutely! Effective C is really well written and has practical examples!
C is actually simpler than C# and C++ since it doesn’t have all the object-oriented features. I think starting with C makes sense! If you want a quicker way to dive in without worrying about setting up a compiler, websites like Programiz offer online compilers where you can practice right away. Tutorials can also give you the basics, but you might find the transition tricky when applying what you learned. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with concepts like memory management, pointers, and type declarations as you go along. Try implementing basic data structures like stacks or linked lists—that’ll help reinforce your learning!
If you want guidance specifically for C++, you're in luck! There are tons of tutorials for beginners out there that can help you start building your skills. Just let me know, and I can share some good resources!
If you're struggling to grasp any books right now due to a lack of computer science foundation, don't stress too much. There are many online resources, like video tutorials, that can help you build up from the ground! Start with some free courses which will cover the very basics and concepts of programming before diving into C specifically.
Yeah, that book can be a bit tough for newbies! Just remember, once you get the hang of C, you’ll find it actually prevents a lot of the goofy mistakes you might run into with C++.