Learning C language

[liveforsnow2288]

Hi i was thinking about learning the almighty C language so I could start to code shiz. I realize this is quite the daunting task but I need to start somewhere, does anyone have suggestions like sites or books that I should use to get started? Any help much appreciated.

[spleblem]

the idiots guide to c is one of the best places to start.
and dev c++ is a great c/c++ program to use.
you should have a search around for a good forum aswell.
and in the forums at psp-hacks.com there is a great homebrew tutorial.
which is in c, another great place to start.

[atmaweapon]

The best thing is just practice practice practice with projects/examples. Type out everything yourself, even if you're just copying an example out of a book. It'll pay off - trust me. Maybe even consider an intro programming course at any decent college - it'll force you to get through some of those boring chapters you might otherwise skip or end up giving up on and provide extra resources like a professor, TA's, and classmates.

For book reference, I recommend "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie. Every C programmer should have a copy.

[Unforgiv3N]

First Step is to Learn Some Basic Languages, Like Visual Basic ... then you can start with the High Level Languages, Like C Sharp then continue with C/C++. Bloodshed Dev C++ is useless if you own Micro$oft or Borland C ...

also why you want to learn C, ?! for PSP Programming or for PC Programming ...

[liveforsnow2288]

i want to learn it for both, and I already finished my first year of college at University of Portland so next year I might take a class on computer programing if they offer it, my brother is an actionscript genius (flash) and I want to learn a language that is obviously more versatile so I can for one be self sufficient in making apps, progs, homebrew, and also have the knowledge to troubleshoot code so when i get pesky bugs and errors i can fix em.... thanks for the responses guys

[Unforgiv3N]

if you don't know programming, Script Language like ActionScript for Flash is the First Step, it learn you common syntax then learning advanced languages will be easier ...

[atmaweapon]

I disagree. Jump right into a structured high-level programming language - better compilers and debuggers available and you have more rules to follow. Then you can get into a scripting language which are usually a lot less strict. Also, don't bother with VB unless you actually get a job that needs it. The syntax is very different than the mainstream C++/Java and is not a good place to start. It'll help you none unless you plan on working on legacy (company's old and outdated) windows applications or Excel/Access scripting. You can easily pick up VB later if necessary.

Start with C/C++ and THEN go to Java/C# and THEN your scripting languages.

[n8thegr8]

I started off WAY back in the day with QBASIC on my windows 3.11 machine, from there I moved up to html(not really a programming language, but meh) thenI started trying to learn C using tutorials from gamedev.org I think it was. Wasn't really helpful because I just learned things to do, not how or why they worked, so my creativity was very limited. I then took java my first semester of college, and trust me, classes are a much better way to go. If you can't afford classes, find a good textbook from one and use it to teach yourself. Here are some good ones:

Introduction to Java Programming (Y. Daniel Liang) ISBN: 0-13-185721-5
How to Program C++ (Deitel) ISBN: 0-13-185757-6
How to Program C# (Deitel) (I got the ebook, no isbn)

So yeah, I suggest you start out with java, as there's really good ide's such as netbeans for free, and it's an easy language to learn, then step it up to C when you're comfortable with java. Get acquainted with C first before you jump in to C#, as if you do it the other way, once you hit pointers in C, you'll be thoroughly confused, lol (C# is basically just C with the pointer system of java). You can prolly pick these up used on half.com for dirt cheap, or even just find the ebooks online. Good luck!

EDIT: also, I've put up some PSP programming tuts a long while back, but someone *ahem* unstickied them so they've sort of dissappeared. here's the links:

http://www.pspmod.com/forums/sony-ps...isode-1-a.html (PSP C programming tutorials: Episode 1)
http://www.pspmod.com/forums/sony-ps...isode-2-a.html (PSP C programming tutorials: Episode 2)
http://www.pspmod.com/forums/sony-ps...isode-3-a.html (PSP C programming tutorials: Episode 3)

[mime]

I took a year of programming and I couldn't beat the "WHile loops" :P.. Maybe my teacher sucked, because she goes like flash thru chapters that actually take a LOT more time to understand.. My teacher I know was the problem when I was learning Programming.

After my programming defeat I turned into "3D design* which is what I am doign now. And doing pretty good..


Good luck! with your programming path.

[Chris3d]

I recommend "The C Programming Language" by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

[liveforsnow2288]

well that's two reps for the same book so i think i'll start there if i can't get into a class... thanks for all the replies guys