Teach yourself C

Abstract

This book teaches you how to program in what is usually regarded as the world’s most important professional programming language C. One reason for C’s success and staying power is that programmers like it. C combines subtlety and elegance with raw power and flexibility. It is a structured language that does not confine. It is a high-performance language that does not constrain. C is also a language that puts you, the programmer, firmly in charge. C was created by a programmer for programmers. It is not the contrived product of a committee, but rather the outcome of programmers seeking a better programming language. C is important for another reason. It is the gateway to the world’s two other professional programming languages : C++ and java. C++ is built upon C, and Java is built upon C++. Thus, C is the foundation of all modern programming, and knowledge of C is fundamental to the successful creation of high-performance, high-quality software. Simply put, to be a professional programmer today means that you are competent in C.