Programming Series 1.0 — C Programming

In the growing world of technology, C programming has kind of lost its way. Today, we have a million new languages and frameworks to code. A few being JavaScript, Java, C, Python, C++, PHP, C#, Ruby, Perl, Swift, Haskell, Erlang and what not.

But a lot us kind of forget that all these languages have something or the other in common with C programming. Truly why C is the most fundamental language even till date. A few recent surveys and reports state that C is still one amongst those popular languages out there.

Hacker Rank’s Developer Skill Report 2019 — It clearly states that C is the 3rd most popular language of choice.

How to get started with learning C?

The only mantra that one needs to follow and not chant when it comes to mastering a language is

LEARN + PRACTICE + PRACTICE + PRACTICE + PRACTICE……………PRACTICE.

The endless process of practicing is what will keep the learning going when it comes to programming. It isn’t math to learn the formula and then solve the problem. Rather, here you learn the formula while you are trying to solve the challenge. That's how it works when it comes to any kind of a role involving programming.

The second secret to mastering any language is:

THINK (90%) + CODE (10%) = EXECUTION & SUCCESS

For example, I once met a Senior Developer from a top firm. I just had two questions for him.

1. What mistakes have you made as a Junior Developer?
2. What keeps your spirits high?

Here is what he share……

When a Junior Developer, it is natural that we would want to kick start our new job and grow professionally within no time. I would not suggest you slow down, but yeah you gotta do a lot of thinking than coding. While most of us start dripping the code the minute we hear a challenge, probably that not how you are supposed to function. You need to focus on thinking of the logic. Once the logic gets you or you get the logic, then is when you might have to drip your code. And of all programming is an art — the more you master it, the easier it is to stay in the state of flow.

While these tips would help a Junior Developer at work, then what about a beginner?

As a beginner, you need to need to put in efforts to just get yourself through with the basics — Once and for all. Here is my take on what mediums and websites to choose from.

Websites to refer for self prep:

1. Geeksforgeeks.org — Best website for learning the fundamentals.
2. Faceprep.in — Best websites for practicing some of the basic programs in C and Data Structures & Algorithms.

C programming | Data structure & Algorithms

3. Hacker Rank — The go-to site for practicing advanced questions.

Online Tutorials for self prep:

1. TheNewBoston
2. Learncode.Academy

Books for self prep:

1. The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
2. Programming in C by Al Kelley and Ira Pohl
3. Let us C by Yashavant P. Kanetkar

Forums to help you get your doubts resolved during self prep:

1. StackOverflow — The best place to meet and interact with programmers and techies.
2. Faceprep  — Good place to interact with your peers. But not sure of how useful is it to get your doubts clarified. This is one of the websites with a good forum and hence suggested.

Websites for competitive coding prep:

1. Hacker Rank
2. Codechef
3. Hacker earth

Choose the best medium and best website and get started. When it comes to learning, specially programming, its never too late.

Happy learning. Happy Coding!