Thread: New to programming.

  1. 09-24-2007 #1
    nubby
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    New to programming.

    I am sorry if this is not in the correct section. I have read through the recommended book list but there are so many different books that are listed and I have singled it down to about 3 books and I was curious if any were good for a beginner with no background experience in C.

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...628/lynnallain

    http://www.amazon.com/C-Dummies-2nd-...0691929&sr=1-1

    http://www.amazon.com/All-One-Desk-R...0691929&sr=1-2

    I just really want to get into C programming and I think I am at the perfect age to start learning, 15. But want to have a good book that is helpful and explains everything, but it is hard finding a good book on this when there are so many.
  2. 09-25-2007 #2
    Salem
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    But do you have any other programming experience in any other languages?

    K&R is certainly the last book (last in the sense that once you've got to grips with it, it makes an excellent reference that's tough to beat) you'll need on C.
    It's also an excellent book if you already know how to program in another language and seeking a quick way of getting up to speed in C without a lot of "fluffy feel good" language.
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  3. 09-25-2007 #3
    nubby
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    Well 2 years ago I learned the basics and I mean basics of Visual Basic and another one called Dark Basic. But it has kind of worn off. And I really want to get into C and tired of reading online eBooks and tutorials and wanted to find a good book. But reading the stickied thread there are 100's of different ones and everyone says each one is good. But I just want a good book that explains evertying and all the Fundamentals and everything. So some people suggested K&R I believe like the first link I posted but then other people said it is too hard for beginners. So I do not know which book to get. Are the "______" For Dummies, books good? I am not sure.
  4. 09-25-2007 #4
    Prelude
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    >But I just want a good book that explains evertying and all the Fundamentals and everything.
    Do you want to know why there are so many books? Because there isn't a single one that explains everything. There isn't a single book that suits everyone. Just pick one and run with it. If you use this forum as a resource as well, you'll quickly learn whether your book is good or not.

    >Are the "______" For Dummies, books good?
    No. They're almost always written for dummies by dummies.
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  5. 09-25-2007 #5
    QuantumPete
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    Quote Originally Posted by nubby View Post
    So some people suggested K&R I believe like the first link I posted but then other people said it is too hard for beginners.
    The K&R really isn't suitable for beginners with little or no programming experience, it's more of a reference manual when you want to delve a little deeper.
    C in itself is not difficult to learn and once you've understood pointers, the learning curve levels off a bit. My advice is to get yourself *a* C book, do the examples, write your own programs and ask lots of questions!

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  6. 09-25-2007 #6
    ggs
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    http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html

    If you want a real challenge that will expand your mind, I recommend working through this book. By the time you are finished it, you will be able to come back to C and pick it up in days.
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  7. 09-25-2007 #7
    nubby
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    Well the only store that sell books on C(1 store) and they have 2 books. K&R and another one. I read the reviews on the other one and I guess it is very bad, and then I guess K&R is not too good for beginners. So now I have to buy online and cannot review the book so I cannot see if I like it or not, so I need to know if anyone knows a book that is for an absolute beginner that is helpful? I just really want to start learning C but starting off seems pretty hard right now.

    Also thanks everyone for the help it is greatly appreciated since most other forums aren't helpful one bit.
  8. 09-25-2007 #8
    ggs
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    http://www.htdp.org/2003-09-26/Book/

    A bit easier than the other book, but will also teach you how to program.

    It's important to distinguish between knowing a language and knowing how to program. When you have learnt how to program, languages will become very easy to pick up.
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