C For Dummies

while (dead_horse) <p>beat ():</p> <p>If you’re like most people, the above seems like nonsense. Actually, it’s computer sense—C programming. After digesting <i>C For Dummies, 2^nd Edition,</i> you’ll understand it. C programs are fast, concise and versatile. They let you boss your computer around for a change. So turn on your computer, get a free compiler and editor (the book tells you where), pull up a chair, and get going. You won’t have to go far (page 13) to find your first program example. You’ll do short, totally manageable, hands-on exercises to help you make sense of:</p> <ul type=”disc”> <li>All 32 keywords in the C language (that’s right—just 32 words)</li> <li>The functions—several dozen of them</li> <li>Terms like printf(), scanf(), gets (), and puts ()</li> <li>String variables, numeric variables, and constants</li> <li>Looping and implementation</li> <li>Floating-point values</li> </ul> <p>In case those terms are almost as intimidating as the idea of programming, be reassured that <i>C For Dummies</i> was written by Dan Gookin, bestselling author of <i>DOS For Dummies</i>, the book that started the whole library. So instead of using expletives and getting headaches, you’ll be using newly acquired skills and getting occasional chuckles as you discover how to:</p> <ul type=”disc”> <li>Design and develop programs</li> <li>Add comments (like post-it-notes to yourself) as you go</li> <li>Link code to create executable programs</li> <li>Debug and deploy your programs</li> <li>Use lint, a common tool to examine and optimize your code</li> </ul> <p>A helpful, tear-out cheat sheet is a quick reference for comparison symbols, conversion characters, mathematical doodads, C numeric data types, and more. <i>C For Dummies</i> takes the mystery out of programming and gets you into it quickly and painlessly.</p>