The Elements of C Programming Style [Paperback]

Jay Ranade (Author), Alan Nash (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1992

This book shows both new and experienced C users how to produce clear, concise software constructs. It emphasizes the concept that good style will lead to good programmes. It offers numerous examples explaining how to apply C language features properly and points out what constructs to avoid. Novice and experienced C programmers alike will discover precise and direct programming rules explained with examples and detailed discussions. In addition, more than 300 sample programmes are included that demonstrate debugging methods, and robust programme design advice. Software project managers can use this book as a source of C programming standards to keep their teams on the right track. Instead of having to develop a style manual of their own, managers can use this book to guarantee clear explanations and rationales for the parameters of their projects.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Elements of C Programming Style can serve as a foundation for producing C code that is readable (by humans), computationally efficient, and bug-free. This book offers the reader a large set of rules that cover every facet of C programming from flow control to "visual organization." While most programmers will not agree with every rule, they will still find value in these suggestions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Computing Mcgraw-Hill (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070512787
• ISBN-13: 978-0070512788
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really liked this book..., February 20, 1998

By 

James Moliere (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Elements of C Programming Style (Paperback)

This book was very readable and concise. It gave small sample code throughout the book and included helpful macros for debugging. I recommend this book to anyone who understands C code but is unsatisfied with how readable thier code is. This book is like a grammar book for those who want to write more concise and clear code.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential guidance for C/C++/Java programming, August 25, 1998

By 

Conrad H. Weisert (Chicago, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Elements of C Programming Style (Paperback)

Many of the short articles in this book could form the basis for C programming standards of a project team or a whole organization. 95% of the authors' recommended techniques are beyond controversy. The perceptive reader will notice a few, however, that conflict with modern practice in C++ and Java (e.g. mixing boolean and integer expressions).

Every programmer using C, C++, or Java should be acquainted with everything in this book and either comply with it or have a good reason for not doing so.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, balanced look at the topic. Excellent tips., February 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elements of C Programming Style (Paperback)

This book goes beyond simple rules and gives sound reasons (and drawbacks) for each element of style it show.