Illustrating C (Ansi/Iso Version) [Paperback]

Donald G. Alcock (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521468213 | ISBN-13: 978-0521468213 | Publication Date: July 29, 1994 | Edition: 2

Using his unique formula--original and readable prose combined with graphics and calligraphy--Donald Alcock revolutionizes the teaching of the C programming language. A special feature of the layout of the book is the double-page spread: each one covers a particular topic making the book useful as a reference manual. This revised edition has benefited from many corrections and updates, and has now been printed in a wide-page format for ease of use. This book is an excellent introduction to standard (ANSI) C, and will provide a reference manual for beginning programmers, computer enthusiasts, and students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a useful reference book...The book covers not only the basic elements of C but C libraries; algorithms (such as bubble sort, quicksort, and shortest route); and essential programming techniques such as symbol state tables, binary trees, linked lists, manipulation of strings, and parsing of algebraic expressions." M. J. Iordache, Computing Reviews

Book Description

This revised edition of an excellent introduction to standard (ANSI) C has benefited from many corrections and updates, and has now been printed in a wide-page format to provide a easy to use reference manual for beginning programmers, computer enthusiasts, and students.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (July 29, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521468213
• ISBN-13: 978-0521468213
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,365,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The single best and only intro to C you will need -- and lov, October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Illustrating C (Ansi/Iso Version) (Paperback)

I got an "A" in my C course. And I used 5 text books. The ONLY textbook that really helped was Alcock's "Illustrating C". It uses diagrams in a truly "revolutionary" way that really helps understanding. It's like moving from black and white to colour. The intention is to provide the student with a set of course notes, complete with instructor black-board diagrams -- only better. It really works. It's enjoyable. Did I mention I got an "A"? I hope that other textbook writers pick up on Mr. Alcock's unique style! Bravo!!! I found C difficult until Mr. Alcock's diagrams made things clear -- the mysterious problem in teaching seems to be that many teachers and textbooks stop JUST BEFORE they reach the foundation of the matter -- and then you have to guess what's really going on. I suspect that this is because many teachers or textbook writers really don't have a profound understanding of their material -- and this becomes a difficulty for the student. Mr. Alcock understands the foundation of the matter and has managed to present it in the most accessible manner. You can really really learn from this surprisingly slight book!!! Bravo again!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrating C is wonderful. It's a sin its out of print!, June 21, 2000

By 

Freeman Crouch (Moscow, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illustrating C (Ansi/Iso Version) (Paperback)

Donald Alcock's Illustrating C is not just an outstanding intro into writing _idiomatic_ c, but it's a really beautiful model of how to put across a whole lot of the beautiful ideas of Computer Science. His illo's are hand drawn. Imagine really good blackboard illustrations of standard C.S. topics like linked lists and hash tables and so on, tidied up for publication. It just kills me that this wonderful little book is out of print. If you are a programmer of any stripe and you see a copy of this rascal, dive for it. You'll be glad you did. If you are a grizzled programmer that is taking up C, you'll find it a delight. If you are a gamer kid wanting to get into real programming, you'll find it hard, but worthwhile because there's so much great stuff presented in such a condensed manner. What a swell book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best C book available, January 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Illustrating C (Ansi/Iso Version) (Paperback)

Yes this book is very difficult to find.. The author has an incredible way of explaining each concept within a page or two, in a very concise and inuitive manor. This book is great for beginners, and equally valuable to the more advanced programmers. A must have for the library...