Customer Reviews

Teach Yourself C

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I originally picked up the second edition of this book in early 1996. I was coming from Turbo Pascal, and needed an introductory too on C. Before this book I checked out a number of other C books from the library, and every one of them shared the same thing: they threw you right into a C program with little explanation. They did not start off basic. Every author expected you to know too much. Apparently they didn't realize they were writing a beginners book.

Herb did it in a very unique way. He started by showing you how to use printf, then showed you a VERY basic (but complete) program structure. He keeps building on that, showing numerous examples, and giving you practices. The best part of that is that the entire code for the tests is in the back of the book. No other author I've seen gives you the source for everything.

If it hadn't been for this book, I know I would not have learned C. I had given up on C because other authors did not explain things this clear. This book was the last one I read before I was ready to give up, and this is what got me started.

Of course, everyone has their favorites, some like Teach Yourself, Absolutely Beginners Guide, etc, but this is the only book I've ever found that lives up to its name.

I have only started the first few chapters of this book, and I love it already! I had some minimal experience with Qbasic from high school, and after that nothing except "trying" to dabble in Perl, Javascript and Java without any success. After reading all the online tutorials I could find, I got frustrated and bought this book. In one evening's reading I have already tripled what I could gather from all other sources combined. I would also like to add that I like this approach better than the "C for Dummies" books - it doesn't assume you are stupid, just inexperienced.

One negative comment - he uses the phrase "Don't Worry" all the time. I keep saying to myself "Be happy" in my best Bobby McFerrin voice all the time in response. :-)

This was the book that introduced me to programming. I have read though others since this one, but this was by far the best book for those that don't know how to program. It does only one thing, teach you the language of C. It does NOT teach you how to really put it to use. But if you don't fully understand the tool you are using, how can you put it to use. This book WILL teach you the language of C, after reading this book move onto the books that teach you how to use the language in the environment of your choice. This book will give you the foundation to allow you to focus on the concepts of programming discussed in other books rather then trying to learn both a language and how to use it.

This book describes C concepts clearly and concisely with wonderfully clear examples and comprehensive appendices. Highly reccomended for those with no prior knowlege of C

To comment on another reader input about no mention of graphics or sound, this book is for ANSI C which does NOT include those. You can work about it, but ANSI C is doesn't include it, although just about every compiler can do it. Second, regarding Windows, Schildt openly says in the beginning the book is not designed to teach Windows. Maybe someone needs to learn to read? It will give you the foundation for just about everything you need. I picked this book up at my local library (original edition) in January of 1996 knowing only Turbo Pascal, I didn't even know how to print my name on the screen in C. When I pick up a new programming book that is the first thing I want to know how to do. Schildt told this in the first few pages. He is VERY clear and gives working examples. I currently own about 10 of his books. I've read books by numerous other authors on C and C++, and Herb is the only author that can explain things well. Within a half hour of reading his book, I was able to the basics of programming. I do have previous experience, but NOT in C. He is the most clear and concise author I've ever bought a book from. Well worth the money

Teach yourself C is simply the best beginners C reference I have read. The explanations of subjects dont get bogged dont by attempts at humor, nor do they get sidetracked by long diatribes on barely relevant topics.

This book will guide you step by step, with very clear concise explanations of the topics, and will have plenty of reference material in the appencies.

This book's great strength is also its only weakness. It is unbelievably comprehensive in the fundamentals of ANSI C. I knew that, like all books that covered only ANSI C, graphics and sound would not be included (few standardized graphics and sound libs), but the information is more than enough to really get you going. There are so many excersizes that it can start to get a bit dull, but you certainly won't forget anything for quite a while to come.

I bought this book thinking it was going to really help me learn how to program. I do not recommend this book, especially if there is no one to call to ask questions. I ended up calling my dad to have him fill in the blanks of what the author missed. This third edition is from so long ago and it is incomplete in some of the coding and functions explanation.

I do suggest: Beginning C: From Novice to Professional, Fourth Edition by Ivor Horton ISBN-13: 978-1590597354

the book I suggest is the Best book ever, also very thorough in the explanation of editing, compiling, linking and executing.

Teach yourself C is mostly recommended for people who have had some classes in C but dropped out and want to continue at home.

If it weren't for this book, I'd never have thought I could learn C. Unlike some of the techno-geeks here, I had *no* background in programming when I took a required beginning class in C. No BASIC, no Pascal, no nothing. This book made up for a lot of missing background, even filling in the gaps my instructor left out (simply because he personally thought COBOL would one day come back into vogue). It was definitely worth every penny I spent on it.

One of the best tutorials on C. Do the problems at the end of each chapter, and you will be sure to remember what you have read for years to come. The answers are in the back of the book, in case you get stuck, or want to see how the master does it.