C for Java Programmers (Paperback)

~ Tomasz Muldner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With C for Java Programmers, Tomasz Mldner adopts an innovative approach to teaching modern ANSI C techniques to readers already familiar with Java concepts. He takes advantage of the techniques and underlying design principles present in object-oriented languages like Java, and incorporates them to create a set of programming standards applicable to C. These standards are present throughout each chapter both in short examples and in longer modules. C for Java Programmers centers around such vital concepts as the ability to extend and modify modules, represent enumerations, create concrete and generic modules, and use shallow and deep copying of data elements. In addition, the book provides a thorough discussion of memory management, pointer use, exception handling, and other topics that are traditionally more troublesome for novice C programmers, and that are essential for code generation in the less protected world of C.

Highlights

Allows programmers with experience in Java to make a swift transition to C

Introduces both low and high level C constructs, and so acts both as a tool for learning the language and as a reference

Introduces a set of programming standards essential for the creation of portable, modular and robust C programs

Contains lists of programming and portability guidelines, coding idioms, and common errors to reinforce use of good design principles, and to serve as a convenient reference

Provides over 100 sample programs and over 190 end-of-chapter exercises (with solutions given for half of them) to further enhance understanding

From the Back Cover

With C for Java Programmers, Tomasz M,ldner adopts an innovative approach modern ANSI C techniques to readers already familiar the Java concepts. He takes advantage of the techniques and underlying design principles present in object-oriented languages like Java and incorporates them to create a set of programming standards applicable to C. These standards are present throughout each chapter both in short examples and in longer modules. C for Java Programmers centers around such vital concepts as the ability to extend and modify modules, represent enumerations, create concrete and generic modules, and use shallow and deep copying of data elements. In addition, this book provides a thorough discussion of issues such as memory management, pointer use, and exception handling—topics traditionally more troublesome for novice C programmers—which become increasingly important in the less-protected world of C.

0201702797B04062001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley (March 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201702797
• ISBN-13: 978-0201702798
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #710,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick jump onto C!!, July 8, 2001

By	Ali Civril "alicivril" (Ankara, Turkiye) - See all my reviews

Having learned Java in CS1 Algorithms and Programming course, I immediately started to look for C++ books at the end of the year. In fact, I was unable to make decision whether to go for C or C++ and actually confused among dozens of C and C++ books that have different approaches to the topic and have different assumptions about programming experience of the reader. Eventually, this book was the definite choice for me.

The book starts with an example that demonstrates a simple I/O operation just to show the structure and syntax of the language.

Other than that, the topics are generally well organized. From base to the top. Throughout the book, the author explicitly warns the reader about general mistakes, encourages to use portable code and gives several programming idioms and lists all of them at the end of the book.

Pointers are especially described in a long chapter and their common applications are demonstrated. For my part, introduction to this chapter was very valuable as it basically explains the stack and heap-based memory, the concepts that Java programmers are not familiar with.

There are some minor gaps that take the one star. I think there are some listings that need more explanation and some code fragments could have been inserted in a complete program to give sample output in order to make thing more clear, (for example while explaining the conversion from binary to text and text to binary files)

However, it doesn't change the fact that you can learn C quickly with this book. It's definitely not a reference book, but self-sufficient as stated in the introduction. "C for Java programmers" title is really specific and this book really does what it promises. It's the shortest way to learn C if you know Java.

I took that book and had worked on C intensively for 3 weeks disregarding the last chapter about module-based programming, and having taken the basics, moving onto C++ was not difficult.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for Self-Teaching, April 8, 2000

By	Brandon W. Uhlman (Acadia University, Wolfville, NS (Canada)) - See all my reviews

Most concepts are covered well, and in a logical order. Occasionally, you are told to accept things and understand them later (like the use of pointers in text filehandles.)

Concepts not commonly used (like enumerations and unions) are covered to allow the reader to understand code they may have to read, but key concepts certainly get more page space. Special libraries are not used for things like string I/O - meaning one learns 'pure' ANSI C. In this regard, a far better text when compared to Roberts' "The Art and Science of C".

Idioms are used - the ideas are covered, and 'idioms' (frequently used code patterns) relating to the topic are provided. A complete list of these idioms, as well a common errors and portability guidelines are included in the Appendicies.

Overall, a good book which which to teach oneself C. An okay reference as well, but that's not what it's designed for.

(This review is based on a pre-publication copy used by Dr. Müldner in teaching his first-year C course at Acadia University.)

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not good for java programmers, no answers to exercises, July 9, 2006

By	jackietreehorn "jackietreehorn" (the Netherlands) - See all my reviews

current C books are written for beginners, and I thought this book can help me skip all the info I don't need (such as loops, if/else, etc) and learn C quicker thanks to my good Java knowledge. However it fails to do that. It contains way too many details for a java programmer, and unnecessary info for a beginner.

If I would compare this book to a standard "c tutorial for java programmers" (and believe me there are many), the only positive thing would be the big number of exercises the book contains. However there are no answers to the exercises, and the author does not even reply to your email, if you ask for them nicely.

Don't waste your money and get a nice C book that you can use as a reference, or use a free "C tutorial for java programmers"