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The world runs on code written in the C programming language, but most computer science programs only teach Java or Python as an introductory language. This book is for developers who already know how to program and want to quickly come up to speed on professional programming in C. They'll learn how to develop correct, portable, professional-quality code and build a foundation for developing security-critical and safety-critical systems. Written by renowned author Robert Seacord, Effective C is an in-depth look at the C programming language. Seacord introduces the language's basic data types and code structures while simultaneously addressing best practices, common errors, and open debates in the C community. Readers will also learn how to debug, test, and analyze C programs and benefit from detailed yet concise explanations of C language constructs and behaviors Readers will learn: How to identify and handle undefined behavior in a C program The range and representations of integers and floating-point values How integer promotions are performed and how they may affect portability The order of evaluation of expressions Dynamic memory allocation including the use of non-standard functions The philosophy underlying the use of character types in C Character encodings and types How to perform input/output (I/O) with terminals and file systems using C Standard Streams and POSIX file descriptors The translation phases implemented by the C compiler and the role of the preprocessor Testing, debugging, and analyzing C programs Developed in collaboration with C Standard Committee experts, Effective C will teach developers how to write correct, portable, professional-quality C code.





| Dimensions | 17.9 x 1.7 x 23.5 cm |
| Isbn 10 | 1718501048 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-1718501041 |
| Item Weight | 530 g |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 272 pages |
| Publication Date | 9 Oct. 2020 |
| Publisher | No Starch Press |
User
Your best 2nd book about C
So this is definitely not the first book to read about the language: not too many practical exercises, basics are almost never explained, etc.But it gets all the terminology right, covers important dark corners of the language, all while properly referencing CERT C and the language standard. I also like how the author avoids sliding into the usual legalese-like language which the Committee loves so much.So... As I said, it's a good 2nd book on the language, together with Modern C.
User
Stands out from the crowd
There are lots of books out there that will teach you about C but this book is the best that I have come across and certainly the most authoritative. The author will show you the right ways to write safe and secure code. He shows the pitfalls of sloppy and buggy code and how to avoid them in the first place. He goes to depths that most don't and shows how it is not just about getting the job done but how to get it done right with lots of practical examples. Excellent book. I shall keep it close by when writing C.
User
So far so good!!
Great book, short enough but dispute that, teaches a lot. Sometimes the book confused me such as the code snippets or the explanation of code or terminology. As a person who's not new to programming, the terms still confused me a bit. But overall, good book especially for the money
User
Very Good
I really like the NoStarchpress books, and this was no exception. Coming from a programming (but not C background), I found it to be a fantastic intro to C programming, helped by having many examples. Helpfully, I found the debugging chapters were very detailed. I did decide to avoid installing on my local computer initially and went with the approach of installing on a RPI.
User
Great book for those with at least basic programming knowledge
Probably shouldn't start here, but it does a good job of covering all the standard c concepts.
User
The new reference book for the modern era.
Forget K+R it’s not 1978 - just buy this.Fantastic explanation/refresher of C for the modern times.
User
Amazing detail
I've just interviewed Robert for Software Engineering Radio podcast too. Great guy.
User
For beginners in C, but not for beginners in programming
This book doesn't hold your hand too much, so I wouldn't recommend to absolute beginners. I'm coming from higher-level languages and while reading this book I often find myself going down google rabbit holes trying to understand things.Thoroughly enjoying it and I would recommend, but keep in mind that if you're like me, it will probably be a slow read until you sufficiently grasp some of the concepts.
User
Great book for the beginners
This book really helped me understand the basics of c language
User
Very poor printing quality
This is not a review about the contents of the book. The printing quality is terrible for the price of such a short book.
User
Un classique du genre
Super complet ..... et précis.
User
Incredible book on writing secure modern C code
Bottom line: Buy this book if you're doing work with C. You'll be a better programmer, more deeply understand C, and write better more secure code if you follow this advice.This book is close to a modern K&R (though I still love K&R). You'll get excellent writing, a complete treatment of C and the Standard Library with all the expected code snippets and examples, and tons of priceless knowledge about the behavior of C and its toolchain.Using this book we can have fewer insecure C programs and enjoy C for many years to come! C does not constrain the programmer and lets you interact with the machine and do what needs to be done. But this power comes at a price -- the programmer must understand this power and learn to use it well and safely. This book will get you there.A very well done book by a world class C expert. At $45-$50 it's not cheap but worth every single penny. I predict this will become as well loved and worn as my K&R book.
User
Small and compact but amazingly good book for learning C.
There are likely better and more in depth books about C, but for a deep dive, feet in the deep in approach to learning C without pulling away any punches - this book is amazing. Recommend.
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