This article was last updated on July 25, 2022. Our editorial team has reviewed it to ensure it’s clear and includes the latest information and sources.
C was initially created by Dennis Ritchie for the UNIX operating system. C’s simplicity and hardware independence make it highly portable. As a result, programmers can write programs on one system and run them on others with minimal to no modifications.
Often deemed a middle-level language, C bridges the gap between high-level languages and the intricacies of assembly. It gives developers fine-grained control by allowing manipulation of bits, bytes, and addresses, enabling precise program behavior and direct hardware interaction.
Designed by experienced programmers for their peers, C prioritizes practicality and efficiency.
On the other hand, C++ is an improved version of C, inheriting all its features while adding object-oriented programming (OOP) capabilities. C++ also introduces enhancements that make it a more robust version of C, independent of OOP.
Furthermore, C++ is extensible. Programmers can create custom types that behave like the built-in ones.
However, simply using C++ as a better C doesn’t unlock its full potential. Its power lies in utilizing its object-oriented features, such as encapsulation, inline functions, operator overloading, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Why Learn C and C++?
C and C++, particularly C, remain two of the most popular programming languages. Their core syntax and principles, particularly C’s, have been incorporated into other successful programming languages, even contemporary ones like Go.
Understanding C can be invaluable even for developers focused on web applications or intricate front-end components. This is because C provides foundational knowledge about the interaction between software and hardware.
C and C++ are ubiquitous.
C, in particular, underpins far more technology than is commonly recognized.
Conversely, some widely used software, perhaps even your current web browser, is built on C++. While knowing C provides a solid base, many software development scenarios demand proficiency in C++ and its paradigms.
C and C++ are ideal if your goal is to develop software that maximizes computer performance and capabilities, such as demanding games, advanced productivity tools, or complex, computationally intensive applications. They are also excellent choices if you need direct interaction with hardware.
Twenty-five years ago, you might have needed to purchase a proprietary compiler to start with C++.
Nowadays, it’s possible to learn C++ without any cost.
Getting Started with C and C++ Programming
Getting started with C or C++ necessitates a compiler, although nowadays, you can also learn C online by experimenting with “hello world” C projects in-browser.
Compilers are programs accessed via command-line interfaces (CLIs) that process the entire program and transform it into executable object code. This object code is a translated version of your source code that the computer can directly understand and run.
For a more user-friendly experience, integrated development environments (IDEs) can streamline your C or C++ development process.
Windows
Windows offers a variety of robust compilers.
On Windows, Visual Studio offers a dedicated C++ compiler.
This compiler can also build C programs.
Visual Studio comes bundled with its own powerful and feature-rich IDE, making it a logical choice for those new to C or C++ or specifically targeting Windows.
If adhering to standards is a priority, GCC (MinGW) might be a more suitable option. In this context, the Codeblocks IDE integrates seamlessly and performs admirably.
Clang has also become a strong contender on Windows—it’s used to build Google Chrome.
Cross-platform IDEs like Eclipse CDT, JetBrains CLion, and NetBeans offer complete C and C++ development environments. However, Visual Studio Code has recently gained traction and is also available for Linux and macOS.
Linux
Linux users likely have GCC pre-installed with their distribution. If not, installing it is typically a single command:
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Both the Codeblocks IDE and Eclipse CDT work just as effectively on Linux as they do on Windows.
Mac
On macOS, you can leverage either Clang or GCC, both free. While GCC supports a wider array of C and C++ standards, Clang will suffice for most projects.
Clang is generally pre-installed.
You can install GCC using Homebrew:
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Additionally, Xcode, an excellent IDE included in the macOS developer tools, is at your disposal.
Top C and C++ Tutorials
Tutorials are an effective starting point for learning a new programming language, even without extensive prior programming experience. The best C++ and C tutorials will guide you through the fundamental concepts.
C Programming at LearnVern
This comprehensive online C programming course is excellent for novices. It covers everything from C basics and general programming concepts to more advanced subjects like dynamic memory allocation and file handling.
C++ for C Programmers at Coursera
If you are comfortable with C and want to explore C++, this two-part course is ideal. It highlights the differences between the languages and demonstrates how to harness the power of C++.
C++ Fundamentals at Pluralsight
Pluralsight offers this tutorial for those who want to learn C++ from scratch. It is designed for those who aim to enhance their efficiency with C++.
C Programming for Beginners at Udemy
This beginner-friendly online C programming course is well-suited for those who want to get started with C on any of the major platforms (Windows, Linux, or macOS).
C++ Tutorial for Complete Beginners at Udemy
This course caters to individuals with basic computer literacy who want to venture into programming. It’s arguably the optimal way to learn C++ as a first language and an excellent starting point for those interested in game development.
Advanced C++ Programming Training Course at Udemy
Once comfortable with C++ basics and ready for more challenging projects, this advanced tutorial is invaluable. It delves into topics like polymorphism, templates, exception handling, streams, containers, algorithms, stacks, and more.
comp.lang.c Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, a comprehensive list of questions and answers is all you need to troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
C++ Annotations (Version 10.9.2) by Frank Brokken
Designed for seasoned C programmers (or those familiar with languages with a “C-like grammar” like Perl or Java) looking to transition to C++, this web-based tutorial picks up where C leaves off. It covers pointers, memory allocation, compound types, and other essential C++ concepts.
Google C++ Style Guide
As you progress and write more complex C++ programs, maintainability can become a concern. Style guides from seasoned C++ developers prove invaluable in such situations. This particular style guide is maintained by Google.
Additionally, for those who want to delve even deeper, well-maintained, community-moderated lists of tutorials exist for both learning C and learning C++.
Learning C and C++ Through Books
Books provide an in-depth exploration of programming languages. A well-written C or C++ book can give you an edge in your projects by offering detailed explanations of intricate language features.
C in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference (2nd Edition) by Peter Prinz and Tony Crawford
While this book includes a brief introduction to C, it’s better suited as a second book for those starting their journey. It’s geared towards experienced developers, providing tips, techniques, examples, and practical guidance to maximize their C programming skills.
The book is structured in three parts. It begins with a rigorous exploration of C, followed by an examination of the standard library. It concludes by covering the compilation and testing of programs using tools from the popular GNU software collection.
C in a Nutshell serves as an ideal companion to The C Programming Language by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, often referred to as K&R.
The C Programming Language by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie
This is the second edition of the seminal text by Kernighan and Ritchie.
Widely regarded as the “New Testament” of C programming, this edition incorporates changes introduced by the ANSI standard while preserving the essence of the first edition.
It assumes a basic understanding of programming, so it might not be the best fit for absolute beginners or those new to C. However, if that’s your situation, you might find these condensed notes to be a valuable resource.
This book is a must-have, especially for building a programming book collection, as it offers an excellent introduction to C.
The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition) by Bjarne Stroustrup
Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++, has authored many acclaimed books on the language.
This book is divided into three sections. It begins with a tutorial-based introduction to C++ programming, followed by a focused discussion of design and software development principles relevant to C++. It concludes with a comprehensive language reference.
Despite the emergence of various C++ distributions, the book emphasizes “pure C++,” adhering to the standard without relying on implementation-specific extensions.
One of the most effective ways to learn programming is by building small programs related to the concepts you’re studying. Accordingly, exercises at the end of each chapter reinforce your learning.
Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs by Scott Meyers
Developing large-scale software in C++ demands meticulous design and discipline. This book is essential reading for any serious C++ developer.
It serves as an expert guide to designing effective classes, functions, templates, and inheritance hierarchies. Additionally, it delves into the distinctions between C++ and other languages and emphasizes the “C++ way” of doing things.
Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of C++11 and C++14 by Scott Meyers
This book is for seasoned C++ programmers who want to explore the latest language standards. You’ll be surprised by how much C++ has evolved. It provides detailed insights into leveraging the newest C++ features effectively. (While the latest C++ standard is now C++17, C++14 is still considered cutting-edge in many development contexts.)
Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library by Scott Meyers
The Standard Template Library (STL) is one of the most impressive aspects of C++, offering immense power but also a fair degree of complexity. This book provides 50 valuable tips and over 100 algorithms that showcase different facets of the STL, making it more accessible for developers new to C++.
C++ Primer (5th Edition) by Stanley Lippman
C++ Primer is an exceptional book that makes learning C++ enjoyable. While it’s one of the best C++ resources, it expects a strong foundation in programming concepts and C proficiency.
The latest edition is perfect for programmers who want to maximize their use of new and advanced features.
C++ FAQs (2nd Edition) by Marshall Cline
This book addresses approximately 500 questions on programming, design, analysis, and testing. It’s not aimed at beginners but rather at programmers comfortable with the language’s syntax who are ready to put their knowledge into practice.
If you’ve ever pondered questions like “What constitutes a class invariant?”, “How should exceptions be used?”, or “What happens when a destructor is executed?”, this book is for you.