C Programming with Free Compilers
Tutorials for novices using this language and an equipment list to get started.
A guide to installing and setting up free C compilers, and taking some first steps with the C programming language, in tutorial format.
This tutorial will get you started in programming in C using the Borland C compiler. Other command line compilers can also be used, and if there are any specific requests for use with other compilers, please email me giving a link to a freely downloadable version of the compiler tool in question.
Before reading this C programming tutorial from start to end, it is suggested that the reader visit the general Computer Programming 101 article which will fill them in on all aspects of programming. Even those who classify themselves as having some experience should review this article just to be sure that they start on the same page.
C Programming Tutorial Structure
The structure of the tutorial is designed to take the reader through each of the main areas of programming theory in turn. It is expected that the reader be in a position to try out the examples as they work through the lessons. Subsequently, book marking this page for reference purposes would be a good idea.
The suggested path through this tutorial is:
- Setting up Borland C
- Programming with Loops
- Condition Testing in C Programming
- Programming with Functions in C
- User Defined Data Types in C Programming
- Header Files in C
- String Handling Functions in C
- Memory Management Functions in C
- Standard Input and Output in C
- Using Conditional Compilation in C
If there are any areas which the reader would like to see covered, then they can always email the author at computerprogramming@suite101.com and help refine the tutorials, whilst receiving a timely answer to their question. Platform specific questions should be directed accordingly, and will be handled in other areas of the Computer Programming site here at Suite101.
Alternatively, questions can be appended as comments to the end of this article. This will also open up the discussion to other visitors, which can yield to some very interesting discussions.
Equipment List
The reader will need a computer supporting a command line compiler environment, at the least. More sophisticated environments such as Turbo C/C++ or Microsoft Visual C can be used, but their setup is somewhat more complicated, and they are also very expensive.
The Free Compilers article, part of the aforementioned general programming topic, lists some of the better free C compilers available for download. Most Linux installations come with a compiler called GCC as standard. To check for install simply type 'gcc' at any shell prompt.
