How long would it take a complete beginner to learn C programming language?

Question

How long would it take a complete beginner to learn C programming language? Not to completely master it but to be good enough to do freelance work?

Answer 1

If you studied it every day for hours a day I would say 6-10 months to be able to do any sort of real word work with it. And that's no where near mastering it.

Answer 2

Learn C Programming In 24 Hours

Answer 3

It was Bill Gates who said that if you want to learn how to be a programmer, you do it by writing programs.



I was 15 when I created my own video game with C (compiled with Turbo C++ 3.0 even). It took me several months to complete because I was still unfamiliar with the language, had no real experience with planning out the project, etc. But I learned a lot from doing it. I also read just about every book I could find on the subject.



I would suggest writing code based on tutorials first to get an understanding of the basic C syntax and the functions that it uses. Pick up some books on programming that are more recent and relevant to today, and nothing that will teach you C "in 24 Hours!" or anything like that. Those kinds of books won't get into the finer points of what can make C a powerful language, such as appropriately using pointers and why they matter.



Pick up books and read articles about different algorithms as well. Algorithms are automated processes that make many programs actually useful and interesting.



Still one of my favorite books about programming in general is Code Complete, which is a bible of project development. There is a second edition of this one available that is even more up to date and relevant to usage today.



Also, read and use other people's source code for a variety of programs. They won't all compile with your type of environment, but you can still see how they operate. For example, Programmer's Heaven is a site that includes source code and executable files together for a range of applications in different languages; you can run a program that was compiled in the early 90's that will bounce a picture around on your screen, but because the development environments are so different today, you probably won't be able to compile that code exactly as it is. You can, however, still open it up and see how it works. And if you can compile it, you can tweak it and implement your own functions to get an even better idea of what it's doing.



This whole process will take at least several months before you can really do anything useful and it takes a level of dedication. But it can absolutely be worth it if you create programs that are both helpful to yourself and others and make them well-written and widely available. Just have fun with it :)

Answer 4

There is no answer to that.



Depends on the person, and people vary sooooooo much in their ability to absorb programming concepts, that there is no answer.



Some people just never get it. They don't get pointers and why pointers and arrays are the same thing, really, except when they aren't. (It takes longer to understand the 'when they aren't part').



Some people just get C from the start. It's a very, very simple language. Primitive, yes, but simple. If you get it.



I learned C in a weekend. I sat down and read K&R and...I got it, for the most part. It took me 6 months to a year to get over that initial arrogance of thinking I got it to become reasonably good at it. After 2 years of getting paid to do it, I was closer to mastering it. But that was about the time C++ came along, so the bar was raised. Fast forward 30 years (aarrrgh...)... I don't use C anymore, C# is probably the language I'll retire on. But I still learn new things about C, even now. From questions posted here. Very few can master all the ins and outs.



But...like I said...depends on you. 1 weekend or 30 years. Or somewhere in between.

Answer 5

I am very glad you are interested in this stuff, I was like you when I tried to learn programming, but I didn't get the right resources. I will tell you everything you will need. 1) Start with a focus: Java, VB, C, C+, C++ are called Object Oriented Programming (you will get to know what I mean). They are alike, just like your Yahoo messenger and MSN messenger. But different in syntax. If you want to start now, start with Java (so that you will understand the concept of all the others easily). I started with VB (Visual Basic), but couldn't really understand it. But not I am good in almost all, because I did the Java course in school. 2) Get ready: Don't go to google and start searching for programming books or tutors, as this may not help you because it is extremely loaded with too much information (mixed up without any levels or aggregates), else you will waste a lot of time. Start With one Good Book, and finish it before you look at another, so that you don't get confused. I advise you to start with Java Programming, by Joyce Farrell. Go to the bookshop and get it. Don't be discouraged - with determination, nothing is difficult. Contact me on Y! messenger if you need any further help. Hope it helps you.

Answer 6

HI

I think C programming language is not hard so you must complete within 4 months