Product Description

C by Dissection presents a thorough introduction to the programming process by carefully developing working programs to illuminate key features of the C programming language. This book presents the concepts of the programming process using the "dissection" method. Dissection is a unique pedagogical tool first developed by the authors to point out key features of program code. It is similar to a structured walk-through of the code, with the intention of explaining newly encountered programming elements and idioms as found in working code.

The book assumes no programming background and can be used by first time computer users or by experienced programmers who are transitioning to C. Each chapter presents a number of carefully explained programs, which lead the reader in a holistic manner to ever-improving programming skills. Right from the start, the reader is introduced to complete programs, and at an early point in the book, the reader is introduced to writing functions as a major feature of structured programming.

This edition takes into account the fact that many people are learning Java as a first language and then going to C, or vice-versa. It calls out those topics that present a challenge when transitioning from Java and C (e.g. i/o, data types). Exercises have been added to these chapters that engage the reader to compare the differences between the languages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #511503 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 641 pages

Customer Reviews

A Horrible Explanation of C
This was the required text for my Intro to C course at my university. Let me just say, if you already know C you will understand this stuff, but if you want to learn C for the first time, GOOD LUCK! It took me forever to learn how to use a structure, and have been scared for life with pointers. Good thing I found other books on C that took the time to explain just what the point of each example was and why I was doing it. GOOD LUCK IF YOU GET THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NEED IT!

Third edition and there are still obvious typos.
I am currently reading the book and I am lost. I am using it as a class textbook, and other students in my class have also voiced their dissatisfaction. Books like this that reference multiple sections of information found in much later chapters do not work well as textbooks. This approach of program dissection is a good one, but because the book is so poorly organized you lose out on its benefits. I am here at Amazon.com looking for a book or books to supplement, or maybe compensate for this one. Since it is my class textbook, I do not have the choice of whether to use it or not.

Of no use to beginners
This is a book that seems to be frequently prescribed as a course text book to students learning C: and what a pity that is. This book using its "dissection" approach gives you very long programs to type in, and then explains them afterwards. This would work but the explanations are so unclear as to be worthless. There is no pleasure in reading this book and the prose borders on the turgid.

On the plus side however, this book can be a useful resource to students who already have a fairly good knowledge of C and which to have a reference book. Also, C by dissection covers a wide range of topics (albeit in not much depth) and starts to look at C++.

When there are so many good books on C around, *especially* the C for dummies books by Gookin, or C in 21 days from Sams, this book cannot come recommended.