C for Java Programmers

Rating:
Summary: Quick jump onto C!!
Review: Having learned Java in CS1 Algorithms and Programming course, I immediately started to look for C++ books at the end of the year. In fact, I was unable to make decision whether to go for C or C++ and actually confused among dozens of C and C++ books that have different approaches to the topic and have different assumptions about programming experience of the reader. Eventually, this book was the definite choice for me.

The book starts with an example that demonstrates a simple I/O operation just to show the structure and syntax of the language.

Other than that, the topics are generally well organized. From base to the top. Throughout the book, the author explicitly warns the reader about general mistakes, encourages to use portable code and gives several programming idioms and lists all of them at the end of the book.

Pointers are especially described in a long chapter and their common applications are demonstrated. For my part, introduction to this chapter was very valuable as it basically explains the stack and heap-based memory, the concepts that Java programmers are not familiar with.

There are some minor gaps that take the one star. I think there are some listings that need more explanation and some code fragments could have been inserted in a complete program to give sample output in order to make thing more clear, (for example while explaining the conversion from binary to text and text to binary files)

However, it doesn't change the fact that you can learn C quickly with this book. It's definitely not a reference book, but self-sufficient as stated in the introduction. "C for Java programmers" title is really specific and this book really does what it promises. It's the shortest way to learn C if you know Java.

I took that book and had worked on C intensively for 3 weeks disregarding the last chapter about module-based programming, and having taken the basics, moving onto C++ was not difficult.

Rating:
Summary: Good for Self-Teaching
Review: Most concepts are covered well, and in a logical order. Occasionally, you are told to accept things and understand them later (like the use of pointers in text filehandles.)

Concepts not commonly used (like enumerations and unions) are covered to allow the reader to understand code they may have to read, but key concepts certainly get more page space. Special libraries are not used for things like string I/O - meaning one learns 'pure' ANSI C. In this regard, a far better text when compared to Roberts' "The Art and Science of C".

Idioms are used - the ideas are covered, and 'idioms' (frequently used code patterns) relating to the topic are provided. A complete list of these idioms, as well a common errors and portability guidelines are included in the Appendicies.

Overall, a good book which which to teach oneself C. An okay reference as well, but that's not what it's designed for.

(This review is based on a pre-publication copy used by Dr. Müldner in teaching his first-year C course at Acadia University.)