A-List of Top 5 C/C++ Programming Books

C and C++ are the two most prolific languages in use around the world. C being a core language accompanied by C++ are extensions of the basic C. The popularity of both these languages have ricocheted around for long with individuals of every walk of life waiting in the wings to learn the language. Setting out to grasp the finer nuances of C and C++ with a book is a great idea. Here are 5 books curated on C and C++ by the programming community and regardless of your programming skills, you will for sure lay your hands on a book that will suit your requirements.

5 Best C Books:

C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide:

Here is an astonishing book for teaching you the basics of C. The book goes by the name C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide written by authors Greg Perry and Dean Miller. This book will walk you through the basics so that you will write basic C programs with little expertise in the said domain. This book is a good buy which will lead you by the hand with step by step instructions to put you in the driver’s seat.

The book is meaty and comprises 32 chapters of C programming with clear and concise examples to help you understand better. The concepts in this book including organizing programs, storing and displaying data, variables, operators, I/O functions and strings. Greg Perry has over 75 books to his credit and all the books are related to computers and programming. Dean Miller has 20 solid years in publishing and has shaped bestselling books such as ‘Teach Yourself in 21 days’ and the ‘Unleashed’ Series.

The C Programming Language (2nd Edition):

Even though the book has been published in 1978, it commands a huge draw still and for many, it is considered the holy grail for C Programmers from all over the world and considered as one of the best books to teach you C programming. The book authored by Dennis M.Ritchie covers all significant aspects of C programming assisting you to become a proficient C Programmer. Both the authors of this book are considered to be masters in their respective fields.

As I say this, it must also be made clear that referring his book needs to be accompanied by some knowledge of computer programming. The second edition of this book was released in 1988 which gave way to some critical concepts and features were taken up here. The new edition is replete with new examples.

Learn C the Hard Way:

Learn C the hard way by ZED A SHAW is a clear and concise book on Modern C programming. The book is designed in such a way that it is a perfect choice for all who wish to learn the concepts of C and are eager to take the jump into C programming. The book has carved a special niche for itself to learn the C programming and also educates the reader about other programming skills, so badly needed in the programming world.

With little or no hand holding, you will have to go through each code to understand C Programming. The book comprises 52 brilliant exercises that will help you to master C programming language or any programming language, you take up in the future.

Head First C:

Head First C is a book by David Griffiths and Dawn Griffiths that provides a comprehensive tour of the C language while prodding the user to become a great Programmer. This book preaches experience that goes beyond syntax and builds up on your practical adeptness with writing programs and build self-confidence. The book explores vital points such as pointers, dynamic memory management, multi-threading and network programming. This book mimics college textbooks and teaches students in a humble and elementary manner thus serving as a model for students.

C Programming: A Modern Approach

The author KN King has scripted a well-researched and well-crafted book on fundamentals of C Programming covering the basic and advanced areas of the language to guide intermediate users and beginners likewise. The author is an Associate Professor at Georgia State University. The author has published a number of books on C, Java and Modula-2 Programming.