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Expert C Programming (Paperback)
by Peter van der Linden
| Category:
C programming, Language & tools, Computer science |
| Market price: ¥ 410.00
MSL price:
¥ 348.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Unparalleled in content and very engaging to read, this book is a must read for all C programmers. |
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Author: Peter van der Linden
Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR
Pub. in: June, 1994
ISBN: 0131774298
Pages: 384
Measurements: 9 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
Origin of product: USA
Order code: BA01590
Other information: ISBN-13: 978-0131774292
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Rate this product:
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- MSL Picks -
Technical content: This book, as the title says, is for the advanced C programmer who has done his share of C programming. This book brings together in one place, clarification of the most difficult aspects of C programming, that too with such clarity and punch not achieved before. The book as a whole is a masterpiece, but the chapters that really stand out are the one on declarations, two on arrays, one on pointers, and ofcourse the appendix on interview strength questions. The C declarations chapter is an absolute jem. He gives a flow-chart that can help in unscrambling complicated declarations, and this approach works better than any other that I have seen. (It is just a cleverly presented version of the algorithm that compilers use to unscramble them). Quite naturally, he has quite a bit to say on pointers, arrays and memory related stuff (including a brief discussion of the feared Seg. Fault and Bus Error). The book is worth its price purely for its technical merit
Writing Style: But there is more to this book! Van der Linden comes through as an accomplished writer - mixing wit and wisdom so seamlessly and naturally, that it reads like a novel. The book is peppered with C and other trivia that keep one entertained through some of the boring sections on the linker and such. This aspect of his writing is very important because this is what keeps your interest while you give the book your first reading and bookmark the reference material. Programming is clearly his passion and his enthusiasm is extremely infectious. The style of his writing and his choice of anecdotes is sure to strike a special chord with geeks.
Marketing/appearance of the book : Enough said about the contents of the book; now to stuff about the book that you should not really be bothered about, but you still will be. First of all the packaging of the book truly sucks. I was absolutely revolted when I first saw an image of the cover on amazon. SunSoft needs to learn a thing or two about these matters from O'Reilly. Their crisp fonts and pleasing covers significantly contribute to continued success. None of this should matter in theory, but anyone who understands human nature knows that it sure as hell does. And then there is the "impressions" on the back cover. (I am not sure of the technical word for it. I am referring to the endorsements that usually appear on back covers of books). The words of "Professor Jack Beidler", and "David S. Platt" do not carry much weight with an audience they are targetting. (Do not get me wrong, I have read David's columns on byte.com and stuff, but what is needed is a name that would be better recognized in the C-programming community like P. J. Plauger - someone who's competence is more readily accepted)
In summary, this is a must-have book for C programmers.
(From quote a guest reviewer)
Target readers:
C program students, computer science majors and programmers.
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Peter van der Linden is probably one of the better technical writers out there. Both this book and "Just Java" are a pleasure to read. He's also a good public speaker, if you get a chance to see him in the valley.
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From Publisher
This is a very different book on the C language! In an easy, conversational style, Peter van der Linden, of Sun's compiler and OS kernel group, presents dozens of astonishing examples drawn from practical experience, including:
- Software that blew up the space probe to Venus
- The C bug that shut down the entire AT&T phone system
- C programmer job interview secrets
- Why programmers can't tell Halloween from Christmas day
- The C code for a complete BASIC interpreter
Expert C Programming reveals the coding techniques used by the best C programmers. It relates C to other languages, and includes an introduction to C++ that can be understood by an programmer without weeks of mind-bending study. Covering both the IBM PC and UNIX systems, it is an entertaining and educational romp through C showing how experts really use it. Expert C Programming is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the implementation, practical use, and folklore of C.
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Preface
Browsing in a bookstore recently, I was discouraged to see the dryness of so many C and C++ texts. Few authors conveyed the idea that anyone might enjoy programming. All the wonderment was squeezed out by long boring passages of prose. Useful perhaps, if you can stay awake long enough to read it. But programming isn't like that!
Programming is a marvellous, vital, challenging activity, and books on programming should brim over with enthusiasm for it! This book is educational, but also interesting in a way that puts the fun back in functions. If this doesn't seem like something you'll enjoy, then please put the book back on the shelf, but in a more prominent position. Thanks!
OK, now that we're among friends, there are already dozens and dozens of books on programming in C - what's different about this one?
Expert C Programming should be every programmer's second book on C. Most of the lessons, tips, and techniques here aren't found in any other book. They are usually pencilled in the margin of well-thumbed manuals or on the backs of old printouts, if they are written down at all. The knowledge has accumulated over years of C programming by the author and colleagues in Sun's Compiler and Operating Systems groups. There are many interesting C stories and folklore, like the vending machines connected to the Internet, problems with software in outer space, and how a C bug brought down the entire AT&T long-distance phone network. Finally, the last chapter is an easy tutorial on C++, to help you master this increasingly-popular offshoot of C.
The text applies to ANSI standard C as found on PCs and UNIX systems. Unique aspects of C relating to sophisticated hardware typically found on UNIX platforms (virtual memory, etc.) are also covered in detail. The PC memory model and the Intel 8086 family are fully described in terms of their impact on C code. People who have already mastered the basics of C will find this book full of all the tips, hints, and shortcuts that a programmer usually picks up over a period of many years. It covers topics that many C programmers find confusing:
- What does typedef struct bar {int bar;} bar; actually mean?
- How can I pass different-sized multidimensional arrays to one function?
- Why, oh why, doesn't extern char *p; match char p100; in another file?
- What's a bus error? What's a segmentation violation?
- What's the difference between char *foo and char(*foo)?
If you're not sure about some of these, and you'd like to know how the C experts cope, then read on! If you already know all of these things and everything else about C, get the book anyway to reinforce your knowledge. Tell the bookstore clerk that you're "buying it for a friend."
PvdL, Silicon Valley, California
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John Barry, author of Sunburst, Technobabble, and other books, USA
<2008-11-23 00:00>
In Expert C Programming, Peter van der Linden combines C language expertise and a subtle sense of humor to deliver a C programming book that stands out from the pack. In a genre too often known for windy, lifeless prose, van der Linden's crisp language, tongue-in-cheek attitude, and real-world examples engage and instruct.
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Professor Jack Beidler, Chairman, Department of Computer Science, University of Scranton, USA
<2008-11-23 00:00>
Not just clearly written, but fun to read. The tone and style of this text should make this a popular book with professional programmers. However, the tone of this book will make it very popular with undergraduates. Appendix A alone would make the purchase of this book a must. It's filled with great advice. |
David S. Platt, Rolling Thunder Computing, USA
<2008-11-23 00:00>
So that's why extern char *cp isn't the same as extern char cp. I knew that it didn't work despite their superficial equivalence, but I didn't know why. I also love the job interview test questions on C. |
Dean Jones Jr. (MSL quote), USA
<2008-11-23 00:00>
The title of this message says it all. This is my 2nd time around reading this book. I bought it about 1 year ago and I'm reading it again just for fun really... The author keeps the book humorous throughout and you'll definitely know you're a geek when you find yourself snickering at all of the hilarious comments in the book. These comments aren't "fun filler" like other books use. It's strange how other books will just throw in silly comic headers at the beginning of each chapter or take time away from learning to say something stupid to try and get a laugh. Peter actually has comments that are hilarious, but will help you learn at the same time. Everything is extremely informative. My favorite chapters include:
Chapter 3: Unscrambling Declarations in C
Chapter 4: The Shocking Truth: C Arrays and Pointers are NOT the Same!
Chapter 5: Thinking of Linking
Chapter 7: Thanks for the Memory
Chapter 9: More about Arrays
Chapter 10: More about Pointers
Appendix: Secrets of Programmer Job Interviews
Yes, even the Appendix was excellent. This book will really help a novice C programmer gain a very FIRM grasp of pointers and C declarations that scared... us when we first saw C. Find a good book on Algorithms ( Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C ) and you're definitely an expert in C! |
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