An Introduction To C Programming: Geb Thomas
An Introduction To C Programming: Geb Thomas
Programming
Geb Thomas
Learning Objectives
Learn how to write and compile a C
program
Learn what C libraries are
Understand the C variable types
Understand how to use if and if/else
statements
Understand how to use the for structure
How to Write and Compile
C Programs
C, C++ and Java
Compilers: Microsoft Visual C++, GCC, Borland
C
Since we will be working on PCs:
Microsoft Visual C++
Open new Win32 Console Application
Name it (in “project name”)
Click “a hello world application”
Go to file view, source files, then the name of your
project.cpp
Some Things About C
Case matters, white space does not
Comments go between /* and */
Each statement is followed by a semicolon
Execution begins in the main function:
int main(int argc, char* argv[]) { /* ignore this */
/* start here */
return 0; /*end here */
}
What are C libraries?
C is a lightweight language. Most of its intelligence
is compartmentalized in libraries.
Almost all c programs use the “stdio” or standard
input/output library. Many also use the “math”
library.
To use a library, include the header file (I.e.,
“stdio.h”) at the top of the file.
For most special purpose libraries (I.e., math) you
need to include the library on the link line. In Visual
C++, go to project->settings->object/module libraries.
C Variable Types
The most common types are: char, int, float, and double.
Strings are arrays of characters (we’ll cover arrays later).
Declare a variable before you use it:
int x; /* declares an integer called x. Its value is not assigned. */
float y, z = 3.14159; /* declares two floating point numbers. z is set
equal to pi */
z = 4; /* now z is equal to 4 */
myVal = 2; /* This would be an error, because myVal was not yet
declared */
Logical Operators
C defines these logical operators: <, >, <=,
>= and == (the equivalence operator)
You can compare any variable. Characters
are compared based on their ASCII values.
All answers will be true (not zero) or false
(0)
You can extend the logic with && (and), ~
(not) and || (or).
The If Statement
Syntax: if (expression) statement;
If the expression is true (not zero), the statement is
executed. If the expression is false, it is not
executed.
You can group multiple expressions together with
braces:
if (expression) {
statement 1;
statement 2;
statement 3;
}
The If/Else Statement
Syntax: if (expression) statement_1; else
statement_2;
If the expression is true, statement_1 will
be executed, otherwise, statement_2 will
be.
Counter = 0;
Counter = 1;
Counter = 2;
Learning Objectives
Learn how to write and compile a C
program
Learn what C libraries are
Understand the C variable types
Understand how to use if and if/else
statements
Understand how to use the for structure