Hello there, If you want to learn C or C++ and looking for the best books and online courses then you have come to the right place. Earlier, I have shared free C programming courses and free C++ courses and today, I am going to share the best books and online courses to learn C and C++ programming languages from scratch. If you are just starting out with computer programming but not sure which programming language to choose then you are not alone, we have all faced this problem before and new programmers are facing it every day. That's why starting with a basic programming language like C Programming language is the best decision you can make and I am saying this with my 15+ years of experience in C, Java, and software development.
I started with the C programming language then I moved to C++ which was not tough because it was more like a C programming language with some OOP functionalities and then I moved to Java which is also quite similar to C and C++.
While the sheer number of programming languages is simply overwhelming but you will be glad to know that most of these languages heavily borrow their syntax from C.
Once considered the go-to language for general-purpose software development in the structured programming era, C has influenced quite a long list of languages to include PHP, JavaScript, Java, and Python.
Using familiar C structures makes it possible for new languages to improve acceptance. C++ builds upon C to now offer support for objects and classes. To better understand these languages, here are 5 books and online courses to learn C and C++ from scratch in 2024.
5 Best C and C++ Books and Courses for Beginners in 2024
Without wasting any more of your time, here is a list of the best books to read and online courses you can join to learn C and C++ from a beginner's point of view. Though, I have also included some advanced C++ books for experienced developers and senior students.1. C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide
Taking into account that C has features and operations considered low level, and its different sized variables make it difficult for new programmers to learn. The approach used by the author gradually increases the complexity of the content after an extensive look at the basics.Authors: Greg Perry and Dean Miller
The book walks the reader through basic variable declarations to more advanced topics as working with functions and searching and sorting arrays.
Though the book is great for a beginner programmer, it would be a lot better if flow control was tackled much earlier in the book and some of the C related content such as heap management were left for the end.
Nonetheless, the book is an effective guide to learning C and you can easily make up for those shortcomings by joining a C programming online course like C Programming for Beginners on Udemy. I highly suggest combining this book and course to start your C programming journey.
The book walks the reader through basic variable declarations to more advanced topics as working with functions and searching and sorting arrays.
Though the book is great for a beginner programmer, it would be a lot better if flow control was tackled much earlier in the book and some of the C related content such as heap management were left for the end.
Nonetheless, the book is an effective guide to learning C and you can easily make up for those shortcomings by joining a C programming online course like C Programming for Beginners on Udemy. I highly suggest combining this book and course to start your C programming journey.
2. The C Programming Language (2nd Edition)
This is probably the most recommend programming book ever. Commonly referred to as the K&R, this book is a must-have reference bible for all C programmers. Authored by one of the designers of the C language, Dennis Ritchie, this short read is packed with the fundamental concepts behind the language. It is because of it that C became popularized during its early development. It served as the de facto standard for all who required a detailed C reference.Authors: Brian W Kernighan and Dennis M Ritchie
The K&R covers the entire language’s specification which is quite rare for any other book on a different language. Other than the basics, C libraries are well covered and with numerous examples to try out. Its workflow is better organized and helps the learner to slowly build up on covered content.
If you need a course to go with this book, I suggest you join Duke University's Introduction to Programming in C specialization in Coursera. It's a great collection of courses to learn and master C programming in a few weeks.
The K&R covers the entire language’s specification which is quite rare for any other book on a different language. Other than the basics, C libraries are well covered and with numerous examples to try out. Its workflow is better organized and helps the learner to slowly build up on covered content.
If you need a course to go with this book, I suggest you join Duke University's Introduction to Programming in C specialization in Coursera. It's a great collection of courses to learn and master C programming in a few weeks.
3. The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition)
Ranked as the fourth most popular language, C++ adds object-oriented concepts (data abstractions, polymorphism, inheritance, and encapsulation). Additionally, it introduces function overloading, and exception handling, which was previously absent in C programming.Author: Bjarne Stroustrup
The language’s creator and developer authored this book to serve as documentation for the continuously evolving programming language. Consequent editions have been written to include changes in the language. Though it covers the language’s construct, some of its contents may appear advanced for novice programmers.
However, with a good grasp of the basics, this book is excellent for all levels of programmers. Its companion book, David Vandevoorde’s C++ Solutions, offers learners step-by-step solutions to exercises found in Bjarne’s book.
The language’s creator and developer authored this book to serve as documentation for the continuously evolving programming language. Consequent editions have been written to include changes in the language. Though it covers the language’s construct, some of its contents may appear advanced for novice programmers.
However, with a good grasp of the basics, this book is excellent for all levels of programmers. Its companion book, David Vandevoorde’s C++ Solutions, offers learners step-by-step solutions to exercises found in Bjarne’s book.
If you want, you can also combine this book with a free online course like C++ Tutorials for Beginners on Udemy to benefit from some active learning experience. This course is also completely free and more than 300K students have already joined it.
4. C++ Primer (5th Edition)
It is agreed upon by many that this text forms one of the most effective introductions to the language. The book endeavors to be a reference book and a study tool for all levels of programmers. Only requiring a basic understanding of programming constructs, the book quickly builds upon one’s knowledge to cover important concepts such as C++’s template facility, algorithmic libraries, and classes.Authors: Stanley B Lippman, Josee Lajoie, and Barbara E Moo
It provides great insights for even experienced programmers with its extensive coverage of the language’s features. As with the book’s tradition, the text continues to be kept up to date with the changing classifications of C++.
It provides great insights for even experienced programmers with its extensive coverage of the language’s features. As with the book’s tradition, the text continues to be kept up to date with the changing classifications of C++.
This valuable resource also features a good number of new examples not included in older editions. If you need a course to go with this book, check out C++: From Beginner to Expert on Udemy.
5. C++ Primer Plus (6th Edition)
Both new programmers, students, and experienced developers will find this book helpful in its coverage of C++’s programming logic. Its engaging explanations, coupled with well-explained examples, provide new programmers with a solid background in the language.Author: Stephen Prata
The text also adequately covers object-oriented programming concepts. This is quite important as the topic is often quite confusing for new programmers. Farrell clarifies classes and objects making it possible for even new programmers to start developing more complex program structures.
Similar to other texts in this list, the book thoroughly details the concept of templates as used in C++ as well as exception handling. Experienced programmers will find its explanation of random number generation informative especially for scientific simulations. And, if you need an advanced course to go with this book, check out Learn Advanced C++ Programming by John Purcell.
That's all about the best books to learn C and C++ programming for students and developers. Whether starting out as a hobbyist programmer or a computer science student, any of the books on the list would serve as an essential addition to your library.
The text also adequately covers object-oriented programming concepts. This is quite important as the topic is often quite confusing for new programmers. Farrell clarifies classes and objects making it possible for even new programmers to start developing more complex program structures.
Similar to other texts in this list, the book thoroughly details the concept of templates as used in C++ as well as exception handling. Experienced programmers will find its explanation of random number generation informative especially for scientific simulations. And, if you need an advanced course to go with this book, check out Learn Advanced C++ Programming by John Purcell.
That's all about the best books to learn C and C++ programming for students and developers. Whether starting out as a hobbyist programmer or a computer science student, any of the books on the list would serve as an essential addition to your library.
Even with new programming languages being developed every few years, C and C++ are still highly ranked. They have proved to be essential tools and a gateway to learning other programming languages. As such, they are still relevant and worth learning, even in today's software development.
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P. S. - While these resources are very good and perfect to learn both C and C++ but if it's getting tougher for you then I also suggest you join a course like Beginning C++ Programming - From Beginner to Beyond, which covers everything you need to know about CPP and provides a more active and visual learning experience.
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