Top 9 Best Books for Learning C - codeitwise

C is a middle - level computer language which was first invented and implemented by Dennis Ritchie on a DEC PDP-11 that used Unix operating system.

C combines the best elements of high-level languages with the control and flexibility of assembly language. It allows the manipulation of bits, bytes etc. Also it has a lot of advantages like it is easy to learn, it is a structured language (the distinguishing feature of a structured language is compartmentalization of code and data), it is a programmer's language etc.

Currently, C is the most widely used programming language. It is used in os(operating system), computer games, web browsers, and many different softwares. 

So if you are a beginner and have made a choice to learn C then you must be thinking which is the best book to learn C and also must be looking for the best resources to learn C then you are at a right place.

While online courses are great to start with but I still feel that books have their own advantages. So, In this article you will find best books for learning C.

Even if you don't know anything about C or have little knowledge about it, in either case these books are going to be the best to kick-start your C journey. 

Top 9 Best Books for Learning C -


1. C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide (3rd Edition) by Greg Perry & Dean Miller -

C programming for absolute beginners

This book is one of the best beginner's guide for learning C language and also the fastest way to get comfortable with C. You'll learn the basic concepts of C language with clear and easy step at a time. You'll learn how to organize programs, how to store and display data, how to work with variables, operators, Input/Output, arrays, pointers, functions and many more.


2. C: The Complete Reference (4th Edition) by Herbert Schildt -

C the complete reference

C: The Complete Reference 4th Edition by Herbert Schildt gives you full details on C99, the new ANSI/ISO standard for C. 

It focuses on building solid foundation to understand and master the programming language. It provides in-depth coverage of the C language and function libraries as well as all the new C features, including restricted pointers, variable-length arrays, functions etc.

3. The C Programming Language (2nd Edition) by Pearson -

C Programming book by Pearson

The Second Edition of The C Programming Language enumerates the concepts related to C Programming language, as prescribed by ANSI standard. The book elaborates on the basics of procedure oriented programming and the fundamentals of writing C codes. It goes on to cover aspects like functions and loops, learning which will help novice programmers to code elementary level codes properly. 

Each concept is covered using tracing to explain how the particular coding element works, real- time programs to help users understand how to implement learned concepts and computerized outputs to assure validity of programs written.

Elementary programming concepts like arrays, loops, assignment statements and operators, functions, file processing, data structures, etc. have been covered in the book. Solved and unsolved questions have been provided to help programmers develop an expertise in writing C codes flawlessly. Error correction exercises, code modification exercises and several such skill-testing exercised have been provided to help students analyse their understanding and knowledge. Model questions have been provided as per examination pattern to help students test themselves


4. Learn C the hard way by Zed A. Shaw -

Learn c the hard way

Forget about old-fashioned C programming books that assume the reader a computer hardware expert and teach in frustrating, old-fashioned coding styles. If you are a student and don't know anything about a language at all, Zed A. Shaw's Learn C the Hard Way can help them get started fast with modern C programming. This book is called The Hard Way, but it is really quite easy, it just requires discipline, practice and persistence. This book teaches how to write modern, clean, clear C code through dozens of brilliantly-crafted exercises, most on two pages. 

5. Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C (2nd Edition) by Reema Thareja -

Computer fundamentals and Programming by Reema Thareja

This books teaches topics including statements, functions, arrays, strings, pointers, structure and union, file management, and pre-processor directives. It also provides a separate chapter on linked list detailing the various kinds of linked lists and how they are used to allocate memory dynamically.

The book is designed to make it easy for beginners to understand the concepts and code examples provided. It also uses a lot of real-world programming examples to explain complex topics.


6. Data Structures using C (2nd Edition) by Reema Thareja-

Dsa by Reema Thareja

This second edition of Data Structures Using C has been developed to provide a comprehensive and consistent coverage of both the abstract concepts of data structures as well as the implementation of these concepts using C language. It begins with a thorough overview of the concepts of C programming followed by introduction of different data structures and methods to analyse the complexity of different algorithms. It then connects these concepts and applies them to the study of various data structures such as arrays, strings, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, heaps, and graphs. The book utilizes a systematic approach wherein the design of each of the data structures is followed by algorithms of different operations that can be performed on them, and the analysis of these algorithms in terms of their running times. Each chapter includes a variety of end-chapter exercises in the form of MCQs with answers, review questions, and programming exercises to help readers test their knowledge.

7. Let us C by Yashavant Kanetkar -

Let us c by Yashavant Kanetkar

The new edition of this classic book has been thoroughly revamped but remains faithful to the principles that have established it as a favourite amongst students, teachers and software professionals round the world. “Simplicity”- that has been the hallmark of this book in not only its previous seventeen English editions, but also in the Hindi, Gujrati, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and US editions. This book doesn’t assume any programming background. It begins with the basics and steadily builds the pace so that the reader finds it easy to handle advanced topics towards the end of the book.


8. C Programming: A Modern Approach -

C programming Modern Approach

C Programming - A Modern Approach by K. N. King covers basic to advanced level concepts of C language. The book was adopted by many educational institutions around the world as their primary C programming text, making the first edition one of the leading C programming textbooks for over ten years. The second edition was released in 2008 and carefully preserved the book’s popular features while bringing it up to date with the new standards. It also adds many new exercises and projects, along with extensive revisions and updates to summarise the majority of C concepts in one textbook. It's one of the best c books for beginners.

9. Head First C by David Griffiths -

Head first c

Ever wished there was an easier way to learn C from a book? Head First C is a complete learning experience that will show you how to create programs in the C language. This book helps you learn the C language with a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals and helps you understand how to be a great programmer. You'll learn key areas such as language basics, pointers and pointer arithmeticand dynamic memory managementand with advanced topics such as multi-threading and network programming, Head First C can be used as an accessible text book for a college-level course.

Also, like a college course, the book features labs: projects intended to stretch your abilities, test your new skillsand build confidence. You'll go beyond the basics of the language and learn how to use the compiler, the make tool and the archiver to tackle real-world problems.


So these were some of the best books to learn C from scratch. These books will help you to learn C from beginning to advanced level so go ahead, get one for yourself and start learning C language.

If you find this article helpful then also help your fellow programmers to choose best book to learn complete C by sharing this article with them.


Also Read :

• Top 9 Best books to learn Python

• Top 11 Best Books for Learning C++

• Best In Demand Programming Languages to Learn in 2023

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