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· 6 min read

Programming in general, and C programming in particular, continue to be vital skills for professionals in a wide range of industries in 2023 and beyond and today we will explore Top 10 Free Online IDEs for C Programming in 2023.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the ability to write efficient, high-quality code is more important than ever.

C, a general-purpose programming language that was first developed in the 1970s, remains a popular choice for systems programming and embedded systems, as well as being a foundational language for many others.

C's flexibility and low-level access to memory makes it a powerful choice for many applications, especially in the field of IoT, and its continued use in the development of operating systems and other systems software ensures that the demand for C programmers will remain strong in the coming years.

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are an important tool for C programmers in 2023 and beyond.

What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environments)

An IDE is a software application that provides a comprehensive environment for software development, including features such as code editing, debugging, and project management. IDEs for C programming typically include features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking, making it easier for programmers to write, test, and debug their code.

Additionally, many IDEs also provide tools for managing project dependencies and building and deploying applications. With the help of IDEs, C programmers can improve their productivity and write more efficient, high-quality code, which is especially important as the complexity of software development continues to increase.

Cloud based IDE (Online IDE)

A cloud-based IDE is an Integrated Development Environment that is hosted on remote servers and accessed over the internet through a web browser. Instead of installing and running software on a local machine, cloud-based IDEs provide a way for developers to write, test, and debug code from anywhere, on any device that has an internet connection.

IDEs have moved to the cloud to provide accessibility, collaboration, scalability, cost savings, cross-platform compatibility, and automatic updates.

Top 3 Free Online IDEs for C Programming

1. Visual Studio Code (Github Codespaces)

Visual Studio Code is a popular, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It supports a wide range of programming languages, including C. It has built-in debugging capabilities, code completion, and integrated support for Git and other version control systems.

GitHub Codespaces is a feature that allows users to develop and debug code directly within GitHub. It uses Visual Studio Code as the editor and provides a seamless, cloud-based development experience. With GitHub Codespaces, developers can easily collaborate on projects, test code changes, and debug issues directly within the GitHub interface.

Visual Studio Code has several extensions available that add support for C programming. These extensions provide features such as syntax highlighting, code snippets, and debugging capabilities. Developers can also use the integrated terminal to run and debug C code. Additionally, GitHub Codespaces supports C development with the ability to run and debug programs, with the ability to easily share development environment with others.

Some of the most popular Visual Studio Code extensions for C programming are:

  • C/C++: This extension provides IntelliSense, debugging, and code browsing for C and C++ code. It also includes support for CMake, the popular open-source build system.

  • C++ IntelliSense: This extension provides IntelliSense for C++, including code completion, signature help, and hover information.

  • C++ extension for Visual Studio Code: This extension provides IntelliSense, debugging, and code browsing for C++ code, with support for CMake and other build systems.

  • C/C++ Compile Run: This extension allows you to compile and run C/C++ code directly in the editor, without the need to switch to a terminal.

  • Code Runner: This extension allows you to run code in multiple languages, including C, directly in the editor.

2. AWS Cloud9 - Online IDE

AWS Cloud9 is another integrated development environment (IDE) that runs in the cloud and provides a web-based code editor. It also supports a wide range of programming languages, including C. With Cloud9, developers can easily create, run, and debug code, collaborate with others, and access a cloud-based development environment from anywhere.

Cloud9 provides a built-in terminal, allowing developers to run and debug C code. It also provides support for CMake and GCC, which are commonly used to build C programs. Additionally, it has support for version control systems like Git.

Cloud9 also provides a number of features for development in a team environment, such as the ability for multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, and the ability to share and collaborate on development environments.

Cloud9 also provides a feature called "AWS Cloud9 IDE for IoT" which is a web-based IDE that makes it easy to write, run, and debug IoT applications written in C. This feature is specifically optimized for IoT development and provides you with a development environment that includes libraries, build tools, and debuggers for embedded devices and microcontrollers.

Repl.it Online IDE

Repl.it is yet another online IDE that is a good candidate for online C programming.

It provides a web-based code editor, a built-in terminal, and support for popular libraries and frameworks such as GCC.

Additionally, it includes debugging capabilities, making it easy to identify and fix errors in your code.

Also, it allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, and the ability to share and collaborate on development environments.

These features make it a great choice for online C programming, as it allows developers to easily write, run, and debug C code, and collaborate with others, without the need for a local development environment.

It is also a cross-platform and doesn't require any setup, making it easy to access from anywhere.

note

IDEs in the cloud provide accessibility, collaboration, scalability, cost savings, cross-platform compatibility, and automatic updates.

Hence they are great candidates to start your coding skills development journey

· 10 min read

As a beginner in the world of programming, it can be overwhelming to try and find the right set Books to Learn C Programming in 2023. There are so many options available, and it can be difficult to know which ones are the most helpful and which ones are a waste of time.

This can be especially true if you are just a beginner and don't have much experience with programming in general. It's important to choose a book that is well-written and easy to understand, with clear explanations and helpful exercises that will guide you through your learning process.

As a seasoned C programmer with more than 15 years of experience, I have a very good understanding of what it takes to learn this powerful language. I am here to recommend the best books on C programming for beginners, taking into account factors such as the clarity of the explanations, the quality of the exercises, and the overall effectiveness of the teaching approach.

My recommendations will give you a strong foundation in C programming and set you up for success as you continue to learn and grow in your skills in 2023 and beyond.

Learning to program in C can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's a language that is widely used in a variety of fields, including systems programming, embedded systems, and scientific computing. With the right book and the right approach, you can learn the basics of C programming and start building your skills and knowledge in this exciting and in-demand field.

Whether you are just a beginner or have some programming experience under your belt, I am confident that my recommendations will help you find the right book to get you started on your C programming journey.

10 Best Books to Learn C Programming for Beginners & Experts

1. The C Programming Language

By Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

"The C Programming Language" by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

"The C Programming Language" is a classic book that was first published in 1978. Written by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, the book provides a detailed introduction to the C programming language, which is one of the most widely-used programming languages today. It covers the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics such as pointer, memory management, and the standard library. The book is known for its clear and concise writing style, making it an excellent resource for both novice and experienced programmers. It's considered the de-facto guide to the C Programming Language.

2. C Primer Plus

By Stephen Prata

"C Primer Plus" By Stephen Prata

"C Primer Plus" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by Stephen Prata. The book is intended for both novice and experienced programmers, and covers the fundamentals of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics such as memory management, file input and output, and the standard library. The book also includes a thorough introduction to the C++ programming language and its features, also provide a great deal of practical exercises to practice the reader understanding. It's a great source for those who want to learn C and C++ with a progressive approach.

3. Programming in C

By Stephen Kochan

"Programming in C" By Stephen Kochan

"Programming in C" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Stephen Kochan. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions. It also covers more advanced topics like pointer and memory management, as well as the standard library, with a gradual progression, easy to understand writing style and plenty of examples to illustrate the concepts. The book is well-suited for those who are new to programming and wish to learn C programming quickly.

4. C How to Program

By Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel

"C How to Program" by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel

"C How to Program" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel. The book covers the fundamentals of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics like memory management and the standard library. The book also includes a detailed introduction to object-oriented programming, practical examples and exercises throughout the book. It's an excellent resource for both novice and experienced programmers who want to master C programming.

5. C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide

By Greg Perry

"C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide" by Greg Perry

"C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Greg Perry. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming with easy to follow instructions and examples, covering concepts such as data types, operators, control structures, and functions. It is aimed at complete beginners who want to learn programming and specifically C programming with a practical hands-on approach. The book also includes exercises and quizzes to help the readers to solidify their understanding.

6. C Programming for the Absolute Beginner

By Michael Vine

"C Programming for the Absolute Beginner" by Michael Vine

"C Programming for the Absolute Beginner" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Michael Vine. The book is aimed at people who are new to programming and wish to learn the C language quickly and easily. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, with a hands-on approach, featuring examples and exercises to help readers solidify their understanding. It's a great resource to learn C programming if you are starting from scratch.

7. C in Depth

By S. K. Srivastava and J. P. Srivastava

"C in Depth" by S. K. Srivastava and J. P. Srivastava

"C in Depth" is an advanced guide to the C programming language written by S. K. Srivastava and J. P. Srivastava. The book covers the more advanced and less common aspects of C programming language, with a focus on the depth of understanding. It's not aimed for beginners, but for experienced programmers looking to expand their understanding of the C language, diving into the intricacies and nuances of the language, as well as its features and functionality. The book covers topics like memory management, preprocessor directives, concurrency, and low-level programming, among other things.

8. C Programming, A Modern Approach

By K. N. King

"C Programming, A Modern Approach" by K. N. King

"C Programming, A Modern Approach" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by K. N. King. The book is designed as an introduction to the C programming language for students and professionals, covers the basics of C programming as well as advanced topics, such as memory management, concurrency, and low-level programming.

The book presents the material in a clear, easy-to-understand manner and includes plenty of examples and exercises to help readers solidify their understanding. The approach is modern, meaning that the book covers the recent standard of the C programming language and the new features that are available. It's considered a great resource for anyone who wants to learn C programming in a modern and effective way.

9. C for Dummies

By Dan Gookin

"C for Dummies" by Dan Gookin

"C for Dummies" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Dan Gookin. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, with a light and easy-to-understand writing style and a step-by-step approach. It covers topics such as data types, operators, control structures, and functions, aimed to make learning C programming as easy and accessible as possible, it uses plenty of examples and analogy to make the learning process fun and smooth. The book is well-suited for those who are new to programming or have no experience in C and want to get started quickly.

10. C Unleashed

By Richard Heathfield

"C Unleashed" by Richard Heathfield

"C Unleashed" is an advanced guide to the C programming language written by Richard Heathfield. The book provides in-depth coverage of C language, with a focus on the advanced features and the intricacies of the language.

It is intended for experienced C programmers who wish to deepen their understanding of the language and its use in systems programming, with a coverage of advanced topics such as memory management, concurrency, low-level system programming, and advanced data structures. The book is considered a comprehensive resource for those who want to take their C programming skills to the next level.

Few more book recommendations for learning C programming

Apart from my top 10 recommendations, here are a few more options to consider as you continue your journey to mastering this powerful language.

C: A Reference Manual

By Samuel P. Harbison and Guy L. Steele Jr.

This book is a comprehensive reference guide to the C programming language. It covers all of the standard C language features and is suitable for experienced programmers looking for a detailed reference.

C Programming for Scientists

By John W. Carter

This book is geared towards scientists and engineers who want to learn C for their work. It covers the basics of C programming and also includes chapters on scientific computing and engineering applications.

C by Example

By Neil Rhodes and Peter H. Salzman

This book is suitable for beginners and takes a hands-on approach to learning, with plenty of examples and exercises to help you practice your skills. It covers the basics of C programming and also includes chapters on data types, control structures, and functions.

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From comprehensive reference guides to hands-on exercises and examples, these books cover a wide range of topics and cater to various skill levels, from beginners to experienced programmers. Whether you want to focus on the basics or delve into more advanced concepts, these books will provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.