C: Data Structures, Pointers, and File Systems

Course details

C is a foundational language for a variety of other programming languages, as well as an up-and-coming language for embedded systems. If you’re interested in broadening your knowledge of C, then this course is for you. Join instructor Dan Gookin as he takes a deep dive into data structures, pointers, and other key topics in this essential programming language. Dan digs into a variety of programming concepts such as arrays, structures, characters, and strings. He also goes over pointers—variables that hold a memory location—explaining how to use pointers to manipulate data, do pointer math, and more. He wraps up the course by sharing a few special techniques, including how to solve math puzzles with C.

Learning objectives
Working with arrays
Building a structure
Creating an array of structures
Testing characters
Working with strings in C
Using pointers to manipulate data
Manipulating files
Using command-line arguments
Working with time functions

Concepts

Introduction

Learn data structures and pointers in C
Using the exercise files
Configuring the IDE

Arrays and Structures

Understanding arrays
Working with arrays
Modifying arrays
Passing an array to a function
Working multi-dimensional arrays
Building a structure
Nesting structures
Creating an array of structures
Sending a structure to a function
Understanding a union
Challenge - Presidents of the U.S.A.
Solution - Presidents of the U.S.A.

Characters and Strings

Using single character I O
Testing characters
Working with character conversions
Understanding strings in C
Fetching string input
Sending string output
Reviewing printf() placeholders
Using printf() placeholders
Exploring string functions
Manipulating strings
Avoiding string problems
Challenge - String I O and manipulation
Solution - String I O and manipulation

Pointers

Understanding pointers
Using pointers to manipulate data
Doing pointer math
Comparing arrays and pointers
Allocating storage
Working with a pointer array
Using pointers in structures
Passing pointers to functions
Returning pointers
Challenge - Create a pointer array
Solution - Create a pointer array

Files and the Operating System

Reading from a file
Writing to a file
Working with raw data
Using random file access
Manipulating files
Exploring the path
Reading a directory
Getting file information
Using command line arguments
Calling the operating system
Challenge - Read and store filenames
Solution - Read and store filenames

The Interesting and Extraordinary

Solving math puzzles
Creating random numbers
Working with time functions
Sorting data
Debugging your code
Using a debugger
Writing your own header file
Mixing multiple source code files
Challenge - Lotto simulation
Solution - Lotto simulation

Conclusion

Next steps