Instructions

This is a self-assessment quiz, designed to assess whether you are ready for Foundations of C Programming. Please refrain from using other tools (search engine or compiler) to find the answer. You should be able to do these in your head without a calculator. The distance learning staff would also be happy to speak with you about your results if you have any doubts.

Course Description

For experienced programmers brand new to C Programming, this course delves into topics such as character I/O and input validation, all aspects of functions, arrays, pointers, C strings, storage classes, linkage, memory management, file I/O, structures, the preprocessor, and advanced data representation.

After mastering the material in this class, you will have a working knowledge of most aspects of the ANSI-C programming language, those essential for continuing on to C++. You will also be able to design, implement, and debug a multiple-file program. In addition to the programming language and constructs, the course emphasizes simple and effective programming style that leads to readable, understandable, and maintainable code. Strategic testing techniques are taught which improve code quality and correctness. Constructing a logically coherent, and understandable solution is as important as the language and tools used. In that sense, C is merely the setting for learning these robust language-independent concepts.

The programming assignments are challenging and fun. The instructor provides hands-on professional code review, focusing on simple and readable coding style, maintainability, practical testing techniques. Online discussion is encouraged.

Certificate programs that this class prepares you for:

Course Prerequisites

High school education or GED.
Ability to follow complex instructions in written English.
One or more years of programming experience in a high-level language such as Java, C#, Python, FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal or COBOL, or completion of one of these courses:
Solid knowledge of basic data structures (arrays, linked lists) and algorithms (searching, sorting).
Experience creating programs that work with text on the command line, read input from the user and print it to the screen.
Willingness to actively participate in online discussions, posing questions and offering positive and constructive feedback.