The C Programming Language (2nd Edition) (1988)

While I understand and appreciate the historical significance of this book, I really don't think it has aged well for the modern programmer. I found it to be a not bad refresher for the C language, but anything beyond that I would try to find another source to learn C. It felt to me that you already needed to know a fairly low level programming language to understand how to do something in C, compared to a modern learner who probably is using C to start learning more lower level ideas. It also compares C to languages which aren't in wide use anymore (at least for beginner languages), as well as referencing the C language prior to the ANSI standard (which feels pointless at this point in time.)

Again, I understand its a significant historical book for C, but if someone asked me for recommendations on a beginner textbook for programming or the C language, I wouldn't recommend this one. ( )

Definitive reference for C syntax and functionality. Not great for learning, but fabulous for reference. ( )

Great starter for anyone wanting to l;earn C and keep within the ANSI standard of coding. Weed out those bad habits before they form, he he. ( )

If you write software in C, this book needs to be on the shelf. ( )

I read this years ago when I was first taking C. I don't have this edition, but an earlier one. After wading through several other books, I kept coming back to this one as a reference while programming. It is deceptively short & sweet. Re-reads constantly found me more avenues to explore using their basics.

I gave a copy to my son & he came to the same conclusion. While other, larger, & more specific books come & go as C evolves, this basic work is a must for any serious programmer. ( )