From: John Joyce Date: 2007-10-03T11:22:10+09:00 Subject: Re: Confession: I never did ASM On Oct 2, 2007, at 8:35 PM, Brian Adkins wrote: > On Sep 29, 3:27 pm, John Joyce > wrote: >> On Sep 29, 2007, at 12:05 PM, Brian Adkins wrote: >> >>> On Sep 27, 1:21 am, julik wrote: >>>> so that I >>>> can (not too urgently) start in C with at least some level of self- >>>> confidence and understanding? >> >>> What's wrong with this group? No one has mentioned K&R ??? >> >> Somebody did, but the one criticism we can always leverage against >> K&R is that it is not a beginner's introduction to C. > > Bzzzt... wrong answer. And who are you referring to with "we"? You're > certainly not speaking for any programmers who have mastered C that I > know of. > >> Before going >> into data structures or algorithms in K&R, it is important to first >> get a grasp of the C language. > > Name one book that is superior to K&R for learning the C programming > language. > >> Unfortunately, not all of the stuff in K&R is applicable to Ruby. You >> can try to write C or C++ style in Ruby > > Why would you want to do that? > >> but it always shows. > > Trolling for arguments? Most things are just tactful discussions here. Programmers who have mastered C? Sure they'll find K&R useful. Sure it is the goto book for C. Sure it's loaded with useful stuff! Obviously you're protective of it and enamored with it, but get over it. It is terse and not the best introduction to C for people who new to programming or who are new to a language like C. No matter how much good material is in it, it doesn't make it a good intro for everyone. Programming Ruby is the goto book for Ruby, but it's not appropriate for everyone, it does assume prior programming experience. Though Ruby is arguably easier to learn and work with than C, some people are better served to start with something else like Beginning Ruby or even Learning to Program. AWDR is also the goto book for Rails, but it is not necessarily the best for those who've never built a web application. Those people might be better served by several other books, but eventually will want to consult AWDR for more information. Same goes for C. There is no magic book that is right for everyone. Most people should get K&R if they do a lot of C, but it is certainly possible to do good C without it! It's not about superiority or complete mastery. K&R is not a sacred religious text and C is not a religion. But, that's an unfortunately common attitude among C forums though...