Re: What is the single most helpfull guide/reference one could go to!?

From: Darrell Grainger (darrell_at_NOMORESPAMcs.utoronto.ca.com)
Date: 02/22/04 

Date: 22 Feb 2004 16:32:15 GMT

On Sun, 21 Feb 2004, erebus- wrote:

> When learning the C programing languages, i have had and still am
> having the problem of not being able to find answers to many
> questions. Is their an overall guide/reference that someone knows?

Depends on how much money you are willing to spend. You could hire Dan
Pop, Richard Heathfield or one of the many other regulars of comp.lang.c
to be your guide.

I'd recommend the follow:

1) Get a good book on C. People like different writing styles so there
is no one answer on this. Use Google newsgroups to search for past
discussion on what is a good book. Search for "site:comp.lang.c book
recommendation" and you should find something.

2) Find a newsgroup that can help you with your specific implementation.
There is nothing more frustrating then not being able to get the compiler
to work properly. You don't need that frustration while you are learning
to program.

3) Find and read the FAQ for this newsgroup. Make sure you understand what
you read. If you don't understand WHY the answer is what it is then ask.

4) Try some of the assignments you will find in books. Post your code to
comp.lang.c when it fails to work. If the code is large, ask in
comp.programming for techniques on how to isolate a defect in your code.
Once you get it down to a small code snippet, if it is still not obvious
to you, post it to comp.lang.c.

5) Learn to use search engines. Search comp.lang.c. Someone has probably
had the same problem you are having.

6) If you can afford it, get a local tutor or take a class. I occasionally
post ads at the local universities offering my services. I often find
students struggle for days only to be frustrated. I can sometimes
straighten them out in an hour or two. Don't confuse a good tutor with
someone who will do the homework for you. You want to hire someone with
teaching experience and not just programming experience.

Most importantly is to try things and ask questions. Even if you think you
have the code perfect it never hurts to post it to comp.lang.c and see if
you are making a bad assumption. 

-- 
Send e-mail to: darrell at cs dot toronto dot edu
Don't send e-mail to vice.president@whitehouse.gov

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