Re: Nth request of book recommendations

From: fb (fb_at_goaway.net)
Date: 11/28/04 

Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 23:56:39 GMT

Guido Mureddu wrote:

> Hello,
>
Hi

> I'm a student in electronic engineering. I do know you've seen and answered this
> sort of topic/request countless times, but I haven't found past threads as
> helpful as I had hoped, and even though I have read them all and many reviews, I
> prefer to ask directly to people who know the subject better than anyone else.
>
> First of all, I'm not new to programming, and I have already had an
> introductory course on C. I have an "intermediate C" course this semester.
> Whatever "intermediate C" means, I intend to learn the language in much greater
> detail than I did with the introductory course. The professor gave us choice
> between two books: "C: The Complete Reference" by Herbert Schildt, and "A Book
> on C" by Kelley/Pohl.
> I have Schildt's. I started reading through it page by page, happy to have found
> a deep and detailed - but readable - reference on the language. As you can
> imagine, the book's inconsistencies started to make me suspicious after the
> first few chapters. I searched here for threads about the book, and found a lot
> of bashing and general dislike of the book, which confirmed my (sad) impression
> that I was reading a very enjoyable, but misinforming, book.
>

Afraid so...It's not that Schildt is a bad writer, it's just that he's
ummm...Wrong and won't admit it...and a touch pious.

> I want a better book - one that I can rely on. At the same time, I don't want
> another introduction to the language - I've gone through that already. And I
> want something readable, not some sort of C encyclopedia. My searches narrowed
> down possible candidates to these books:
>
> - "A Book on C", by Kelley & Pohl. This seems to be recommended by many, but is
> it good as a detailed reference? My general feeling is that it might be a little
> too oriented towards the beginner.
>
> - "The C Programming Language", well, K&R2. Definitely a book I will buy sooner
> or later, but I feel that right now I'd like something more detailed. I know
> it's still the best - but extracting informations from it may not always be
> easy. Also I'm not sure about its value as a complete reference.
>

When using C, this is a must.

> - "C: A Reference Manual" by Harbison & Steele. Do I need this for my studies?
> Is it actually useful for learning, or is it only a reference? Is it readable
> by someone who only knows the basics of the language? In general, can it be read
> almost cover to cover?
>

I don't mind this book, though I don't know if I could recommend it as a
still learning the language type of book...But if you have the money,
pick it up.

> If possible, I'd like to know about the quality of the binding/paper of these
> books: because of their prices, I want them to last one decade, not one year.
>

Depends on use.

> To put it simply: I want a book like Schildt's, but correct, precise and
> conforming to the ANSI standard.
>
> If you've actually read through all this, thank you. I hope someone can help me.
> Feel free to recommend another book if you think my three possible choices are
> not adequate.

Though I have not read the C version of Dietel and Deitels "C: How to
program" I have heard some good things about it. The C++ version has
some excellent examples for the student and is often used as a textbook.
  If we assume the C version is similiar, it should be a fairly good book.

Years ago I read a Book called "C primer plus". I had a very good
learning experience with this book.

Finally, "C Programming: A Modern Approach" I've heard is also quite
good. Take your pick.

Bye!