There are many tools and skills needed to truly master the art of software development. When it was invented, C was a major step forward in the evolution of programming languages. To this day, it remains a powerful and popular tool for developing professional software. A familiarity with C is a tremendous aid in understanding the subtleties of other languages such as C++ and Java.

In addition to C language skills, this text teaches top-down design skills. It introduces debugging aids and demonstrates techniques for programming robust software. Unlike other books, which present only small example problems, this book demonstrates the process of developing a completely working software system. Creating such a system involves the ability to organize code into a form that is extensible, flexible, and maintainable. As you read this book and do the exercises, you will design and develop working text editor. In the process, you will get hands-on experience in the essentials of how to design software, and learn how to implement the design.

Two CD-ROMs are packaged with the text containing a Visual C++ compiler and program codes.

If you are seeking to develop practical design and development skills using C, then this book is for you.

• Focus on the C programming language—A powerful and popular tool for developing professional software.

  • Enables students to easily advance in their careers.

• Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler—Included with the text.

  • Allows students to build their C programs using this valuable accompanying CD ROM.

• Hands-on demonstrations—Incorporated in almost all chapters; include a stated objective, an experiment, its results, and an analysis of the activity, its results, and what those results teach.

  • Enables students to gain valuable hands-on experience, crucial to understanding the C program.

• Review questions and 25 exercises—Included in each chapter.

  • Teaches students how to write programs that solve problems in math, physics, electronics, etc.

• Tips, warnings (traps), and technical notes—Copiously contained in each chapter.

  • Gives students important information that is necessary to develop their skills.

• Chapter Glossaries.

  • Provide students with an easy-to-find reference tool for each chapter.

• Instructor's Supplements—Include an Instructor's Manual and PowerPoints.

  • Provides instructors with valuable support in forming their course curriculum.

David Conger, formerly a Professor of Computer Science and Business Computer Programming at the Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute, has developed software for a wide range of applications. These applications include military aircraft, games, a variety of specialized business applications, and programs for interactive TV. He currently produces custom software and technical documentation. His clients include Microsoft Corporation, for whom he has written developer documentation for the Windows Platform Software Development Kit (PSDK). The Windows subsystems he documented, in whole or in part, include DirectX, OpenGL, Extensible Scene Graph (XSG), Image Color Management (ICM), Still Image (STI), Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), the Microsoft Interface Definition Language (MIDL) compiler, and the Mobile Internet Toolkit (MIT).