Clinical Professor, School of Information
Exploring C
What You'll Learn
- Learn the basics of C syntax
- Identify the similarities and differences between C and Python
- Understand the impact of C on modern programming
5 Modules
10 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Exploring C
The C programming language is heavily influential in the world of coding and helps run some of the most powerful computer programs in the world. In Exploring C, examine the historical context and impact of C on the development of programming over the past 50 years. In this course, you’ll compare and contrast C with the programming language Python, review how to code in C and gain an understanding of the nuances of computer programming.
Skills You'll Gain
- Computer Programming
- C (Programming Language)
- Programming Languages
- Python (Programming Language)
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Exploring C, an online course that introduces the C programming language through historical context and hands-on exercises. Learners compare C with Python while building foundational programming skills through coding assignments. The course is part of the C Programming for Everybody series.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Historical Context
- Reading: Help Us Learn More About You!
- Reading: Syllabus
- Reading: Course Pre-Requsites
- Video: Welcome to C Programming for Everybody
- Video: A History of C, UNIX, and Computation before and after 1978
- Video: Brian Kernighan - Building C at Bell Labs
- Graded Assignment: History / Introduction
- Video: Bonus: Valencia Spain Office Hours
- Reading: Additional Resources for Week 1
Module 2: Part 1: From Python to C
- Video: Part 1: From Python to C - The Rosetta Stone Lecture
- Reading: Textbook Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction
- Reading: Additional Resources for Week 2
Module 3: Part 2: From Python to C
- Video: Part 2: From Python to C - The Rosetta Stone Lecture
- Reading: Textbook Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction
Module 4: Part 1: A Tutorial Introduction
- Video: Historical Context For Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction
- Reading: Textbook Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction
- Graded Assignment: Tutorial Introduction
Module 5: Part 2: A Tutorial Introduction
- Video: Historical Context For Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction Part 2
- Reading: Textbook Chapter 1: A Tutorial Introduction
- Reading: Additional Resources for Week 5
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
Grading Policy
The course grade is based on two autograder items (worth 11%), and a series of exercises worth the remaining 89%.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Intermediate Level
It is recommended to have completed Python for Everybody before beginning this course.
