C Language Course

C Language Course Outline for M-Tech IT Institute (Basic to Advanced)

This outline ensures that students progress from a solid understanding of basic C syntax to advanced topics such as memory management, data structures, and system-level programming, preparing them for real-world applications and further studies in computer science and IT.

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Module 1: Introduction to C Programming
– Objective: To provide a foundation in C programming, covering syntax, basic data structures, and control structures.

1. Introduction to Programming Concepts
– History and evolution of C
– Structure of a C program
– Compiling and executing C programs
– IDEs and Compilers (e.g., GCC, Code::Blocks)

2. Basic Data Types and Variables
– Primitive data types (int, float, char, double)
– Constants and variables
– Type conversion (implicit and explicit)

3. Input/Output in C
– Using printf() and scanf()
– Formatted output

4. Control Structures
– Conditional statements (if, if-else, switch)
– Looping (for, while, do-while)
– Break and continue statements

5. Functions
– Defining and calling functions
– Function parameters and return values
– Scope and lifetime of variables (local vs global)

6. Arrays
– 1D and 2D arrays
– Arrays and functions
– Multidimensional arrays

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Module 2: Intermediate Concepts in C
– Objective: To deepen understanding of C and introduce more complex data structures and concepts.

1. Pointers
– Introduction to pointers
– Pointer arithmetic
– Pointers to arrays, functions, and structures
– Dynamic memory allocation (malloc, calloc, realloc, free)

2. Strings
– Declaring and initializing strings
– String manipulation (concatenation, comparison, length, etc.)
– Using pointers with strings

3. Structures and Unions
– Defining and using structures
– Nested structures
– Unions and their applications
– Memory management with structures and unions

4. File Handling
– File operations (open, read, write, close)
– Text files vs binary files
– Error handling in file operations
– Random access files

5. Dynamic Memory Allocation
– Understanding dynamic memory management
– Importance of malloc, calloc, realloc, and free
– Memory leaks and their prevention

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Module 3: Advanced C Programming Concepts
– Objective: To cover advanced topics and deepen the practical knowledge of C for real-world application.

1. Linked Lists
– Singly linked lists (insertion, deletion, traversal)
– Doubly linked lists
– Circular linked lists
– Dynamic memory and linked lists

2. Advanced Pointers and Memory Management
– Pointers to functions
– Pointers to structures and arrays
– Advanced memory management techniques

3. Recursion
– Concept of recursion
– Writing recursive functions
– Tail recursion
– Recursion vs iteration

4. Sorting and Searching Algorithms
– Bubble sort, selection sort, insertion sort
– Merge sort, quicksort, heap sort
– Linear search, binary search
– Time and space complexity analysis

5. Multithreading and Concurrency (Optional based on course length)
– Introduction to multi-threading
– Creating threads using POSIX threads
– Synchronization (mutexes, semaphores)
– Thread safety and race conditions

6. Error Handling and Debugging
– Handling runtime errors (segmentation fault, buffer overflow)
– Using errno, perror(), assert()
– Debugging tools (GDB, Valgrind)
– Code optimization techniques

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Module 4: Project and Real-World Applications
– Objective: To integrate learned concepts into practical applications and solve real-world problems.

1. Project Design and Implementation
– Designing a project in C (e.g., a library management system, a student database system)
– Code modularity, documentation, and version control (Git)
– Debugging and testing
– Optimizing code for performance

2. C Programming in Systems Programming
– Operating systems basics (memory management, process scheduling)
– Writing system-level programs in C (e.g., file systems, device drivers)

3. C in Embedded Systems (Optional)
– Introduction to embedded systems programming
– Interfacing with hardware (GPIO, ADC/DAC)
– Real-time operating systems (RTOS) basics

4. Capstone Project
– Students will work individually or in groups to implement a real-world project using the C language.
– Students will demonstrate their understanding of C programming concepts while developing and presenting their project.

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Assessment and Evaluation
– Assignments and Quizzes: Regular quizzes and assignments to assess comprehension.
– Midterm Exam: Theory and practical exam covering the basics and intermediate topics.
– Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course, including advanced topics and project work.
– Project Presentation: Evaluation based on project design, implementation, and demonstration.

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Recommended Books and Resources
– Books:
1. “The C Programming Language” by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
2. “C Programming: A Modern Approach” by K. N. King
3. “Expert C Programming” by Peter van der Linden

– Online Resources:
1. GeeksforGeeks C Programming Section
2. TutorialsPoint C Programming
3. StackOverflow (for troubleshooting)