Question

I come from a PHP based background and my new years resolution was to listen to Joel and learn C.

I am using a Windows based PC and I don’t mind programming that’s focused a little on the Windows side though I will be starting with console applications.

• What compiler could I use and why?
• What IDE could I use and why?
• What other tools are useful for a beginner C programmer?
• Are there free online guides?

I tried to look for SO questions but the C tag has no good questions on the Hot list but if you know of some good SO questions that are related to this one, don’t hesitate to add it here below.

SO Posts

• What are some good resources for learning C beyond K&R

Answer 1

I’ll answer your questions in order:

• What compiler could I use and why? – Generally, gcc on the Unix world, and since you said you don’t mind Windows, the latest version of MSVC (2008). though it doesn’t support C99. (Remember to change the project settings to compile as C.)
• What IDE could I use and why? – I’ve heard good things about Eclipse, but I never got much into it since I’m on Windows, and gcc options for Windows are… not stellar. MSVC 2008 is good, but Intellisense doesn’t quite live up to C#, though it isn’t as important in C as in C++. I’ve heard they’re fixing this for 2010.
• What other tools are useful for a beginner C programmer? – Turn up your warning level to the maximium supported by the compiler. (To a reasonable standard.) This will help you mantain good coding practices.
• Are there free online guides? – Yes. I don’t know of any very good ones though. Get K&R 2nd Ed. It’s an awesome book, and short too, by the creators of the language.

And another bit of advice: Try to stick to, and learn, standard ANSI C first, stay away from proprietary extensions.