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Materials for Learning C? (for contributing to the kernel later) (news.erebion.eu)
submitted 2 weeks ago by erebion@news.erebion.eu to c/programming@programming.dev
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Hey there,

I'm doing some mainlining stuff for Linux phones, so it'd be helpful for debugging to know C.

Sometimes I just have to figure out what a driver does that makes it fail, which is hard without really understanding the syntax.

So the question is: What are some good resources for learning C?

I mean, I roughly know what a variable or function is, as I've played with Arduinos before. I don't need an explanation that covers what programming is, but I also don't know enough to pogram an Arduino without googling the most basic syntax all the time.

I prefer guided stuff that makes me type and think over just reading specs as purely reading specs does not mean it'll stay in the head.

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[-] EtherTide@aussie.zone 9 points 2 weeks ago

The default answer to everyone who has ever asked this question (including me last year) is to read K&R C, the 2nd edition of the original book published by C's inventor.

I wouldn't recommend powering from start to end like a normal book, I wouldn't even recommend a hard copy, but it's a comprehensive reference and the appendeces etc are good. I haven't read much of it at all tbh but it's nice to have. It's still being sold but you can get it from a tonne of libraries etc. I got a pdf from a "friend".

Otherwise, I recommend watching and following along with Free Code Camp's several hour C tutorial. Their editor of choice is so outdated I was't able to install a working copy, but using JetBrains Clion or VS Code or Visual Studio etc etc are all good replacements.

I'm still new to C so hopefully someone will come along who's been doing it since the 1900's.

The Malloc and Nick Barker YouTube channels also have some excellent C videos that you might like.

this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2026
41 points (97.7% liked)

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