Procedural Programming Using C Overview

Course Overview

• Course titled "Procedural Programming Using C" focusing on core programming constructs and algorithms.
• Key learning outcomes designed to build foundational programming skills including error analysis and program development.

Course Outcomes

• Understand typical programming constructs: data types (primitive and compound), control structures, modularity, recursion.
• Develop skills in program analysis, debugging, and tracing coding errors.
• Apply programming constructs effectively in computer program development.
• Implement suitable algorithms for various problem scenarios.

Syllabus Breakdown

• Unit 1:
  • Overview of Physical Computing, Arduino hardware/software architecture.
  • Structure and data types in C, including I/O and control structures.
• Unit 2:
  • Concept of arrays, functions, storage classes, scope, recursion, and pointers.
  • Emphasizes pointer arithmetic, dynamic memory allocation.
• Unit 3:
  • Structures, unions, data storage, and string manipulation.
  • Introduces files, streams, C preprocessor directives, and command line arguments.

Textbooks & References

• Primary textbook: "Beginning C for Arduino" by Jack Purdum, Second Edition.
• Notable reference texts include:
  • "C in a Nutshell" by Peter Linz and Tony Crawford.
  • "Modern C" by Jens Gustedt.
  • "Effective C" by Robert C. Seacord.
  • "Tiny C Projects" by Daniel Gookin.

Evaluation Plan

• Total assessment comprises midterm tests, quizzes, continuous assessments (theory and lab), and a final lab-based examination.
• Weightage breakdown:
  • Midterm Test: 20 out of 50.
  • Two quizzes: 5 each out of 10.
  • Continuous Assessment: Various components totaling 40 marks.
  • Internal Marks: 70 total, with End Semester Exam worth 30 out of 50 marks.

Procedural Programming Concepts

• Procedural programming in C divides programs into manageable functions or procedures, each performing specific tasks sequentially.
• Core programming components:
  • Sequence: Execution of code in a linear fashion.
  • Selection: Directing program flow based on conditions.
  • Iteration: Repeated execution of code blocks.
• Emphasis on modularity to facilitate maintenance and reusability of code.
• Distinction between data and procedures is crucial, differing from object-oriented programming.
• Global state allows data access across different program areas, offering flexibility but introducing potential risks.
• C, Fortran, and Pascal are examples of procedural programming languages.