C Programming Class

These are the notes from an informal C programming class given by Martin Mohlenkamp in the fall of 1997 at MSRI.

Assumptions:

A computer language is a useful skill for a Mathematician.
Not enough Mathematicians have this skill.
Many of them just need a little push to get started.

Why C?

I like it. It's Elegant and intuitive.
K.I.S.S. It's simple. A more complex language gives you too much rope with which to hang yourself.

Expectations: This class is mainly self-taught. The book is excellent. I provide:

encouragement
structure and scheduling
answers when you are stuck

Format for each class:

Talk about any problems from the previous assignment.
New ideas, their syntax, and examples.
Plan the next assignment.

Homework: Reading should be done before that class. Homework should be done before the next class. If you do less than the work assigned, you're wasting your (and my) time. If you do the work assigned, you get a "B". For an "A", you must make extra effort.

Text: "The C Programming Language" 2nd edition, by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie

Syllabus

Getting started Thursday 20 November, 1:15-1:45pm, MSRI lecture hall.
Doing something useful Wednesday 26 Novemer, 10-10:30am, MSRI lecture hall.
Seeing something useful Monday December 1, 1:15 or so, MSRI lecture hall.
Simulating thinking Thursday December 4, 1:15pm, MSRI lecture hall.
Keeping track Monday December 8, 1:15pm, MSRI lecture hall.
Communicating with your program Thursday December 11, 1:15pm, MSRI lecture hall.
More mathematical topics Wednesday December 17, 1pm, MSRI Lecture hall.