The 7 best C Books of all time for advanced programmers

A data-backed answer

🤓

Methodology

There are countless lists on the internet claiming to be the list of must-read C books and it seemed that all those lists always recommended that same books minus two or three odd choices.

Finding good resources for learning programming is always tricky. Every-one has its own opinion about what book is the best to learn, and as we say in french, “Color and tastes should not be argued about”.

However I though it would be interesting to trust the wisdom of the crown and to find the books that appeared the most in those “Best C Book” lists.

If you want to jump right on the results go take a look below at the full results. If you want to learn about the methodology, bear with me.

I’ve simply asked Google for a few queries like “Best C Books” and its variations of. I have then scrapped all those pages (using ScrapingBee, a web scraping API I’m working on).

I’ve deduplicated the links and ended up with nearly 65 links. Using the title of the pages I was also able to quickly discards:

I ended up with almost 59 HTML files. I went on opening all the files on my browser, open my chrome inspector, found and wrote the CSS selector matching book titles in the article. This took me around 1hours, almost 30 seconds per page.

This also allowed me to discard even more nonrelevant pages, and I discarded a lot. In the end I compiled around 35 lists into this one.

Book titles were then extracted with manuel extraction and some web scraping.

I ended up with a huge list of books, not usable without some post-processing.

To find the most quoted C books I needed to normalize my results.

I had to play with all the different variation like “{title} by {author}” or “{title} - {author}”.

Or “{title}:{subtitle}” and “{title}”, or even all the one containing edition number.

And afterquite a bit of manual cleaning.

My list now looked like this:

From there it was easy to compute the most recommended books. You can find all the data used to process this list on this repo. Now let’s take a look at the list:

I've also recently used some data from different book sellers in order to not forget important books and try to give more weight to books with incredible reviews.

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Results

7
)

Advanced C and C++ Compiling

by
Milan Stevanovic
3.5
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
Learning how to write C/C++ code is only the first step. To be a serious programmer, you need to understand the structure and purpose of the binary files produced by the compiler: object files, static libraries, shared libraries, and, of course, executables.

Advanced C and C++ Compiling explains the build process in detail and shows how to integrate code from other developers in the form of deployed libraries as well as how to resolve issues and potential mismatches between your own and external code trees. With the proliferation of open source, understanding these issues is increasingly the responsibility of the individual programmer.

Advanced C and C++ Compiling brings all of the information needed to move from intermediate to expert programmer together in one place -- an engineering guide on the topic of C/C++ binaries to help you get the most accurate and pertinent information in the quickest possible time. What you'll learn The details of the build process, including compiling and linking The inner workings of static libraries, shared libraries, and executables Ways to properly architect code for smooth integration of future changes Tips for troubleshooting problems with compiling and linking as well as run-time problems How to use operating system-specific (Linux and Windows) tools for analysis of binary files Who this book is for C/C++ software designers aspiring to senior levels, software architects, build engineers, and Linux system administrators
”
Amazon.com
6
)

Learn C Programming: A beginner's guide to learning C programming the easy and disciplined way

by
Jeff Szuhay
4.7
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
Get started with writing simple programs in C while learning the skills that will help you work with practically any programming language Key Features Learn essential C concepts such as variables, data structures, functions, loops, and pointers Get to grips with the core programming aspects that form the base of many modern programming languages Explore the expressiveness and versatility of the C language with the help of sample programs Book Description C is a powerful general-purpose programming language that is excellent for beginners to learn. This book will introduce you to computer programming and software development using C.

If you're an experienced developer, this book will help you to become familiar with the C programming language. This C programming book takes you through basic programming concepts and shows you how to implement them in C.

Throughout the book, you'll create and run programs that make use of one or more C concepts, such as program structure with functions, data types, and conditional statements. You'll also see how to use looping and iteration, arrays, pointers, and strings.

As you make progress, you'll cover code documentation, testing and validation methods, basic input/output, and how to write complete programs in C. By the end of the book, you'll have developed basic programming skills in C, that you can apply to other programming languages and will develop a solid foundation for you to advance as a programmer.

What you will learn Understand fundamental programming concepts and implement them in C Write working programs with an emphasis on code indentation and readability Break existing programs intentionally and learn how to debug code Adopt good coding practices and develop a clean coding style Explore general programming concepts that are applicable to more advanced projects Discover how you can use building blocks to make more complex and interesting programs Use C Standard Library functions and understand why doing this is desirable Who this book is for This book is written for two very diverse audiences. If you're an absolute beginner who only has basic familiarity with operating a computer, this book will help you learn the most fundamental concepts and practices you need to know to become a successful C programmer.

If you're an experienced programmer, you'll find the full range of C syntax as well as common C idioms. You can skim through the explanations and focus primarily on the source code provided.

Table of Contents Running "Hello, World!" Understanding Program Structure Working with Basic Data Types Using Variables and Assignment Exploring Operators and Expressions Exploring Conditional Program Flow Exploring Loops and Iteration Creating and Using Enumerations Creating and Using Data Structures Creating Custom Data Types With Typedef Working with Arrays Working with Multi-dimensional Arrays Using Pointers Understand Arrays and Pointers Working with Strings Creating and Using More Complex Structures Understanding Memory Allocation and Lifetime. Using Dynamic Memory Allocation Exploring Formatted Output Getting Input From the Command Line Exploring Formatted Input Working with files Using File Input and File Output Working with Multi-File Programs Understanding Scope Appendix
”
Amazon.com
5
)

21st Century C: C Tips from the New School

by
Ben Klemens
5.4
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
Throw out your old ideas about C and get to know a programming language that’s substantially outgrown its origins. With this revised edition of 21st Century C, you’ll discover up-to-date techniques missing from other C tutorials, whether you’re new to the language or just getting reacquainted.

C isn’t just the foundation of modern programming languages; it is a modern language, ideal for writing efficient, state-of-the-art applications. Get past idioms that made sense on mainframes and learn the tools you need to work with this evolved and aggressively simple language.

No matter what programming language you currently favor, you’ll quickly see that 21st century C rocks. Set up a C programming environment with shell facilities, makefiles, text editors, debuggers, and memory checkers Use Autotools, C’s de facto cross-platform package manager Learn about the problematic C concepts too useful to discard Solve C’s string-building problems with C-standard functions Use modern syntactic features for functions that take structured inputs Build high-level, object-based libraries and programs Perform advanced math, talk to internet servers, and run databases with existing C libraries This edition also includes new material on concurrent threads, virtual tables, C99 numeric types, and other features.
”
Amazon.com
4
)

Computer Programming: The Bible: Learn from the basics to advanced of Python, C, C++, C#, HTML Coding, and Black Hat Hacking Step-by-Step in No Time!

by
CyberPunk Architects & Adam Johnson
5.5
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
Are you ready to learn and start programming with any language in less than 12 hours? The world of technology is changing and those who know how to handle it and who have the most knowledge about it are the ones who will get ahead. If you are a beginner who is interested in learning more and getting ahead, then this guidebook is the one for you.

The only guide you will ever need to learn computer programming quickly and easily, from expert developers with 20+ years experience. The first section of this book is going to discuss the basics of hacking.

We will look at the difference between ethical and black hat hacking, how to keep yourself safe, how to crack a password, and more. If you are interested in learning about hacking and what to know to protect your own personal computer network and more, then the first section is a good place to start.

The second section of this guidebook is going to delve more into hacking. This section is going to talk more about the most common hacking threats that are harassing businesses and individuals today, how to do some "man in the middle" attacks, and more.

This is a more advanced section that will help you to build on some of the skills that you learned in the first part. Finally, the third section of this guidebook is going to explore how to get started with some of the most common coding languages.

If you have ever been interested in learning more about the different coding languages and would like a taste of each one, so you can figure out which to explore more in depth, then this is the section for you. We will look at some common coding languages such as C++, C#< C, JavaScript, and Python, all in one place! Click “Add to cart” to receive your book instantly!
”
Amazon.com
3
)

Extreme C: Taking you to the limit in Concurrency, OOP, and the most advanced capabilities of C

by
Kamran Amini
5.6
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
Push the limits of what C - and you - can do, with this high-intensity guide to the most advanced capabilities of C Key Features Make the most of C's low-level control, flexibility, and high performance A comprehensive guide to C's most powerful and challenging features A thought-provoking guide packed with hands-on exercises and examples Book Description There's a lot more to C than knowing the language syntax. The industry looks for developers with a rigorous, scientific understanding of the principles and practices.

Extreme C will teach you to use C's advanced low-level power to write effective, efficient systems. This intensive, practical guide will help you become an expert C programmer.

Building on your existing C knowledge, you will master preprocessor directives, macros, conditional compilation, pointers, and much more. You will gain new insight into algorithm design, functions, and structures.

You will discover how C helps you squeeze maximum performance out of critical, resource-constrained applications. C still plays a critical role in 21st-century programming, remaining the core language for precision engineering, aviations, space research, and more.

This book shows how C works with Unix, how to implement OO principles in C, and fully covers multi-processing. In Extreme C, Amini encourages you to think, question, apply, and experiment for yourself.

The book is essential for anybody who wants to take their C to the next level. What you will learn Build advanced C knowledge on strong foundations, rooted in first principles Understand memory structures and compilation pipeline and how they work, and how to make most out of them Apply object-oriented design principles to your procedural C code Write low-level code that's close to the hardware and squeezes maximum performance out of a computer system Master concurrency, multithreading, multi-processing, and integration with other languages Unit Testing and debugging, build systems, and inter-process communication for C programming Who this book is for Extreme C is for C programmers who want to dig deep into the language and its capabilities.

It will help you make the most of the low-level control C gives you. Table of Contents Essential Features From Source to Binary Object Files Process Memory Structure Stack and Heap OOP and Encapsulation Composition and Aggregation Inheritance and Polymorphism Abstraction and OOP in C++ Unix: History and Architecture System Calls and Kernels The Most Recent C Concurrency Synchronization Thread Execution Thread Synchronization Process Execution Process Synchronization Single-Host IPC and Sockets Socket Programming Integration with Other Languages Unit Testing and Debugging Build Systems
”
Amazon.com
2
)

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment, 3rd Edition

by
W. Stevens & Stephen Rago
7.5
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
For more than twenty years, serious C programmers have relied on one book for practical, in-depth knowledge of the programming interfaces that drive the UNIX and Linux kernels: W. Richard Stevens’ Advanced Programming in the UNIX® Environment .

Now, once again, Rich’s colleague Steve Rago has thoroughly updated this classic work. The new third edition supports today’s leading platforms, reflects new technical advances and best practices, and aligns with Version 4 of the Single UNIX Specification.

Steve carefully retains the spirit and approach that have made this book so valuable. Building on Rich’s pioneering work, he begins with files, directories, and processes, carefully laying the groundwork for more advanced techniques, such as signal handling and terminal I/O.

He also thoroughly covers threads and multithreaded programming, and socket-based IPC. This edition covers more than seventy new interfaces, including POSIX asynchronous I/O, spin locks, barriers, and POSIX semaphores.

Most obsolete interfaces have been removed, except for a few that are ubiquitous. Nearly all examples have been tested on four modern platforms: Solaris 10, Mac OS X version 10.6.8 (Darwin 10.8.0), FreeBSD 8.0, and Ubuntu version 12.04 (based on Linux 3.2).

As in previous editions, you’ll learn through examples, including more than ten thousand lines of downloadable, ISO C source code. More than four hundred system calls and functions are demonstrated with concise, complete programs that clearly illustrate their usage, arguments, and return values.

To tie together what you’ve learned, the book presents several chapter-length case studies, each reflecting contemporary environments. Advanced Programming in the UNIX® Environment has helped generations of programmers write code with exceptional power, performance, and reliability
”
Amazon.com
1
)

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

by
Brian W. Kernighan & Dennis M. Ritchie
33.1
% recommend
🛒   Buy
“
The authors present the complete guide to ANSI standard C language programming. Written by the developers of C, this new version helps readers keep up with the finalized ANSI standard for C while showing how to take advantage of C's rich set of operators, economy of expression, improved control flow, and data structures.

The 2/E has been completely rewritten with additional examples and problem sets to clarify the implementation of difficult language constructs. For years, C programmers have let K&R guide them to building well-structured and efficient programs.

Now this same help is available to those working with ANSI compilers. Includes detailed coverage of the C language plus the official C language reference manual for at-a-glance help with syntax notation, declarations, ANSI changes, scope rules, and the list goes on and on.
”
Amazon.com

Conclusion

I hope that you liked this list. Please do not hesitate to check out the other ones I've published.

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