Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/writing-running-fixing-code

Introduction

### Course Review: Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C If you're looking to strengthen your programming skills, particularly in C, the "Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C" course on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the "Programming Fundamentals" course, providing a thorough understanding of how to write effective code, run it successfully, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. #### Overview The course emphasizes a systematic approach to software development that is invaluable for beginners and seasoned coders alike. One of the key takeaways is the importance of planning before writing code. This foundational skill allows programmers to think critically about what their program should accomplish, leading to more efficient coding practices. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Writing Code** In the first module, learners dive into writing code within the Practice Programming Environment. This section reviews the first four steps of the "Seven Steps" methodology introduced in the previous course, before focusing on Step 5: Translating Your Algorithm to Code. This is a crucial area where the course shines, as it underscores that expert programmers spend ample time planning, which is a habit that novices must adopt early on for long-term success. 2. **Compiling and Running** The second module guides you through the essentials of compiling and running your code. Understanding the role of the compiler is critical: it transforms the code you write into machine-executable instructions. This module offers insights into various compiler options and methods to run your program, all while emphasizing debugging techniques. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone serious about coding in C. 3. **Testing and Debugging** The third module focuses on two indispensable skills: testing and debugging. Here, you will learn systematic methods for identifying bugs within your code, along with applying the scientific method to resolve these issues. This module not only enhances your programming knowledge but encourages a logical approach to problem-solving, essential in the world of software development. 4. **Project** The course culminates in a culminating project that spans the rest of the specialization. You will work on developing a program that calculates the odds of various poker hands winning using a Monte Carlo simulation. This project is particularly engaging because it applies the concepts learned throughout the course to a real-world scenario that requires both creativity and technical skills. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the "Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C" course for anyone interested in pursuing a career in software development or looking to enhance their coding skills. The course structure is well-organized, breaking down complex concepts into digestible modules while providing ample opportunities for hands-on practice. Moreover, the emphasis on testing and debugging prepares learners for the challenges they will face in the programming landscape, making this course an excellent stepping stone for future programming endeavors. ### Conclusion Overall, this Coursera course is a treasure trove of knowledge that equips you with the necessary skills to write, compile, and fix code in C efficiently. Whether you're stepping into the coding world for the first time or brushing up on your skills, "Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C" is a course that will serve as a pivotal part of your programming journey. So grab your notebook, prepare to code, and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of C programming!

Syllabus

Writing Code

In this module, you will learn to write code and do your first assignment in the Practice Programming Environment. You have practiced the first four steps of the Seven Steps in the previous course, and you will review them here before learning Step 5: Translating Your Algorithm to Code. Expert programmers spend most of their time planning before they begin writing code, and you will learn to do the same!

Now that you know how to plan an algorithm and translate it to code, you need to learn how to compile and run it! You will learn about the compiler, which takes the code you wrote and translates it into instructions a machine can execute, which you can then run. You will also learn about different options you can give the compiler, as well as different ways to run your program that give you debugging information.

Two skills that are crucial to good programming are testing—finding problems with your code, and debugging—fixing them. In this module you will learn systematic ways to identify problems in your code, as well as how to apply the scientific method to fix your program when you do find a bug.

In this module you will begin the project you will complete over the course of the rest of the specialization. At the end of each course, you will write a piece of a program that will calculate the odds of different poker hands winning with a Monte Carlo simulation—a way to calculate complicated probabilities by generating random data.