programming

C Programming Tutorial 3: Arithmetic & Logic in C

Welcome to C Programming Tutorial three!

In the last C programming tutorial, we talked about what a variable is and went over some common variable types, explaining what they’re used for and what their limitations are.

We’re still learning the basics of C programming, so this time we’re going to talk about arithmetic and logic.

Logic and arithmetic are one of the foundations of any programming language.

Some may think the principles and rules on this are obvious and may be tempted to skip this tutorial. I urge you not to skip, especially if you’re new to C programming. While many things about arithmetic and logic may seem obvious and boring, there are some caveats and gotchas. Even if you’re a C programming aficionado, this tutorial can serve as a good review of the basics.

Sometimes, gaining more complex knowledge has the tendency to push simple things into the dusty corners of our brains, making us forget the basics and over-complicate things.

C Programming Tutorial 2: Intro to Variables

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The first C programming tutorial gave a quick history of the C language. Then, it talked about how high-level instructions get converted to the 1s and 0s a microcontroller can understand. Finally, we went over some good programming practice.

In this C programming tutorial, we’re going to talk about one of the core concepts of C, or any programming language for that matter. We’re going to talk about variables.

If you have a decent amount of C programming experience you probably know something about variables. You should still read this because, as usual, it will be a good review.

If you’re new to C or programming in general, understanding variables is not an option. You need to read this and know this stuff.

Of course, it’s hard to know who knows what, so we’ll assume you’re just getting started with C programming.

On we march into C programming tutorial 2!

C Programming Tutorial 1: Intro to C

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This C programming tutorial will be the first in a series of C tutorials. The posts in this blog thus far cover both the theoretical and the more practical, but until now none covered programming.

The C programming language is universal. Some readers may be C programming experts (unlike me). Others may be new or maybe haven’t even written one line of code. This series of posts will assume you’re brand new to C programming (and I’m sure I’ll get to scrape some of the rust off my C skills in the process). Those with C experience may find it makes a good review. If you are new to C, this C programming tutorial is a great place to start.

If you’ve worked with PICs or any sort of microcontroller before, there’s a good chance you have some experience in C programming. Arduino sketches are very similar to C, so ditto there.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Programming Arduino & Other Microcontrollers

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For the electronics enthusiast, programming languages have become a tool almost as ubiquitous as the soldering iron. Just as there’s the old trusty iron on most workbenches, not far away lies some sort of compiler or IDE.

Sure, there are useful and cool things that you can produce without the use of a microcontroller, but there’s also a lot of useful and cool things that would be very difficult or impossible to make without a microcontroller.

One problem is — for those new to electronics at least — that learning to program can be daunting, just like learning to solder for can be daunting some.