Chapter 1. GETTING READY

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In this chapter, you learn about C's history and features, examine the steps needed to write programs, learn a bit about compilers and linkers, and look at C standards.

Welcome to the world of C ”a vigorous, professional programming language popular with amateur and commercial programmers alike. This chapter prepares you for learning and using this powerful and popular language, and it introduces you to the kinds of environments in which you will most likely develop your C-legs.

First, we look at C's origin and examine some of its features, both strengths and drawbacks. Then we examine some general principles for programming. Finally, we discuss how to run C programs on some common systems.

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