How Long Does It Take to Learn Advanced C?

While C is a middle-level computer language easy to learn, it can write only small programs or applications. The other language, C++, is the enhanced version of C with added support for object-oriented programming. It is applied in many domains that leverage graphical user interface (GUI) programming and operating systems. It has classes and objects that make it possible to write code in modular form for larger programs or applications.

Programming newbies who want to master a foundational syntax may like to learn Advanced C to write high-quality C code and create advanced C applications in real-time dynamic environments. Advanced C has extra operators for bitwise manipulation of operands. Learning Advanced C can help you develop skills that set you apart from C++ programmers. It helps develop Embedded Systems, a program in an IoT ecosystem and Blockchains, build AI and micro-controller-based applications, develop electronic gadgets, design/create RTOS (Real-time operating system), and other applications across industries. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, washing machines, digital cameras, etc., are based on microcontrollers programmed by embedded C.

As a C programmer, investing time to learn Advanced C gives you the scope for high salaries and career growth. You can learn Advanced C programming skills by translating logic to code and applying it to embedded systems.

What is Advanced C?

Advanced C Programming helps you develop a deeper understanding of the C programming ecosystem and how things work behind the scenes with live C coding.

Also known as Embedded C, Advanced C is an extension of the standard C language. It has a cross-platform development and OS independence capability, with features such as multiple memory addressing and fixed-point arithmetic and hardware dependency.

Why learn Advanced C?

To begin with, it is always easy to write code in C.

Advanced C Programming is the underpinning of processor functioning in most embedded systems we find in our daily lives, such as mobile phones and washing machines. And learning Advanced C offers the advantage of being career-ready in a widely used programming language.

Here are some other reasons why you must learn C:

• Easy to understand
• Portable
• Highly Reliable
• Scalable
• Less time-consuming
• Easy to maintain code
• Library functions help reduce the complexity of the main code
• Code can be ported to other architectures with minimum modifications
• Low cost of hardware in embedded C programs
• Runs pre-defined programming
• Less time to develop apps
• Easy modifications and updates for successful maintenance cycles
• Continual execution of similar tasks that do not require a change in hardware, like additional memory or storage space
• High level of optimization.

How long does it take to learn Advanced C: The Learning pathway

In Advanced C, knowledge of C++ basics like variables, data types, loops, pointers, and vectors, is the way to begin. However, if you are wondering whether to learn C before C++, the answer is no. You can jump into C++ as it builds on top of C with powerful features and libraries. If you are already proficient in Java, you can learn the basics of C++ in a short learning curve, as the syntax is similar. However, in Java, memory management is system controlled and automatic. Whereas in C++, you manage the memory, and learning this may take up to 3 weeks or more.

Here is the pathway for learning Advanced C:

1. Learn C++

Understand basics like Function and Double Pointers, Macros, Signals, Recursion, and Bit Manipulation. Learn about threads and networking with Sockets. Once you have learned how to write high-quality C code, understand how to solve problems in programming.

Learn to apply C concepts to create advanced C applications.

2. Learn Fundamentals of Electronics

A basic understanding of electronics is necessary, as Advanced C works in embedded systems. So learn about voltage, current, power, resistance, and ohms law from online resources. At the same time, experiment with online simulators and real circuits. Get the hang of the underlying hardware before you learn about Advanced C.

3. Learn Assembly Programming

Assembly language is a low-level programming language that closely mirrors the machine language of a computer or other programmable device. As it is developed to suit different computer architectures, you come across many types of assembly languages, such as the ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) assembly language.

Most devices contain an ARM chip, which calls for understanding ARM assembly language. Knowing an assembly language such as ARM allows you to write code that works well with a machine language and interacts with hardware efficiently.

Gain an understanding of the ARM processor, emulation, and program structure.  Master the fundamentals of register, stack, and memory-addressing modes and concepts of arithmetic and logical operators. Learn how to write basic ARM assembly programs using the instructions available in the processor and understand how it interacts with simple hardware devices.

4. Choose a Microcontroller and Toolchain

Most embedded systems have two parts: embedded hardware and embedded software. Embedded hardware includes microprocessors and microcontrollers, while embedded software is embedded operating systems, various applications, and device drivers.

In most real-life embedded projects, the code is written in C. So, gain experience in coding environments.

However, before you get to the coding stage, you will need the following:

• a microcontroller to run them
• a compiler to compile your programs
• the necessary tools to load your programs onto your hardware and debug them.

Selecting the perfect microcontroller is about the hardware as well as the software. So you want to consider the microcontroller architecture, the memory, the package size, and the microcontroller kits. As multiple devices connect via the internet, you need short development cycles.

Before a model is deployed to an embedded device, you must select a valid toolchain and corresponding build options. A toolchain consists of tools such as a compiler, linker, and assembler that help build your project.

5. Pick Components and Dig into Their Datasheets

Next, pick some component libraries at Autodesk EAGLE. Dig into their datasets. Check the datasheets to figure out how to use a component and make it work for your application.

Summary

To master Advanced C, it will take you at least 3 months to write high-quality C code and make yourself more marketable for higher-level real-time/embedded programming positions.

So what are you waiting for? Get started by registering for an online course and master the most happening programming language, Advanced C.