This book introduces students to the basics of computers, software and internet along with how to program computers using the C language. It is intended for an introductory course that gives beginning engineering and science students a firm rooting in the fundamental principles of computers and information technology, and also provides invaluable insights into key concepts of computing through development of skills in programming and problem solving using C language. To this end, the book is eminently suitable for the first-year engineering students of all branches and MCA students, as per the prescribed syllabus of several universities.

C is a difficult language to learn if it is not methodically introduced. The book explains C and its basic programming techniques in a way suitable for beginning students. It begins by giving students a solid foundation in algorithms to help them grasp the overall concepts of programming a computer as a problem-solving tool. Simple aspects of C are introduced first to enable students to quickly start writing programs. More difficult concepts in the latter parts of the book, such as pointers and their use, have been presented in an accessible manner making the learning of C an exciting and interesting experience. The methodology used is to illustrate each new concept with a program and emphasize a good style in programming to allow students to gain sufficient skills in problem solving.

KEY FEATURES

Self-contained introduction to both computers and programming for beginners

All important features of C illustrated with over 100 examples

Good style in programming emphasized

Laboratory exercises on applications of MS Office, namely, Word processing, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint are included.About the Author

V. RAJARAMAN, Ph.D. (Wisconsin), is Honorary Professor in the Super-computer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Earlier, Prof. Rajaraman was Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur (1963–1982), Professor of Computer Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (1982–1994) and IBM Professor of Information Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (1994–2001).

A pioneer in computer science education and research in India, Prof. Rajaraman was awarded the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1976. He is also the recipient of Homi Bhabha Prize by U.G.C., Om Prakash Basin award, ISTE award for excellence in teaching computer engineering, Rustom Choksi award, Zaheer Medal by the Indian National Science Academy and Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 1998. An author of several well established and highly successful computer books,
Prof. Rajaraman has also published many research papers in national and international journals.