First published in 2012, with the second edition following in 2016 (often referenced as the 2017 reprint or edition in syllabi), this book is specifically designed to serve as a textbook for undergraduate students. It aims to lay a solid foundation by covering two broad areas: the fundamentals of computer systems, and the basics of programming using the C language.
Before you write your first line of code, you need to understand the "brain" of the operation. This section covers:
Processing character arrays using built-in string functions ( strlen , strcpy , strcat , strcmp ) and understanding null terminators ( \0 ). Pointers: Advanced Memory Management
Unlike books that jump straight into coding, this textbook lays a firm foundation by explaining what a computer is before teaching how to program it.
What makes this textbook a "must-have" for many students and instructors is its rich pedagogical framework. The book is written in a lucid and accessible language, ensuring that even beginners with no prior knowledge of programming can grasp the concepts. The author has incorporated several key features to facilitate learning: First published in 2012, with the second edition
The publisher, Oxford University Press, ensures high editorial standards. Conclusion
Utilizing legitimate distribution networks ensures access to correct errata updates, supplementary digital workbooks, and high-fidelity code execution guides provided by the author. If you are currently studying this textbook, tell me:
Decision-making structures ( if-else , switch-case ) and iterative loops ( while , do-while , for ) necessary for defining program flow.
The second edition of this book is explicitly designed for undergraduate students, making it an ideal textbook for introductory core courses. It has been widely recommended in the syllabi of various Indian universities and colleges. For instance, it is listed as a textbook for courses like "Principles of Programming using C" and "Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C" in several academic lesson plans. The content aligns well with common university syllabi, covering topics from basic computer organization and number systems to advanced C constructs and an introduction to data structures. The book is written in a lucid and
Primary (int, float, char, double), Derived, and User-defined types.
The second half shifts focus toward software engineering using C. It emphasizes clean syntax, logical structures, and memory management.
Mastery of binary, octal, hexadecimal, and crucial character encodings like Unicode and ASCII. Boolean Algebra:
Over 200 tested program codes with outputs to help you visualize execution. Case Studies: Before writing code
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The initial phase of the textbook ensures that readers understand how a computer operates before they attempt to write code. Thareja simplifies complex hardware interactions through clear diagrams and structured explanations. Core Hardware & Architecture
Step-by-step methodologies for converting numbers between Binary, Octal, Decimal, and Hexadecimal systems.
The first half of the textbook introduces readers to the physical and logical architecture of computer systems. Before writing code, a programmer must understand how a computer processes, stores, and manages data. 1. Introduction to Computers