ReggaetonKing

I read a lot online and many sites recommend knowing C will help your programming knowledge as well as your techniques on how to program no matter what the language is. I had my eye on C for a few months while learning Java. Of course I am sticking with Java full-time as in main language that I am studying for now but I also want to look into C while learning Java.

I know Java pretty well. Not too novice yet not too experienced neither. Though, to me, C has been the ideal programming language. I mean it's been around for over 3 decades, that tell someone something right? Please share your thoughts with me. Should I look into C while learning Java?

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nnxion

In my opinion it's a lot more important to understand programming paradigms than to learn a new programming language.

I would suggest you look into something really different like Haskell/Scheme, Lisp, or Prolog. If you would like to learn other paradigms, then here's a list.

If you still want to look into something like C, I'd suggest C++ rather than C. C++ is multi-paradigm language (generic-programming, object-oriented, procedural), where C is just procedural. Plus it's almost a superset of C, and resembles Java (duh) so you can come to a lot of new insights concerning Java too.

By the way:
That's just taurine excrement (TM DaWei). FORTRAN, COBOL, Lisp, Algol, Simula, BASIC, Pascal and even Smalltalk have been around longer than C.

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java_roshan

I, at times, feel odd when few say, learning C helped to program in just any other language (eve, I used to say this). But may b ppl say this because, its the simplicity and legendary attribute, that C has probably.

When one begins to learn a different approach to programming like from structured to object oriented, (C to C++), they are programming things differently, the program works differently, than it would work in the former. I believe, C would teach a syntax format the is somewhat a basis for other languages.

I believe, while learning, Java, you could refer to the javadocs, because there's a lot to learn from it!

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DaWei

You would only want to move to C if you're interested in shucking some layers of abstraction. That's a worthy goal if you are interested in learning more about the realities of today's architecture and how your machine really works.

It would give you the ability to peer into OS code, for instance, presuming you could lay your hands on the source. You would then have more understanding about the capabilities of your machine and how, under the hood, the various flavors are more similar than different (it's the user interfaces that are being interpreted by the users as The Machine, by and large). The next step, beyond that, would be machine language, as represented by assembler mnemonics.

If those aren't your goals, your investment in learning is probably better directed elsewhere. Obviously, it makes a useful addition to your resume, under any conditions. The only question is "how valuable an addition?", and that varies with the market and where you place yourself in it.

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ReggaetonKing

I chose C because Java takes about of concepts from C and C++. And C++ takes a lot from C. I really didn't mean "C will make me a better programmer". I just implied that it will teach me good techniques and style in Java because a lot of it came from C.

Of course but they are not as popular as C. C is still activitly used all the time. I am not saying those language aren't use either. Cobol, I hear, still is also really popular. I don't hear much about those other language, especially Simula but I know C takes a lot from them as well.

I didn't mean learn more of the actual Java language itself. Working witha low-level language like C will increase my knowledge on how it really works. Also, Javadoc is really good and I do still read them time from time. Mainly, when I am looking into a new class.

EDIT: Will learning a procedural language like C effect my learning of a OOP language. Also, I read that it's possible to use OOP in C but it's not easy and because it's not easy that don't mention that.

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DaWei

Of course it's possible to use object-oriented design in C. OOD was not invented by software gurus. Oog used it when he chiseled out the first wheel. Some things should be objects and some should not. Your lawnmower is an object, comprising other objects. How hard is that to get? It's only hard if you listen to self-anointed high priests. Your lawn is NOT an object (and shouldn't be). It doesn't have its own lawnmower object and mow () method. You get those elsewhere, bring them to the lawn, and cut your grass procedurally. Learning to mow your lawn will not tank your ability to design a carburetor object, if such are your leanings.

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Harakim

I can't imagine knowing C hurting you. If you want to apply it to Java, it might end up being more like a history lesson than a programming lesson. Like other people said, I think it's mainly just removing layers of abstraction.

nnxion

I can't think of many programming languages that can...
I think a lot of others can teach one more than C, especially when one already knows Java.

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Ooble

If you already know Java, why learn another, such as C++ or C#, that's effectively the same thing? Why not learn something a little different? C, Assembly, Perl, PHP, Python, LISP, Prolog... the list goes on.

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DaWei

Again, see post 4. You can move up (more abstraction), down (less), or sideways. Up and down have benefits, though differing benefits. There isn't a lot of point in going down to C unless you plan to continue the trip. Dealing with non-atomic arrays, dynamic memory allocation, stuff like that, isn't going to gain you a hell of a lot beyond preparing you for additional forays into the elemental aspects of the Von Neumann architure, the hardware implementations thereof, and the sort of software production that makes you grunt and mumble.

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Abstraction doesn't make it impossible to write bad code; it makes it possible to write superior code.
Contributor's Corner: Grumpy on C++ Exceptions DaWei on Pointers