There are many tools and skills needed to truly master the art of software development. When it was invented, C was a major step forward in the evolution of programming languages. To this day, it remains a powerful and popular tool for developing professional software. A familiarity with C is a tremendous aid in understanding the subtleties of other languages such as C++ and Java. In addition to C language skills, this text teaches top-down design skills. It introduces debugging aids and demonstrates techniques for programming robust software. Unlike other books, which present only small example problems, this book demonstrates the process of developing a completely working software system. Creating such a system involves the ability to organize code into a form that is extensible, flexible, and maintainable.

As you read this book and do the exercises, you will design and develop working text editor. In the process, you will get hands-on experience in the essentials of how to design software, and learn how to implement the design. Two CD-ROMs are packaged with the text containing a Visual C++ compiler and program codes. If you are seeking to develop practical design and development skills using C, then this book is for you.