Common C Coding Problems The IOCCC Some samples to download Why a page about C ? Well, after having worked with the language for almost a decade I have developed a deep regard for its capabilities, and have learned a great deal about how to code around some of its deficiencies. Even with the advent of object orientated programming languages I still believe that there is a strong case for using C to develop complex applications. This may not be a particularly trendy point of view, but I believe in using an appropriate tool for the job, rather than using a tool because it is en vogue. Obviously there are cases where using C to develop a tool would lead to enormous complications, and cause artificially complicated code to be employed. In these cases perhaps something as simple as a perl script would suffice. Common C Coding Problems When starting out with C programming there are a number of areas within the language that cause problems time and again. These are: Pointers Arrays and Strings Understanding Memory Allocation Using Functions with arguments What is Casting Controlling printf and its associated functions Compile-Time Directives Modularising code into separate files The International Obfuscated C Code Contest I came across a C code contest a while back that had some really great code in it. The whole point of the contest however was to obfuscate the meaning of the code such that the reader would have great trouble in decyphering the purpose of the program. You might think that C is pretty good at this already but take it from me, you ain't seen nothin' yet until you see some of this stuff. Check it out at the IOCCC. As a bit of fun, how about these 2 X11 programs. code1.c A program coded in the style of a question mark. What does it do, can you work it out ? In the best tradition, send your answers on a postcard to That berk wot writes stupid C code. code2.c A program coded entirely using a single structure (well almost). This code has also been further obfuscated by naming the structure members with single characters, and arranging the code vertically. Ooh horrid !