While (dead horse) beat (): If you're like most people, this seems like nonsense. Actually, it's computer sense C programming. After digesting C For Dummies, 2nd Edition , you'll understand it. C programs are fast, concise and versatile. They let you boss your computer around for a change. So turn on your computer, get a free compiler and editor (the book tells you where), pull up a chair, and get going. You won't have to go far to find your first program example. You'll do short, totally manageable, hands-on exercises to help you make sense of: all 32 keywords in the C language (that's right just 32 words); the functions several dozen of them; terms like printf(), scanf(), gets (), and puts (); string variables, numeric variables, and constants; looping and implementation; and, floating-point values. In case those terms are almost as intimidating as the idea of programming, be reassured that C For Dummies was written by Dan Gookin, bestselling author of DOS For Dummies:, the book that started the whole library. So instead of using expletives and getting headaches, you'll be using newly acquired skills and getting occasional chuckles as you discover how to: design and develop programs; add comments (like post-it-notes to yourself) as you go; link code to create executable programs; debug and deploy your programs; and use lint, a common tool to examine and optimize your code. A helpful, tear-out cheat sheet is a quick reference for comparison symbols, conversion characters, mathematical doodads, C numeric data types, and more. C For Dummies takes the mystery out of programming and gets you into it quickly and painlessly.