C

Overview C is the most widely used and supported programming languages in the world. The popularity of C has prompted the creation of C++ and C#, languages based on C, but containing additional features and functionality. C++ is the most widely used object-oriented language available. C# is Microsoft's competitor to Sun's Java programming language. Although C# is not as powerful as C/C++, it's easier to use and hides some of the more dangerous features of C/C++ from the casual programmer. Follow the links below to learn more about these languages.

C  The popularity of the C programming language is due in a large part to the language's flexibility and power. The C programming language is powerful enough to allow programmers to write code previously only possible at the assembly or machine language level, while still allowing the coding benefits of a high level language. However, C is more difficult to learn and use correctly than languages like Visual Basic and Java. A tutorial that includes the history of C, as well as how it works, can be found at www.howstuffworks.com/c.htm. For answers to any questions you might have regarding the C programming language, go to the C FAQ page: www.faqs.org/faqs/C-faq/. Additional C resources are available at www.csd.uwo.ca/~jamie/C/. This site provides many different C programming resources including tutorials, links to technical books, and debugging guides.

C++ Dr. Bjarne Stroustrup of Bell Laboratories created C++ in 1980 when he saw the need for an object-oriented version of C. You can visit his C++ page, www.research.att.com/~bs/C++.html, for more information. C++ language vendors include Microsoft (msdn.microsoft.com/visualc) and Borland (http://www.borland.com/estudiocpp/). For an excellent overview of the C++ language, connect to the C++ for Beginners Web page at www.wtvl.net/mike/webjr/begcpp.htm. At this site, you'll also find a description of C++ commands and syntax, a bibliography of reference books, and links to other C++ Web sites. The C++ Zone (www.devx.com/cplus/) contains C++ programming tips, code samples, and conference information. Are you thinking about pursuing a career in C++? If so, visit http://www.cplusplusjobs.com for an up-to-date listing of C++ programming jobs.

C# A relatively new programming language, C# was created as a competitor to Sun's Java language. It was developed with Microsoft’s .Net applications in mind. Read more about C# and .Net basics here. Many additional C# resources can be found by going to www.hitmill.com/programming/dotNET/csharp.html. Microsoft provides a useful and informative C# overview at  http://msdn.Microsoft.com/vcsharp/.

Additional Links This About.com: C/C++ site, created by an experienced programmer, provides a guided tour of C/C++ resources on the Web. It contains a wide range of information from materials for beginners, to resources for advanced programmers. You'll find links to FAQs, career information, and even contests. If you are looking for tutorials for programming languages, including Java, C, and VB, visit www.programmingtutorials.com/main.asp.