C Programming: Using Linux Tools and Libraries - 7
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C Programming: Using Linux Tools and Libraries - 7
This course is part of C Programming with Linux Specialization
Instructors: Rémi SHARROCK
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What you'll learn
Use external libraries
Build an application from multiple source files
Automate the building process using makefiles
Pass and use arguments to the main function. Read from and write to files in C
Skills you'll gain
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There are 5 modules in this course
Learn how to use professional tools and libraries to write and build C programs within the Linux operating system.
This seventh and final course in the C Programming with Linux Specialization will allow you to develop and use your C code within the Linux operating system. Using libraries in C is a fundamental concept when it comes to sharing code with others. In addition to compiling and linking, you will also learn how to pass arguments to an executable program. As you embark on your future career as a programmer, you will be able to continue your coding adventures with professional coding environments used by C programmers around the world. Why learn C and not another programming language? Did you know that smartphones, your car’s navigation system, robots, drones, trains, and almost all electronic devices have some C-code running under the hood? C is used in any circumstance where speed and flexibility are important, such as in embedded systems or high-performance computing. At the end of this course, you will reach the last milestone in the C Programming with Linux Specialization, unlocking the door to a career in computer engineering. Your job Outlook: - Programmers, developers, engineers, managers, and related industries within scientific computing and data science; - Embedded systems such as transportation, utility networks, and aerospace; - Robotics industry and manufacturing; - IoT (Internet of Things) used in smart homes, automation, and wearables. - IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology, ranks C as third of the top programming languages of 2021 in demand by employers. (Source: IEEE Spectrum) This course has received financial support from the Patrick & Lina Drahi Foundation.
What's included
3 videos10 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
3 videos•Total 7 minutes
- Welcome•2 minutes
- Learn how to use Weblinux•3 minutes
- Learn how to use Taskgrader•3 minutes
10 readings•Total 61 minutes
- Course syllabus•10 minutes
- Two universities teamed up to offer a new specialization in C Programming with Linux•1 minute
- The course team•5 minutes
- Collaborative MOOC•1 minute
- Earn a Professional Certificate from Dartmouth and IMT•2 minutes
- Get the most out of this course•10 minutes
- Pre-course survey•10 minutes
- What is Taskgrader•2 minutes
- Access to WebLinux•10 minutes
- Learn how to post code on the Coursera forum•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Are you ready to start?•10 minutes
3 discussion prompts•Total 16 minutes
- Introduce yourself•5 minutes
- Learn how to post code on the Coursera forum•10 minutes
- Technical, general, organisational and other questions•1 minute
By the end of Week 1, you will be able to effectively declare and define functions, as well as use external libraries (e.g. math, compression, image).
What's included
3 videos1 assignment3 app items
3 videos•Total 30 minutes
- Distinguish between function declaration and function definition•9 minutes
- Use the math library•15 minutes
- Use multiple libraries in C•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 5 minutes
- Self-assess your learning in Libraries in C•5 minutes
3 app items•Total 60 minutes
- Activity: distinguish between function declaration and function definition•20 minutes
- Activity: use the math library•20 minutes
- Activity: using the JPEG library•20 minutes
By the end of Week 2, you will be able to use preprocessor directives, build an application from multiple source files, and automate the building process using Makefiles.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment7 app items
9 videos•Total 68 minutes
- GCC details•10 minutes
- Object files•6 minutes
- Modify object files•6 minutes
- Make file•11 minutes
- More elaborate Makefile•6 minutes
- Run a program with Makefile•4 minutes
- Create your library•13 minutes
- Modify your library•7 minutes
- Ultimate makefile•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 5 minutes
- Self-assess your learning in Modularization Libraries and Makefiles•5 minutes
7 app items•Total 140 minutes
- Activity: Compiling•20 minutes
- Activity: Linking•20 minutes
- Activity: Super Image Project•20 minutes
- Activity: Makefile practice•20 minutes
- Activity: create and use a Makefile•20 minutes
- Activity: create your library•20 minutes
- Activity: Modify your library•20 minutes
By the end of Week 3, you will be able to pass and use arguments to the main function, read and use a file, write to a file, and install a profession C compiler.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment4 app items
6 videos•Total 50 minutes
- Pass arguments to a program from the command line•6 minutes
- Use arguments passed to a program from the command line•8 minutes
- Read numbers from a file•9 minutes
- Read until the end of the file•11 minutes
- Write numbers to a file using fprintf()•7 minutes
- Append numbers to a file at the end•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 5 minutes
- Self-assess your learning in File operations in C•5 minutes
4 app items•Total 80 minutes
- Activity: pass numbers to a program from the command line•20 minutes
- Activity: read numbers from a file•20 minutes
- Activity: find the end of the file•20 minutes
- Activity: write numbers to a file•20 minutes
What's included
1 video1 reading
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Farewell•1 minute
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- End of course survey•10 minutes
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Reviewed on Feb 25, 2023
the specialization is good, Thanks! but I don't remember any assignment or lesson on function pointers which is very important for c programmers.
Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Everything clearly explained and very interactive.
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025
This course is excellent. The instructors are great and the delivery is first class.
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