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  • The C Programming Language

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The C Programming Language

4.7 out of 5 stars (175)

Known as the bible of C, this classic bestseller introduces the C programming language and illustrates algorithms, data structures, and programming techniques.

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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Classic, bestselling introduction that teaches the language and illustrates useful algorithms, data structures and programming techniques.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Prentice-Hall
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 1978
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0131101633
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0131101630
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.25 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #739,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars (175)

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
175 global ratings
Mint condition 40 year old paperback!
5 out of 5 stars
Mint condition 40 year old paperback!
Book showed up in mint condition (besides obvious aging over almost 40 years! ) very pleased! No creases, marks, or any signs of handling wear.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I purchased this book 20 years ago for about $10 and didn't realize it was actually an investment. 900% appreciation is pretty good lol. As a C++ dev at the time, this book was instrumental in helping me get a better understanding of what was going on at a level below where I was used to operating. The deeply technical yet easy to follow flow with all of the examples made it a very pleasant read and review handbook that still sits on my desk today. I think it is a must read for all aspiring developers.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Ordered a pre-ANSI edition of The C Programming Language as a collectible. It arrived in good shape, and I was pleasantly surprised to find what appears to be Brian Kernighan's signature on the inside title page!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Often imitated but, this is the genuine article. And, as of this writing you can still compile "K&R" C. Read this and you know C. You only need to know what's in the libraries, compile and link and the stuff works. It's the language of the Linux, Android, MacOS systems. Who knows what the hell Microsoft Windows is written in but, probably C. In fact you'll know a heck of lot more than folks who've only programmed in Python and Ruby know about the machine. In fact you won't have any trouble with Aduino's development tools. And, if you want to see how simple it is to write an extremely powerful mathematical program use C and go get the gsl library from GNU. Or, use FORTRAN, the scientists still do.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2013
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Many years ago, I practically memorized this little book. This was the seminal definition of the C language. It is still (even the old edition) a great introduction to the language. It is well written and surprisingly accessible, given the rather cryptic nature of the C language. I still find myself grabbing this book (1978 edition) first if I have a question. The only caution is that the C language has added some capabilities since this was first written, so you may find that some aspects of the language are not covered here. It also does not really deal with the standard libraries. The later versions of the book may have expanded and updated the coverage.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Came as described.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Near perfect condition. Text unmarked
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    What more can I add? This is THE classic "bible" of C, written by the gurus themselves. Yet, it is clear, extremely concise and enjoyable to read. While just as applicable today as in 1978, it's fun to imagine programmers reading this when it was originally published.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2013
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a great book. All the examples are of actual, working programs and it doesn't come with distracting pictures, activities, etc. that other books try to add to make them seem more interesting. Straight, dry, practical. Awesome.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Christopher H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super schnell und Super Buch :D
    Reviewed in Germany on November 8, 2013
    Ich habe überall im Internet nach diesem Buch gesucht, weil ich es für mein Informatik Studium brauche, doch überall hatte es einen sehr saftigen Preis.(ab 40-50€ neu...)
    Dann bin ich auf diesen Artikel gestoßen und war zunächst skeptisch wegen -Versand aus Indien- ...
    Doch ich kann die Entwarnung an alle geben, sowohl ein Kollege als auch ich haben uns dieses Buch gekauft - für 13 Euro !!!- und es kam trotz Schiff aus Indien bereits nach einer Woche; das nenn ich eine schnelle Lieferung(im verhältnis zum versandweg!). Buch nagelneu und in ausgezeichnetem Zustand. Auch den Inhalt haben wir mal verglichen mit der Standartausgabe, 1 zu 1 dasselbe!(Falls wer Zweifel an der Echtheit oder sowas hat..)
    Das einzige was zu sagen ist, dieses Exemplar ist ein Softcover-taschenbuch , was für mich aber nicht wichtig ist, für diesen Preis unschlagbar!
    Klare Kaufempfehlung!
    Report
  • Kuartangokoa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfecto
    Reviewed in Spain on April 16, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Es un texto fundamental y bien conocido. Una referencia obligada. El libro a pesar de ser copia usada llego en perfecto estado
  • f4r4w4y
    4.0 out of 5 stars Qualità indiana
    Reviewed in Italy on March 10, 2015
    Il libro arriva in versione veramente economica. Nulla da eccepire in merito ai validi contenuti, che possono essere interamente fruiti anche in questa versione, ma se amate anche l'oggetto "libro" vi toccherà acquistare la costosa versione occidentale (p.s. il prezzo in rupie stampigliato sul llibro corrisponde a circa 3 euro :-)
  • Amy
    5.0 out of 5 stars the Bible of c programmers!!!
    Reviewed in India on July 12, 2014
    if you want to master C and do not want to maintain a handbook filled with notes, buy this book!!
    in such a concise package, this book covers every key point of the language.
    if we see it practically, no one can remember everything all the time, and this is what they need to refer to in such cases.
    the best part is that the creators of C have written it, so no chance of any ambiguity or mistake.

    people do not recommend this book to beginners, but i don't see why.
    even the beginners will love the interactive way in which the book is written.

    you will get the paperback edition with blue cover though.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Très grand classique !
    Reviewed in France on August 15, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Très grand classique !
    Excellent livre pour comprendre les rudiments de la programmation en C, synthétisé par ses créateurs !
    Recommandé à 100 %.