C Memory, I/O, and Data Structures

This unit advances foundational C programming skills by focusing on memory representation, pointers, data structures, and input/output. Students will learn to manipulate bits and bytes, implement linked lists and array-based functions, perform sequential and random file I/O, and use debugging and IDE tools to diagnose and fix programs.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze memory layout and data representation in C programs by determining type sizes, interpreting values in hexadecimal, and tracing pointer behavior including strings-as-pointers and complex pointer operations.
• Apply file and library I/O techniques in C by implementing sequential and random file access, formatting output with printf, linking and using external libraries, and generating time- and seed-based random values.
• Demonstrate implementation and manipulation of dynamic data structures and control flow by creating and traversing linked lists, passing arrays to functions, constructing correct while-loop logic, and using Boolean expressions and proper comparison operators.
• Evaluate and debug C programs using IDE features and command-line debuggers by employing diagnostic techniques, meaningful naming and constants (local and global), exit/status handling, and bitwise operations to improve correctness and efficiency.