CST 334 Week 1

Programming Essentials: Docker, Debugging, and Data Structures

In the first week of CST334, I learned the foundational aspects of working with the C programming language, particularly focusing on setting up the development environment and understanding the basics of compiling and running C programs. By utilizing Docker, I ensured a consistent and controlled environment for coding and testing, which is crucial for debugging and developing in C. The process involved pulling the latest Docker image, running Docker with the appropriate volume mounted, and navigating to the project directory to begin coding and testing.

Additionally, I delved into the debugging techniques essential for C programming. Unlike higher-level languages like Python, C does not provide explicit hints when something goes wrong, making it imperative to understand tools like ('gdb' - GNU Debugger). Using gdb, I learned how to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect memory to identify and resolve runtime issues such as buffer overflows. This hands-on experience with gdb not only highlighted the intricacies of memory management in C but also underscored the importance of careful debugging practices.

The coursework covered essential concepts related to system calls and libraries, emphasizing the practical aspects of building and manipulating data structures like structs. The initial projects, including implementing string manipulations and cipher algorithms, provided a deeper understanding of how to utilize and integrate system calls and libraries in C. This week laid a solid groundwork for more advanced topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical elements of C programming.