In the early days of computers, many programming languages had come into vogue but programming
in C language had very quickly taken the leading position soon after its introduction in early
Seventies. Enormous capabilities and usefulness of C language are reflected in the fact that it is
reigning supreme as the most important programming language for more than 30 years and is
taught invariably in all engineering institutions across the globe.
The large number of students who want to learn the C programming language need good text
books for their self study to supplement their classroom learning. Hence, it is no wonder that many
authors attempted to present the learning material in their respective individual styles. Sensing the
need for a “practice oriented” textbook, Prof. Ramesh Vasappanavara and his two well-qualified
sons, Anand and Gautam, have joined together to produce the new book “C and Data Structures -
By Practice”.
Prof. Ramesh and his co-authors have adopted a distinctively different style of presenting the
material, similar to the adage that swimming can be learnt only by jumping into the swimming pool
and not by getting theoretical lessons in a classroom. It avoids unnecessary repetition of what is
taught in the classroom but serves as a true supplement to traditional classroom teaching by laying
emphasis on practical examples.
Prof. Ramesh must have chosen this unique style based not only on his almost decade long
experience in teaching the subject as Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Gayatri
Vidya Parishad College of Engineering but also on his vast practical experience in heading a
team of competent computer specialists during his earlier career in R&D and Industry. His close
contacts with almost all the leading software companies in the country as Professor of CSE and
as an enormously successful Professor-in-charge of placement at GVP College of Engineering
have given him an insider’s knowledge of what the industry expects out of a potential employee
once he/she comes out of the college. He has used this knowledge to the fullest extent in writing
this book.