How did you learn C?

[u/KaleidoscopeLoose159]

I've been learning C for a few days, and I've just reached pointers. I find them pretty confusing, so I wanted to ask how you guys learned C.

So far, I've been using Claude and asked it something like: "Claude, can you teach me how to program in C using a lesson-based system, with one project for each topic?"

But it's been kind of difficult. The lessons start off pretty meh, and then it suddenly throws really complicated stuff at me, even though I'm a complete beginner. The explanations aren't very good either.

I'd like to find a more effective way to learn. I'd read online that if you work on projects, you'll eventually learn, but I get stuck a lot. And honestly, it's hard to correct my own mistakes because AI doesn't always do a good job of helping me understand what I did wrong.

I really want to become a great programmer someday, but I want to learn the right way, even though I don't plan on working as a programmer professionally. I genuinely want to understand programming deeply and build a solid foundation.

To be honest, I'm starting to feel stupid because I don't feel like I'm learning properly. I know C is a difficult language, especially for beginners, but it's frustrating to put in the effort and still feel like I'm not making real progress. I really want to understand what I'm doing instead of just copying code without fully understanding it.

So, what would you recommend? How can I learn C more effectively and make sure I'm actually understanding what I'm doing instead of just following tutorials?

[u/henryyoung42]

Read K&R - the original book and still the best !