If a person has had coursework in C++ programming (i.e. introduction to C++, Object-oriented programming in C++, Data structures in C++), would that person know C programming and be able to say on his resume that he knows C programming?
I am definitely not a great (or good for that matter) programmer, but C is different from C++. Never put something on your resume unless you actually have the skill. I have caught quite a few people making the same mistake (in this instance, the engineer said they knew OrCAD, and when asked to demonstrate, admitted that they actually knew ACCEL schematic capture - which is different).
As a self-proclaimed reasonable C++ coder, I would be hard pressed to take a C program from idea to implementation. It could be done, but there would be a learning curve to work through. You could make the argument that C++ uses C syntax internal to the classes, methods and such, therefore, you know C. I'd counter with the fact that C++ does a lot of work not visible to you that you'd have to learn and implement before becoming a reasonable C coder. Minimally, you'd have to learn a whole new set of libraries to include, along with a shift in programming paradigm. As Mr. Engineer suggests, I'd keep it off the resume. Rick
Wow DBA! You are in a PhD and MS degree program at the same time? What Master's degree are you attempted to get? That shows a lot of dedication. I am having trouble keeping up just one degree at a time. It must be a bear to tackle two. Good luck!
C++ is an extension of C language. The program structures like defining data types, including libraries, iteration, functions, Main all are same. Except OOP concepts. C++ language was developed on top of C using the same syntax and structure. In my opinion if you know C++ it is as good as you know C. I learnt C first and then C++. I would call C is mother of C++, C# and Java.
The good thing is that you DO know both C and C++ because C++ is (for the most part) a superset of C. The bad thing is that you probably have no idea what part of your knowledge is C and what is C++ I guess its sort of like picking up the haystack and saying you found the needle.
JoAnnP38 - Thanks for saying what I was trying to get across - more eloquently. Whew! Bears don't begin to describe it. I have no life outside of work and studies these days. The MS is in Computer Science - focus in software engineering. I'm taking the non-thesis (project) route to alleviate some of the pain. Lately, I find myself strongly considering taking a semester or two off to finish the PhD, then head back to KU in the fall of 2005 to put the final touches on the MS. The burnout factor is creeping up slowly but surely. Rick
I applied for the Ph.D. program at KU and was accepted into the Graduate program. A few weeks after receiving the acceptance letter, another letter arrived informing me that I had to complete their MS program first. It seems that none of my MBA credit transferred to KU. Bummer. Since a Ph.D. was really my goal, I looked elsewhere and found that building on the MBA was the best solution. Two months later and I was enrolled at NCU. I stayed in the KU program, but the MS is now a terminal degree for me in the Comp. Sci. field. Before all this, I spent some time with a professor at another local university ( names and places withheld out of respect ) to talk about the possibility of having him take me under his wing for the Ph.D. work. He said that I wouldn't be a good candidate for a couple of reasons - I had a full time job, and I probably wouldn't want to teach, given the low pay for long hours as a graduate assistant. I was amazed that my academic ability had nothing to do with the decision. I wonder if others have had this type of experience? Rick
As a C and C++ programmer, I would be very careful about saying you know one because you know the other. If you are in an interview and they mention your C++ work and ask if you know C.. chances are they know the differences for themselves and it could catch you in a hard spot. I would check out comp.lang.c.moderated and comp.lang.c++.moderated Browse each forum for about an hour and you should get a good feel for what really makes up each and how they are different. I would say that if you can more likely prove your grasp of programming styles your better off. If you know what makes code "Object Oriented" vs. 'Procedural" then you can learn any language.
I believe your query has been answered very well for all members. Of course, do not mention in the resume that you are proficient in a programming language if you have never used it. C, as it has been said is consider the mother language, it is a procedural programming language. C++ on the other hand, belongs to the object oriented family. These days, most programmers learn the object oriented languages (C++ and Java) for their future careers. However, basic C is still taught as a first step, with the only purpose of "buiding logic". With clear basic concepts and procedures of C, programmers learning new or transfering to othes languages will understand better and quicker why many facts are in the way they are. Ralph
C and C++ are as different as black and white. C is an elegant expressive language whilst C++ is an abomination.
I learned programming with BASIC (not VB), FORTRAN using punchcards - and worst of all Assembly language (never quite got the gist of assembly though)
Not only is this common, it is the status quo. A grad assistant is basically an indentured servant. Most professors use them as cheap labor (teach classes, grade papers, lab grunt work, etc) and any academic work is done largely on your own. The heirarcy in acadmeia is that the grad students are the lowest rung on the ladder. I work about 60+ hours a week and make $17k a year (and I hear that is very high for a grad assitant.) I'm considering quitting my full-time PhD program and going back to working full-time and doing my PhD program part-time or DL. It might take me a little bit longer to finish, but I'll be just as busy while making more money.
