Among all languages, I still feel C is the best language to start learning. I know people say Python or Java may be good first languages; however, C has existed for the past 40 years and it is still thriving. Now look at microcontrollers like Arduino boards, which are fascinating to play and experiment with. We need tinkerers in schools and colleges to take the concept of old-style hacking and get motivated next-generation leaders in technology. In this regard, learning C and Arduino and making interesting projects out of them is a fascinating idea. This book is a great toolkit for budding engineers. It can be targeted and used by high school students and up. The book is highly readable and starts from basics, like how to install the Arduino integrated development environment (IDE). The appendix of the book has a lot of good information on how and where to order the parts and boards. Once you have the necessary hardware and the right software installed, the book can be put to full use. I would strongly advise reading the book in a hands-on fashion and not just reading it alone.

The book starts off with basic C structures, arithmetic expressions, functions, pointers, a lot of data structures, how the interrelationships work, and how hardware programming can be done. For example, when needed, instructions for basic electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) programming are given. I wish I had all of these tools when I was an undergraduate 25 years ago. The book contains a lot of detailed full programs, as well as program snippets. Some of the beginning programs using light-emitting diode (LED) lights and blinking lights will kindle interest in beginning programmers. Readers can imagine and program using a variety of tools. One example uses a global positioning system (GPS) and presents some interesting proof-of-concept applications. The possibilities outlined in this book are limitless. This is not a replacement for a standard C book like the famous K and R book [1]. It is not a top-down syntax book, but rather enforces knowledge of syntax through interesting programs. High school and beginning college students will have a blast reading it and implementing the programs. I highly recommend it.

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