The C Hierarchy

novice

• puts "#include <stdio.h>" in his code, but is not sure why
• has heard of pointers, but has never seen one

user

• uses the following macros:

  #define BEGIN   {
  #define END     ;}
  

• has had a bad experience with pointers
• knows the difference between ' and "

knowledgeable user

• uses:

  if(a==b)
  	c = 1;
  else
  	c = 0;
  

• uses pointers, but only in place of arrays
• loves writing code on VMS

expert

• uses:

  c = (a==b) ? 1 : 0;
  

• uses pointers comfortably
• are jazzed when they find a compiler bug because they found it
• has figured out what && and || are for
• refuses to write C code on VMS

hacker

• uses:

  c = a==b;
  

• writes code which use pointers to functions
• writes macros instead of simple functions
• uses bitwise operators because they are like assembler
• writes simple code with "cat >" and compiles it with "!cc".
• uses argv and argc

guru

• avoids bitwise operators due to portability
• are annoyed with compiler bugs
• writes code portable enough to port from VMS but doesn't relish the thought
• writes libraries that his fellow workmates use
• can answer most C questions after a little thought

wizard

• writes compilers with "cat >" (and they work!)
• reads device driver source with breakfast
• can tell what question you are about to ask, and answer it
• is on a first-name basis with Dennis, Bill, and Ken