The C Programming Language - by Brian W. Kernighan & Dennis M. Ritchie

Known as “K&R,” this book is both the original tutorial and reference for the C language, co-written by C’s creator. It introduces the syntax, semantics, and idioms of C, progressing from simple programs to complex system-level code. Key features include pointers, memory management, data structures, and modular programming. Its concise style, numerous exercises, and emphasis on writing efficient, portable code made it a foundational text for generations of programmers. Beyond teaching C, the book shaped programming culture, stressing precision, discipline, and elegance in code.