This guide presents a practical method for designing and implementing complex data structures in the C language. The method used consists of two parts: the plan and the framework. The framework offers a structure for organizing knowledge about data structures, while the plan is an algorithm for using the framework's resources to design and implement data structures. Designed to be flexible and grow with the user, this method also incorporates useful tricks, guidelines and techniques gleaned from over seven years of programming experience. It will be useful and work for a wide range of programs, including interpreters, word processors, string pattern matchers, simulators, window managers, games and database editing libraries.

Table of Contents:
THE PLAN. Introduction. Setting Top-Level Goals. Choosing Good Guiding Examples. Creating an Abstract Data Type. Glossary of ADTD Terms. Summary. EXAMPLES. Introduction. Building a Collection of Reserved Words. Protecting a Database during Editing. Matching Structs to Screen Regions: Introduction. Matching Structs to Screen Regions: A Word Processor Solution. Matching Structs to Screen Regions: A Window Manager Solution. Playing a Grammar Game. Extending an Interpreter with Code Modules. Partitioning a Simulator's Event List. Matching String Patterns. Simulating Petri Nets. Summary. THE FRAMEWORK. Introduction. A Collection of Top-Level Goals. A Collection of Abstract Data Types. A Collection of Struct Design Guidelines. A Collection of Struct Tricks. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. Index to the C Code.