The decision on whether to skip the exercises or not should be based on how you learn.
I've found the most effective way for me to learn a new language is to watch or read some introductions to a language (to get a feel for idiomatic usage), then explore further through playing with small projects written in that language. That's what works for me. K&R is sold as a concise introduction to C, so it has value for learners like me even with skipping the exercises. Of course for people who prefer to learn methodically doing the exercises will be more beneficial.
I've found the most effective way for me to learn a new language is to watch or read some introductions to a language (to get a feel for idiomatic usage), then explore further through playing with small projects written in that language. That's what works for me. K&R is sold as a concise introduction to C, so it has value for learners like me even with skipping the exercises. Of course for people who prefer to learn methodically doing the exercises will be more beneficial.