Lecture on C++ Programming Basics
Introduction
- First C++ program
- Importance of learning C++
- Fast language
- Used in advanced graphics applications
- Common in video game development
- Middle-level language, closer to hardware
Tools Required
- Text Editor
- Examples include VS Code, Code::Blocks, Notepad
- Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) provide useful tools
- Compiler
- GCC for Windows/Linux
- Clang for MacOS
Setting Up Environment
- Downloading and setting up VS Code
- Recommended Extensions: C/C++ and Code Runner
- Creating and setting up a folder for projects
- Downloading and setting up a compiler
Basic C++ Program Structure
- Using header files such as
#include <iostream>
- Writing a
main function
- Output using
std::cout
- Returning 0 at the end of
main to indicate successful execution
- Comments in C++
- Single-line and multi-line comments
Variables and Data Types
- Declaration and assignment
- Data types: int, double, char, boolean, string
- Examples of variable usage
Constants
const keyword for read-only variables- Naming convention (uppercase)
Namespaces
- Prevent name conflicts
- Usage of
using namespace std and its implications
Typedefs and Type Aliases
typedef and using for readability and reducing errors- Replaced by
using for template compatibility
Arithmetic Operations
- Operators: +, -, *, /, %
- Operator precedence
Type Conversion
- Implicit and explicit conversion
- Usage of static_cast for explicit conversion
User Input
- Using
std::cin and getline
- Handling whitespace and newline characters
Math Functions
- Common math functions like
max, min, pow, sqrt
Control Structures
- If Statements: Basic structure with
if, else if, and else
- Switch Statements: Alternative to multiple
else if branches
- Loops:
for, while, and do-while loops explained
- Break and Continue: Controlling loop execution
- Nested Loops: Using loops within loops
Random Numbers
- Generating random numbers using
rand and srand
- Example: Dice rolling simulation
Functions
- Function definition and declaration
- Functions with parameters and return values
- Overloaded functions
Arrays
- Declaring and initializing arrays
- Iterating through arrays
- Passing arrays to functions
- Multi-dimensional arrays (2D arrays)
Pointers
- Basics of pointers and memory addresses
- Null pointers and pointer arithmetic
Structures (struct)
- Using
struct to group variables
- Passing structures to functions
Enumerations (enums)
- Creating and using enumerated types
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Introduction to classes and objects
- Attributes and methods
- Constructors and overloaded constructors
- Getters and Setters for encapsulation
- Inheritance between classes
Templates
- Function templates for generic programming
Conclusion
- Recap of C++ basics covered
- Encouragement to practice and explore further topics in C++ programming
This lecture provides a broad overview of C++ programming, aimed at beginners who are setting up their development environment and writing basic programs. Students are encouraged to practice these concepts through exercises and projects.