C++ Programming Lecture Notes

Introduction to C++

• Fast language, commonly used in:
  • Advanced graphics applications (Adobe, video editing software)
  • Embedded systems
  • Video game development

Levels of Programming Languages

• Middle-level language: C++
• Higher-level languages (Python, Java, C#): Easier to write and understand, but slower
• Lower-level languages (C, C++): Closer to hardware instructions, faster but harder to write

Getting Started with C++

Tools Needed

1. Text Editor/IDE:
   • Options: VS Code, Code::Blocks, Notepad
2. Compiler:
   • GCC for Windows/Linux
   • Clang for Mac

Installing VS Code

• Visit: code.visualstudio.com
• Download appropriate version
• Install extensions for C++ and Code Runner

Writing Your First Program

• Create a new file (e.g., hello_world.cpp)
• Include header file: #include <iostream>
• Write main function:

  int main() {
      std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
      return 0;
  }
  

Variables in C++

Declaring Variables

• Data Types:
  • int for integers
  • double for decimals
  • char for characters
  • bool for boolean values
  • string for sequences of characters

Variable Scope

• Local Variables: Declared inside functions
• Global Variables: Declared outside all functions

Control Structures

If Statements

• Basic syntax:

  if (condition) {
      // code to execute if condition is true
  }
  

Switch Statements

• Alternative to multiple if statements
• Example:

  switch (variable) {
      case 1:
          // code
          break;
      default:
          // code
  }
  

Functions in C++

Basic Function Structure

• Return type, name, parameters
• Example:

  int add(int a, int b) {
      return a + b;
  }
  

Function Overloading

• Multiple functions with the same name but different parameters.

Object-Oriented Programming

Classes and Objects

• Class: Blueprint for creating objects
• Object: Instance of a class

Constructors

• Special method automatically called when an object is instantiated
• Can set default values for attributes

Inheritance

• Child class inherits attributes and methods from a parent class
• Promotes code reusability

Structs

• Group related variables under one name
• Supports multiple data types

Pointers

• Variable that stores memory address of another variable
• Use & to get address, * to dereference

Dynamic Memory

• Memory allocated during runtime
• Uses new and delete

Templates

• Allow designing functions that work with any data type
• Syntax:

  template <typename T>
  T max(T a, T b) {
      return (a > b) ? a : b;
  }
  

Summary

• C++ is a powerful language that allows for various programming paradigms including procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming. Understanding structures, functions, and classes will enable effective coding practices.