Ultimate C++ Course

Course Overview

• Instructor: Mash Hamadani
• Platform: codewithmash.com
• Content: Comprehensive, easy-to-follow, well-organized practical course from basics to advanced levels.
• Audience: No prior knowledge of C++ or programming needed.
• Outcome: Ability to write C++ with confidence.

Introduction to C++

• Popularity: One of the most used languages for performance-critical applications (games, OS, device drivers, servers, etc.). Used by companies like Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and NASA.
• Versions: New version every three years (Latest: C++20, Next: C++23).
• Relevance: Despite newer languages (Java, C#), remains crucial for memory-efficient and fast applications.
• Learning Benefit: Foundation for languages like Java, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, Dart.
• Salary: Average C++ programmer salary in the US: ~$170,000/year.

Mastering C++

1. C++ Language: Syntax and grammar.
2. C++ Standard Library (STL): Pre-written code for common functionalities (data structures, algorithms).

• Approach: Step-by-step with practical exercises.

Tools and Setup

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):
  • Visual Studio (Windows, Community edition is free)
  • Xcode (Mac, from App Store)
  • CLion (Cross-platform, 30-day free trial, requires license)
  • Recommended: CLion (Download from JetBrains, ensure correct version for Intel/Apple Silicon Macs).

First C++ Program: "Hello, World!"

1. Project Creation:

• Use IDE to create a new project.
• Set C++ language standard (suggested: C++20).

2. Code Structure:

• Special Main Function: Entry point (int main())
• Include header files (#include <iostream>)
• Use STL objects like std::cout for output to console.

3. Code Example:

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

4. Compilation: Converts code to executable machine code specific to operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
5. Common Errors: Highlighted and suggested fixes in IDE.

Best Practices

• Formatting: Professional and consistent code formatting.
• Commenting:
  • Use comments for clarification and explaining logic.
  • Avoid over-commenting and obvious comments.
• Themes: Customizing IDE themes for better readability.

Course Structure

• Basic Concepts: Data types, decision making, loops, functions.
• Intermediate Concepts: Arrays, pointers, strings, structures, enumerations, streams.
• Advanced Concepts: Classes, exceptions, templates, containers.
• Exercises: Regular exercises to enhance problem-solving skills.

Next Steps

• Tools: Use IDE to write C++ code.
• Problem-solving: Practice with coding exercises.
• Cheat Sheet: Download the provided cheat sheet and summary notes for quick revisions.

Variables and Constants

• Variables: Temporary data storage with types (int, double, etc.).
• Declaration and Initialization:

  int fileSize = 100;
  double sales = 9.99;
  

• Constants: Immutable values declared with const keyword.

  const double Pi = 3.14;
  

• Best Practices: Use meaningful and unambiguous names.
• Common Naming Conventions:
  • Snake Case: file_size
  • Camel Case: fileSize (preferred)
  • Pascal Case: FileSize
  • Hungarian Notation: iFileSize (outdated).

Mathematical Expressions

• Operators: +, -, *, /, % (modulus), ++, -- (increment/decrement).
• Order of Operations: Multiplication/Division > Addition/Subtraction.

  int x = 1 + 2 * 3; // Result: 7
  int y = (1 + 2) * 3; // Result: 9
  

Input and Output

• Console I/O: Read/write using std::cout and std::cin.

  int value;
  std::cin >> value;
  std::cout << value;