Ultimate C++ Course - Lecture Notes

Introduction to the Course

• Instructor: Mosh Hamedani
  • Software Engineer with 20+ years of experience.
  • Instructor at codewithmosh.com.
• Course Overview:
  • Comprehensive and practical, from basics to advanced concepts.
  • No prior knowledge required.
  • Designed to build confidence in writing C++ code.
  • Offers exercises and practical applications.
  • Aims to make students job-ready with C++ knowledge.

Importance and Applications of C++

• Popular Language: Used by major companies (Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, NASA).
• Performance Critical Applications: Video games, device drivers, web browsers, servers, operating systems.
• Evolution: New versions every three years, latest is C++20.
• Relevance: Despite newer languages, C++ remains fast and memory-efficient.
• Career: Essential for computer science/software engineering students.
  • Influences other languages (C#, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, Dart).
  • Average salary of a C++ programmer in the US is ~$170,000/year.

Mastering C++

• Key Learning Areas:
  • C++ language syntax (grammar).
  • Standard Template Library (STL).
• STL: Pre-written C++ code for data structures (lists, maps) and algorithms (searching, sorting).
• Approach: Step-by-step exploration with exercises to reinforce concepts.
• IDE for C++:
  • Microsoft Visual Studio (Windows).
  • Xcode (Mac).
  • CLion (Cross-platform, recommended for this course).
  • Other free alternatives available.

Setting Up IDE and First Program

• Installation: Instructions for downloading and installing CLion.
• Writing the First Program: Basic structure, syntax, and concepts.
  • Entry point: main() function.
  • Importance of format and convention.
  • Including standard library files, e.g., <iostream>.
  • Writing, compiling and running a simple