Ultimate C++ Course 🖥️

Introduction

• Course Overview: Learn everything about C++ from basics to advanced concepts. By the end, you'll be able to write C++ code with confidence.
• Instructor: Mosh Hamadani, a software engineer with over 20 years of experience.
• Target Audience: No prior knowledge of C++ or programming needed.
• Course Format: Comprehensive, easy to follow, practical steps from zero to hero.
• Companies Using C++: Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, NASA, etc.
• Latest Version: C++ 20, with C++ 23 expected next year.
• Job Relevance: Crucial for software engineering jobs, high average salary ($170,000 in the US).
• Learning Goals: Understand C++ syntax (grammar) and the C++ Standard Library (STL).

Importance and Use-Cases of C++

• Performance Critical Applications: Video games, device drivers, web browsers, servers, operating systems.
• Influence on Other Languages: Many languages like Java, C#, JavaScript, and TypeScript have been influenced by C++.

Tools and Setup

• IDE Options:
  • Windows: Microsoft Visual Studio (Community Edition is free)
  • Mac: Xcode (from App Store) or CLion (cross-platform, free trial available)
  • Linux: CLion
• Recommended: Start with the free version of CLion for a consistent learning experience.
• Installation:
  • Download and install CLion from JetBrains.
  • Choose the right version (Intel or Apple Silicon for Mac).
  • Start the trial and create a new project in CLion.

First Program

• Steps to Write and Run a Program:
  1. Open the IDE and create a new project.
  2. Select the C++ language standard (recommended: C++20).
  3. Write the main function and necessary include directives.
  4. Compile and run the program to verify output.
• Example Program: #include <iostream> using namespace std; int main() { cout << "Hello, World!" << endl; return 0; }
• Understanding the Code:
  • #include <iostream>: Include the Standard Library for input/output.
  • using namespace std;: Simplifies the usage of standard library components.
  • int main(): Entry point of the program. Must return an integer.
  • cout: Used to print output to the console.
  • return 0;: Indicates successful program termination.

Fundamentals of C++

Variables and Constants

• Variables: Named locations in memory to store data.
  • Declaration: int varName;
  • Initialization: int varName = value;
• Constants: Immutable variables. Declared using const keyword.
  • Example: const double PI = 3.14;

Naming Conventions

• Snake Case: file_size
• Pascal Case: FileSize
• Camel Case: fileSize
• Hungarian Notation: Prefix based on variable type, e.g., iFileSize for int.
• Convention Use: Consistency is key. Snake Case, Pascal Case, and Camel Case are all valid; pick one and stick to it.

Mathematical Expressions

• Operators: +, -, *, /, %
• Order of Operations: Follows standard math rules, can be controlled using parentheses ().
• Increment/Decrement Operators: x++ (postfix), ++x (prefix), x--, --x
• Tips: Write clean, readable, and properly formatted expressions.*

User Input and Output

• Output: Using cout to print to console.
  • Example: cout << "Enter a value: " << endl;
• Input: Using cin to read from console.
  • Example: cin >> varName;
• Chaining: Multiple inputs/outputs can be chained for brevity and readability.
• Exercise: Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Standard Library Functions

• Mathematical Functions: Provided by libraries like <cmath>.
  • Examples: ceil(), floor(), pow()
• Generating Random Numbers:
  • Use <cstdlib> and <ctime> for seeding and generating random numbers.
  • Example: rand() % maxValue
• Modern C++: Prefer the modern C++11 random library for more robust RNG.

Comments

• Single-Line Comments: // This is a comment
• Multi-Line Comments: /* This is a multi-line comment */
• Best Practices: Use comments to explain why and how, not what.

Next Sections

• Explore more data types: Integers, Floating Points, Boolean, Char.
• Generating and using random numbers.
• Understanding types, narrowing conversion, and more.
• Exercises and practical examples.
• Continue with learning more advanced concepts in C++ through the rest of the course.

Conclusion

• Keep practicing the concepts and exercises covered.
• Reference: Utilize the provided PDF cheat sheet for quick review.
• Continue to the next section to deepen your understanding of C++ fundamentals.