Ultimate C++ Course

Introduction

• Instructor: Mosh Hamadani
• Background: Software engineer with 20+ years of experience
• Course Platform: codewithmosh.com

Course Overview

This course covers everything from basics to advanced C++ concepts.

• No prior knowledge required: Suitable for beginners
• Course Structure: Well organized, step-by-step learning from zero to hero
• Learning Outcome: Write C++ code with confidence
• Audience: Ideal for anyone looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-follow course

Why Learn C++?

1. Popular Language: Used for performance-critical applications, video games, device drivers, web browsers, servers, operating systems.
2. Used by Major Companies: Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, NASA, etc.
3. Updated Regularly: New version every three years; latest is C++20.
4. Efficiency: C++ is fast and memory efficient, advantageous over Java and C#.
5. Influential: Many languages (C#, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, Dart, etc.) are influenced by C++.
6. Career Opportunities: High job prospects and salary.

Key Areas to Master in C++

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

Tools for C++ Development

1. IDEs (Integrated Development Environments):
   • Microsoft Visual Studio (Community Edition): Windows, free.
   • Xcode: macOS, free.
   • CLion: Cross-platform, trial or paid.
2. IDE Features: Contains editor, build and debugging tools.
3. Recommended: CLion for ease of use.

Setting Up IDE and Writing First Program

• Steps to write the first C++ program in CLion.
  1. Create a new project in CLion.
  2. Specify project settings: Language standard (C++20).
  3. Understanding main.cpp: Writing and understanding basic C++ code.
  4. Functions: Main function returning int for success indication.
  5. Output: Using std::cout for printing to the console.

Formatting and Running Code

1. Proper Formatting: Use consistent, professional formatting.
2. Compiling and Running Code: Generate machine code and execute.
3. Handle Errors & Debugging: Recognize and fix common syntax errors.

Writing First Program

1. Basic Syntax: Writing int main(), using std::cout for output.
2. Compile & Run: Understanding the process of compiling and running a simple 'Hello World' program.
3. Common Errors: Fixing missing semicolons and other syntax issues.

Variables and Constants

1. Declaring Variables: int fileSize = 100; (use meaningful names).
2. Initializing Variables: Best practices and significance.
3. Constants: Prevent modifying values; using const keyword.
4. Swapping Variable Values: Illustrative example.

Naming Conventions

1. Variable Naming: Use meaningful names (e.g., fileSize, not fs).
2. Common Conventions: Snake case (file_size), Pascal case (FileSize), camel case (fileSize).

Mathematical Expressions and Operators

1. Basic Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
2. Modulus Operator: Returns the remainder of the division.
3. Increment/Decrement: Using ++ and -- operators.
4. Order of Operations: Applying parentheses for clarity.

Input and Output in Console

1. Output: Using std::cout for console output.
2. Input: Using std::cin for user inputs.
3. Handling Multiple Inputs: Using chained std::cin.
4. Exercise: Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion.

Standard Library and Common Functions

1. Mathematical Functions: floor, ceil, pow (power).
2. Strings and Characters: Basic manipulation and usage.
3. Comments: Use comments for clarity, not redundancy.
4. Avoiding Magic Numbers: Use constants for readability.

Generating Random Numbers

1. Including Required Libraries: cstdlib, ctime.
2. Using rand() and srand(): Seeding the random generator.
3. Limiting Random Numbers: Using modulus operator (%).
4. Practical Example: Creating a dice rolling program.

Data Types and Initialization

1. Basic Types: int, double, float, char, bool.
2. Initialization Methods: Direct, auto keyword, brace initializer.
3. Type Conversion and Data Loss: Narrowing vs. widening conversions.
4. Number Systems: Decimal, binary (0b), hexadecimal (0x).

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Extended Learning: Complete C++ series with advanced topics (classes, exceptions, templates, containers).
• Practical Uses: Apply C++ skills to real-world scenarios (e.g., game development with Unreal Engine).

Additional Resources

• Course Notes and Cheat Sheet: Available for download.
• Further Support: Like, share, and subscribe for more tutorials.

Next Section

• Fundamental Data Types: Continue learning about number types, booleans, characters, strings, and arrays.