C++ Overview

Introduction

• C++: Statically typed, compiled programming language.
• Famous for: Widespread use in software infrastructure.
• Known for: Steep learning curve.

History

• Created in: 1979 by Bjarne Stroustrup at AT&T Bell Labs.
• Inspired by: Object-oriented nature of Simula, combined with C's high performance.
• Original Name: "C with Classes".
• Superset of C: Almost any C program is valid in C++.

Key Features

• Zero overhead abstractions.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Polymorphism, Encapsulation, Inheritance.
• Wide Usage:
  • AAA video games (e.g., Unreal Engine).
  • Software like Adobe After Effects.
  • Databases: MySQL, MongoDB.
  • Embedded systems: Smart toaster display.
  • Low-level infrastructure: Language compilers, virtual machines.

Benefits

• Combines Low-Level and High-Level Features:
  • Low-Level: Memory and hardware control (like C).
  • High-Level: Classes, smart pointers.
• Safety: Harder to make low-level errors.

Getting Started

1. Install Compiler: GCC or Clang.
2. Create a File: File should end in .cpp.
3. Include Libraries: Start with #include <iostream> for I/O.
4. Main Function: Code execution starts here.

Example Code

• Print "Hello, World!":

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

• Add namespace to reduce std:: verbosity.
• String Variables:
  • Use char array or std::string from <string> library.

Object-Oriented Programming

• Classes: Blueprints for objects.
  • Define attributes & methods (private by default).
  • Public Specifier: Makes methods/attributes public.
  • Out-of-Class Definitions: Use double colon.
  • Overloading: Define methods multiple times with different parameters (polymorphism).
  • Constructors & Destructors: Code for object creation & destruction.
  • Inheritance: Share logic efficiently across program.
• Instantiate Objects:

  ClassName objectName(parameters);
  

Memory Management

• Manual: Pointers and references.
• Tools: unique_ptr for safer memory allocation.

Compiling and Running Code

• Compile: Use clang++ or equivalent in terminal.

Conclusion

• Summary: C++ in 100 seconds.
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