This module provides a foundational understanding of C++, a versatile and widely-used programming language. Designed for beginners, it covers the basic concepts and syntax necessary to start coding in C++. You will learn about variables, data types, operators, control structures, and the principles of object-oriented programming. By the end of this module, you will have the skills to write simple C++ programs and understand the core features that make C++ a powerful tool for software development.
History and Evolution of C++:
Origins: C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Laboratories (now Nokia Bell Labs) in the early 1980s. Initially named “C with Classes,” it was created as an extension of the C programming language to incorporate object-oriented features. Stroustrup aimed to enhance C by adding Simula’s object-oriented capabilities while retaining the efficiency and flexibility of C.
Future and Modern Use:
C++ continues to evolve, with ongoing development focusing on simplifying the language, enhancing performance, and improving safety. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for system software, game development, high-performance applications, and more.
Key Milestones:
- 1983:The language was renamed C++ to signify its evolution from C, with “++” symbolizing an increment or improvement.
- 1985:The first edition of “The C++ Programming Language” by Stroustrup was published, providing a comprehensive reference for programmers.
- 1990:The first major update, known as ANSI C++, introduced features like multiple inheritance, abstract classes, and static member functions.
- 1998:The ISO/IEC standardization of C++ (C++98) was completed, formally defining the language and its standard library.
- 2003:C++03, a minor revision, provided bug fixes and small enhancements to the C++98 standard.
- 2011:C++11 (formerly known as C++0x) brought significant updates, including auto keyword, range-based for loops, lambda expressions, smart pointers, and the introduction of the standard template library (STL).
- 2014:C++14, a refinement of C++11, added minor features like generic lambdas and improved runtime performance.
- 2017:C++17 continued the evolution with features like structured bindings, if-initializers, and parallel algorithms.
- 2020:C++20 introduced major advancements, including concepts, modules, coroutines, and the standardization of the “three-way comparison” operator.
Course Outline
Setting Up the Development Environment
To begin coding in C++, you need to set up a development environment. This involves installing an IDE (Integrated Development Environment), which provides tools like a code editor, compiler, and debugger in one interface. Here’s how to set up popular IDEs for C++:
1. Visual Studio (Windows)
Steps:
- Download: Go to the Visual Studio website.
- Install: Choose the “Community” version (free) and run the installer.
- Select Workloads: During installation, select the “Desktop development with C++” workload.
- Finish Installation: Complete the setup and launch Visual Studio.
- Create a New Project: Go to “File > New > Project,” select a C++ Console App template, and start coding.
2. Code::Blocks (Cross-platform)
Steps:
- Download: Visit the Code::Blocks website.
- Install: Download the version that includes the MinGW setup (provides the GCC compiler).
- Setup: Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Configure Compiler: If not auto-detected, set up the MinGW compiler in “Settings > Compiler.”
- Create a New Project: Go to “File > New > Project,” select “Console Application,” and choose C++.
3. CLion (Cross-platform, JetBrains)
Steps:
- Download: Visit the JetBrains CLion website.
- Install: Download and install the IDE.
- Set Up Compiler: CLion uses CMake for project management. Ensure you have a compatible C++ compiler (e.g., GCC, Clang) installed.
- Create a New Project: Open CLion, select “New Project,” configure CMake settings, and start coding.
4. Xcode (macOS)
Steps:
- Install Xcode: Open the App Store, search for Xcode, and install it.
- Set Up Command Line Tools: Open Terminal and run xcode-select –install to install the command-line developer tools.
- Create a New Project: Launch Xcode, select “Create a new Xcode project,” choose “macOS > Command Line Tool,” and set the language to C++.
5. Visual Studio Code (Cross-platform)
Steps:
- Download: Visit the Visual Studio Code website.
- Install Extensions: After installation, open VS Code and install the “C/C++” extension from Microsoft for code editing and debugging.
- Set Up Compiler: Ensure you have a C++ compiler like GCC or Clang installed. On Windows, you can use MinGW or WSL.
- Configure Tasks: Create a tasks.json and launch.json file for build and debug configurations.
- Start Coding: Open a new file, save it with a .cpp extension, and start writing code.e Tool,” and set the language to C++.