Cracking C++: C++ Programs For Beginners
Do you want to immerse yourself in system software, game development, embedded systems, scientific computing or high-performance applications? Or just learn C++. Well, there are numerous resources to get you started and it can be a little bit overwhelming so to make the learning process easier to get into, below is a quick introduction to C++ and the best C++ programs for beginners.
What is C++ and what is it used for?
C++ is a general-purpose programming and coding language that combines elements of high-level languages with the functionalism of assembly language. C programming allows the manipulation of bits, and bytes, giving the programmer more control over exactly how the program will behave and more direct access to the mechanics of the underlying hardware. C++ is used in developing browsers, operating systems, and applications as well as in-game programming, software engineering, data structures etc. C++ has an advanced syntax so you may find it more difficult to learn than other languages like Python or Java.
How to get started with C++ Programming
To get started with C++ as a beginner it is suggested to get a compiler. Compilers are programs that can be run through command-line interfaces(CLIs). They read the entire program and convert it into object code, which is a translation of the program source code into a form that the computer can execute directly.
Simple C++ Programs for beginners
Here is a list of simple C++ programs for beginners:
-write a program for adding two numbers
-to check if a number is even or odd
-to swap two numbers
-to find the largest number among three numbers
-to find the sum of all the natural numbers from 1 to n
-to check whether a number is prime or not
-to compute the power of a given number to a given power.
-to calculate the average of all the elements present in an array
- to find the GCD of the two numbers
-a Function to find the length of a string.
Best C++ Course in 2023
The internet is home to a vast amount of resources, a lot of which are free. Here are some C++ programs for beginners that are very easy to follow.
-Udemy: Beginning C++ programming
-Coursera: Coding for everyone: C and C++ specialization
-Educative: Learn c++: The complete course for beginners
-Udemy: Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: lEARN C++ & Make video games
-Codecademy: Learn C++
-PluralSight: C++ 20 fundamentals
-FreeCodeCamp: C++ Programming course: Beginner to advanced
There are many other options which can be looked at here.
Project Ideas
Building a portfolio of projects is a great way to show and display what you learn Some project ideas you can execute are: Building -Security systems, Car rental systems, dating applications, employee management systems, trading software, billing systems, intuitive gadgets, Traffic management systems etc. A lot of C++ programs for beginners like freecodecamp come with mini projects for you to apply what you learn as you embark on your C++ journey.
Books to Read
In addition to taking a C++ course, reading books can give you the upper hand and increase what you gain from your courses. Some of these include:
The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition) by Bjarne Stroustrup
The creator of C++, Bjarne Stroustrup, is also the author of numerous excellent publications about the language. There are three sections in this book. A tutorial introduction to C++ programming is given in the first section, a summary of design and software development difficulties that come up while using C++ is presented in the second, and a comprehensive reference is included in the third. The book offers "pure C++," which does not make use of implementation-dependent extensions. Writing little programs that are related to the subject you are studying is one of the greatest methods to learn a computer language. Every chapter concludes with exercises to help you put your newly learned information into practice.
Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs by Scott Meyers
Using C++ to develop complex software requires discipline and design. This book serves as a professional manual for creating efficient templates, inheritance hierarchies, classes, and functions. The book also covers how to accomplish things "the C++ way" and how C++ differs from other languages.
Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of C++11 and C++14 by Scott Meyers
This book is more for those already familiar with C++ who want to take a closer look at its more recent standards, The book explains how to take full advantage of C++’s latest features.
Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library by Scott Meyers
The Standard Template Library (STL) of C++ is among C++’s most remarkable features. This book explores various sections of the STL and offers more than 100 algorithms along with 50 fantastic recommendations to make the library more understandable for developers who are just starting with C++.
C++ Primer (5th Edition) by Stanley Lippman
This book is known to make studying C++ enjoyable. Although it is one of the greatest C++ books out there, it requires a high level of programming knowledge and C ability. For programmers who wish to take full advantage of the new and enhanced capabilities, the most recent edition is highly recommended.
C++ FAQs (2nd Edition) by Marshall Cline
Approximately 500 questions on testing, design, analysis, and programming have their answers in this book. It is intended for programmers who have grasped the language's syntax and wish to put it into practice. This book is for you if you have questions about things like "What is a class invariant?" "How should I use exceptions?" and "What happens when a destructor is executed."
Learn from mistakes
Making mistakes is a necessary element of learning how to code because it's a trial-and-error process. Though C++ may not be as intuitive as other languages, you can learn it with time and effort. Accept the challenges, troubleshoot mistakes, and persevere in the face of adversity. Every obstacle you encounter as a developer is a teaching opportunity.
Apply your skill
Once you're comfortable with the basics of C++, apply your skills in real-world situations. Contribute to open-source projects or work on personal projects aligned with your interests. Look for beginner-friendly tasks to tackle. Practical experience strengthens your knowledge and helps build a portfolio showcasing your abilities. You can find some issues to work on from good first issues.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, learning C++ can be a gateway to digital opportunities. Many great C++ programs for beginners are easy to follow and while not all are free they are not too expensive compared to some in-person bootcamps. C++ is a valuable asset for the evolving job market. Leverage resources, engage in extracurricular activities, and participate in coding clubs to enrich learning. C++ is one of the required modules to take in university programs, this shows the importance it has. If you can master C++ other languages will come easier to you. Every line of code is a step toward innovation and problem-solving, so take your time and enjoy the ride!
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