C++ Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to the core concepts of C++ programming as covered in the freeCodeCamp.org video tutorial. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the basics of C++ and get you started on coding.

Step 1: Install C++

Windows Installation

1. Download a C++ compiler such as MinGW or use an IDE like Code::Blocks.
2. Follow the installation instructions for your chosen tool.
3. Ensure that the compiler is added to your system PATH.

Mac Installation

1. Install Xcode from the App Store.
2. Open Terminal and run the command:

   xcode-select --install
   

3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Setup and Create Your First Program

1. Open your IDE or text editor.
2. Create a new file named hello.cpp.
3. Write the following C++ code:

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

4. Save the file and compile it using your chosen compiler.

Step 3: Understand Variables and Data Types

• Variables hold data that can change during program execution.
• Common data types include:
  • int for integers
  • float for floating-point numbers
  • char for characters
  • string for text

Example of Variable Declaration

int age = 25;
float height = 5.9;
char grade = 'A';
string name = "Alice";

Step 4: Working with Strings

1. Include the string library at the top of your code:

   #include <string>
   

2. Use string functions like:
   • length()
   • find()
   • substr()

Example of String Manipulation

string greeting = "Hello, World!";
cout << greeting.length(); // Outputs the length of the string

Step 5: Getting User Input

1. Use cin to get input from users.
2. Example code to get user input:

int number;
cout << "Enter a number: ";
cin >> number;

Step 6: Control Structures

If Statements

• Use if, else if, and else to control the flow of your program based on conditions.

Example of If Statement

if (number > 0) {
    cout << "Positive number";
} else {
    cout << "Non-positive number";
}

Switch Statements

• Useful for selecting one of many code blocks to execute.

Example of Switch Statement

switch (day) {
    case 1:
        cout << "Monday";
        break;
    case 2:
        cout << "Tuesday";
        break;
    default:
        cout << "Another day";
}

Step 7: Loops

While Loops

• Repeats a block of code as long as a condition is true.

Example of While Loop

int i = 0;
while (i < 5) {
    cout << i;
    i++;
}

For Loops

• Use when you know how many times you want to iterate.

Example of For Loop

for (int j = 0; j < 5; j++) {
    cout << j;
}

Step 8: Arrays and Functions

Arrays

• Store multiple items of the same type.

Example of Array Declaration

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

Functions

• Encapsulate a block of code for reuse.

Example of Function Declaration

void greet() {
    cout << "Hello!";
}

Step 9: Classes and Object-Oriented Programming

Defining a Class

• Use classes to create objects.

Example of Class Definition

class Dog {
public:
    void bark() {
        cout << "Woof!";
    }
};

Constructor Functions

• Special methods used to initialize objects.

Example of Constructor

class Cat {
public:
    Cat() {
        cout << "Cat created!";
    }
};

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned the foundational concepts of C++ programming, including installation, variables, data types, control structures, loops, functions, and object-oriented programming principles. With this knowledge, you can begin coding and experimenting with your own C++ projects. For further learning, consider exploring more advanced topics or practical applications of C++. Happy coding!