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C++

High-performance systems programming language

C++ is a general-purpose programming language created as an extension of C. Known for its performance, flexibility, and extensive use in system software, game development, and applications requiring high computational efficiency.

1985
First Released
Advanced
Difficulty Level
#4
TIOBE Index
5.6M+
Developers

C++ Learning Path

Why Choose C++?

High Performance

Direct memory management and compiled code for maximum speed and efficiency

C++ compiles to native machine code with minimal runtime overhead

Low-Level Control

Fine-grained control over system resources and hardware

Direct memory management, pointer arithmetic, and hardware access

Multi-Paradigm

Supports procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming

Flexible programming approach supporting multiple coding styles

Standard Library

Rich STL (Standard Template Library) with containers, algorithms, and iterators

Comprehensive collection of data structures and algorithms

Memory Safety

Modern C++ features like smart pointers and RAII for safer memory management

RAII principle and smart pointers help prevent memory leaks

Template System

Powerful template metaprogramming for generic and efficient code

Compile-time code generation for type-safe generic programming

What Can You Build with C++?

Game Development

Very High

High-performance games and game engines

Unreal EngineUnity (core)AAA gamesGraphics programming

System Programming

Very High

Operating systems, drivers, and embedded systems

Windows OSLinux kernel partsDevice driversFirmware

High-Performance Applications

High

Applications requiring maximum speed and efficiency

Trading systemsScientific computingDatabase enginesCompilers

Embedded Systems

High

Programming for resource-constrained devices

IoT devicesAutomotive systemsMedical devicesRobotics

C++ Code Example

Hello World & Basic Class Example

// Hello World
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

// Basic Class Example
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

class Person {
private:
    string name;
    int age;

public:
    // Constructor
    Person(string n, int a) : name(n), age(a) {}
    
    // Getter methods
    string getName() const { return name; }
    int getAge() const { return age; }
    
    // Method
    void introduce() const {
        cout << "Hi, I'm " << name << " and I'm " << age << " years old." << endl;
    }
};

int main() {
    Person person("Alice", 25);
    person.introduce();
    return 0;
}

// Modern C++ with STL
#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    vector<int> numbers = {5, 2, 8, 1, 9};
    
    // Sort using STL algorithm
    sort(numbers.begin(), numbers.end());
    
    // Print using range-based for loop (C++11)
    for (const auto& num : numbers) {
        cout << num << " ";
    }
    cout << endl;
    
    return 0;
}

C++ Learning Path

1

C++ Fundamentals

3-5 weeks

Topics to Learn:

  • Basic syntax
  • Variables and data types
  • Control structures
  • Functions
  • Arrays and pointers

Practice Projects:

  • Calculator
  • Number guessing game
  • Simple text processor
2

Object-Oriented Programming

4-6 weeks

Topics to Learn:

  • Classes and objects
  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
  • Encapsulation
  • Constructors/destructors

Practice Projects:

  • Student management system
  • Shape hierarchy
  • Bank account simulator
3

Advanced C++

6-8 weeks

Topics to Learn:

  • Templates
  • STL containers
  • Memory management
  • Exception handling
  • File I/O

Practice Projects:

  • Generic data structures
  • File manager
  • Custom containers
4

Modern C++

6-10 weeks

Topics to Learn:

  • C++11/14/17/20 features
  • Smart pointers
  • Lambda expressions
  • Multithreading
  • Move semantics

Practice Projects:

  • Multi-threaded application
  • Modern C++ library
  • Performance-critical application

Popular C++ Libraries

Standard Template Library (STL)

BeginnerVery High

Built-in library with containers, algorithms, and iterators

Data structuresAlgorithmsString processingI/O operations

Boost

IntermediateVery High

High-quality portable C++ libraries

Advanced data structuresNetworkingThreadingMath operations

Qt

IntermediateHigh

Cross-platform application development framework

GUI applicationsDesktop appsMobile appsEmbedded systems

OpenCV

IntermediateHigh

Computer vision and image processing library

Image processingComputer visionMachine learningRobotics

C++ Learning Resources

Official Documentation

cppreference.com

Comprehensive C++ reference

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ISO C++ Standard

Official C++ standards committee

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C++ Core Guidelines

Best practices by Bjarne Stroustrup

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Learning Platforms

Learn C++

Comprehensive free C++ tutorial

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C++ Tutorial - Codecademy

Interactive C++ course

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C++ Coursera Courses

University-level C++ courses

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Books & References

The C++ Programming Language

By Bjarne Stroustrup (C++ creator)

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Effective C++

Best practices by Scott Meyers

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C++ Primer

Comprehensive beginner to advanced guide

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Tools & IDEs

Visual Studio

Microsoft's full-featured IDE

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CLion

JetBrains C++ IDE

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Code::Blocks

Free, cross-platform C++ IDE

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C++ Project Ideas

🟢 Beginner Projects

  • Console Calculator: Advanced calculator with expression parsing
  • Student Grade Manager: Store and calculate student grades
  • Simple Text Editor: Basic text manipulation and file I/O
  • Number Base Converter: Convert between binary, decimal, hex
  • Hangman Game: Word guessing game with ASCII art
  • Contact Manager: Store contacts with search functionality

🟡 Intermediate Projects

  • 2D Game Engine: Simple game engine with SDL or SFML
  • File Compression: Implement Huffman coding algorithm
  • Database System: Simple relational database with B-trees
  • Network Chat Server: Multi-client chat with sockets
  • Image Processing: Apply filters and transformations
  • Memory Allocator: Custom memory management system

🔴 Advanced Projects

  • 3D Graphics Engine: OpenGL-based rendering engine
  • Operating System Kernel: Basic OS with memory management
  • Compiler/Interpreter: Build a programming language
  • High-Frequency Trading: Low-latency trading system
  • Ray Tracer: Photorealistic rendering engine
  • Distributed System: Multi-node distributed computing

🚀 Getting Started with C++

1

Install a C++ Compiler

GCC, Clang, or MSVC depending on your platform

2

Choose an IDE or Editor

Visual Studio, CLion, Code::Blocks, or VS Code

3

Write Your First Program

Start with "Hello, World!" to test your setup

4

Master the Fundamentals

Focus on pointers, memory management, and OOP concepts