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Time: 40 hours
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Free Certificate
In this course, we will learn the mechanics of editing and compiling programs in C++. We will begin with a discussion of the essential elements of C++ programming: variables, loops, expressions, functions, and the string class. Then, we will cover the basics of object-oriented programming: classes, inheritance, templates, exceptions, and file manipulation. We will then review function and class templates and the classes that perform output and input of characters to/from files. This course will also cover namespaces, exception handling, and preprocessor directives. In the last part of the course, we will learn some slightly more sophisticated programming techniques that deal with data structures such as linked lists and binary trees.
Unit 1: Introduction and Setup
This unit presents a brief history of C++ before addressing the mechanics of editing and compiling simple programs in C++ using the Eclipse IDE (integrated development environment). We will focus on how to write and format a general C++ program, the meaning of the
main()
function, how to use thecout
andcin
objects, how to declare and use variables, and how to use arithmetic operators.Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Unit 2: Structuring Program Code
This unit focuses on implementing simple control structures. First, we will learn how to use conditional and iteration structures to make decisions and to repeat code. We will then discuss how to use debugging tools to test and troubleshoot these structures. We will also explore how to break our code into smaller, more manageable pieces by putting certain common pieces into functions. We will also discus scope, as well as passing variables by value and by reference. Finally, we explore a special type of class, the string, which has some special functions that allow us to manipulate text. By introducing classes and how they are used here, we will be ready to tackle object-oriented programming in the next unit.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Unit 3: Working with Simple Data Structures
Data structures are just ways to store multiple data values. Arrays, structs, enumerations, unions, queues, lists, and vectors are a few examples of data structures. In this unit, we will focus on a few simple structures. The array is one of the most basic structures used in computer programming. Arrays store data contiguously by representing data with a common name and distinguishing it by its index. This is like a parking garage: the garage stores vehicles; all of the parking spaces have a common name (the name of the garage); and each parked vehicle is identified by a specific parking space number. This is also true of arrays. Think of arrays as parking garages for our data. After exploring arrays, we then learn structs, unions, and enumerations, which are special ways to group more complex data types.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Unit 4: Object-Oriented Programming
In this unit, you will learn how to design a class, which is an expanded concept of a data structure that can hold both data and functions. An object is an instantiation of a class, so a class would be the type, and an object would be the variable. Next, we will learn how to handle private and protected members of a class, which is important for sound class design. This unit covers a key feature of C++ classes: inheritance. Inheritance allows classes to inherit objects and functions from other classes. In this unit, we will learn how classes can inherit members from more than one class. We will end this unit with the study of polymorphism or the ability to create a variable, a function, or an object that has more than one form. This brings object-oriented methodologies to their full potential.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Unit 5: Advanced Concepts
In this unit, we will first explore the concept of generic programming, and how you can harness the power of templates to make classes and functions more reusable and adaptable to your personal needs. Then, we will explore ways to add content to our program by reading from files and then storing the data by writing to output files. Finally, we will explore the use of exceptions in C++. Exceptions allow us to anticipate problems that might occur in code and handle this problems through the use of exceptions, telling the program specifically how it is to behave when these problems occur.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.
Study Guide
This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walks through the learning outcomes, and lists important vocabulary. It is not meant to replace the course materials!
Course Feedback Survey
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If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.
Certificate Final Exam
Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.
To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.
Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.
- Receive a grade Receive a pass grade