Introduction to C++: Basics and First Code

This document outlines a C++ course session designed for beginners, focusing on the
fundamental concepts of C++ programming and guiding participants through writing their
first C++ code. The session aims to provide a solid foundation in C++ syntax, data types,
control structures, and basic input/output operations, enabling learners to confidently
embark on their programming journey.

Session Outline

1. Introduction to C++
• What is C++?
• A general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup.
• Supports procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming paradigms.
• Applications of C++
• System/software development, game development, real-time systems, and
more.

Created by
Bjarne
Stroustrup

Supports
Procedural
Programming

Supports
Object-
C++
Oriented
Programming

Supports
Generic System/Software
Programming Development

Game
Applications
Development

Real-Time
Systems

2. Setting Up the Environment

• Installing a C++ Compiler
• Recommended options: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Clang, or Microsoft
Visual C++.
• Choosing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
 • Popular choices: Code::Blocks, Visual Studio, or Eclipse.

3. C++ Basics
• Syntax and Structure
• Basic structure of a C++ program.
• Importance of the main() function.

Basic Structure Main Function

Headers Entry Point

C++
Namespaces Significance
Program
Functions Structure

• Data Types
• Fundamental data types: int, float, char, double, and bool.
• User-defined data types: struct, class, and enum.

Data Types

Fundamental User-defined

int float char double bool struct class enum

• Variables and Constants

• Declaration and initialization of variables.
• Using const for constants.
 Using variables and constants in C++

Pros Cons

Dynamic data Potential for

storage errors

Code Increased
readability complexity

Memory Memory
management overhead

Constants for
Learning curve
stability

Easier Maintenance
debugging effort

4. Control Structures
• Conditional Statements
• if, else if, and else statements.
• The switch statement.

if-else
Use for simple conditions.
Which conditional
statement to use?
switch
Use for multiple conditions.

• Loops
• for, while, and do-while loops.
• Understanding loop control with break and continue.
 for loop
Use when the number of
iterations is known.

Which loop to while loop

use?
Use when the number of
iterations is unknown.

do-while loop
Use when the loop should
execute at least once.

5. Writing Your First C++ Code

• Hello World Program
• Step-by-step guide to writing a simple program that outputs "Hello, World!" to
the console.

#include <iostream> // Include the iostream library

int main() { // Main function

std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl; // Output to console
return 0; // Return statement
}

Writing and Executing a Simple C++

Program

Define Main
Include Library Output Message Return Statement
Function
The iostream The main function The program The program
library is included is defined as the outputs "Hello, returns 0,
to enable input entry point of the World!" to the indicating
and output program. console. successful
operations. execution.

• Compiling and Running the Program

• How to compile the code using the command line or IDE.
• Running the executable to see the output.
 Compiling and Running a C++ Program

View Output
Observing the results Run Executable
of the program
Executing the
execution
program to see the
output

Compile Code
The process of
converting code into
an executable
Write C++ Code
The initial step of
creating the program

6. Conclusion
• Recap of the key concepts covered in the session.
• Encouragement to practice writing more C++ programs and explore advanced topics.

7. Resources for Further Learning

• C++ Tutorial