Introduction to C++ Programming Language - C++ for Beginners

Table of Contents [show]

This C++ tutorial is your go-to guide for learning the fundamental and advanced concepts of C++. Whether you're just starting out or already a pro, our tutorial is the best to suit your needs. C++ programming language is the upgraded version of C, adding a touch of object-oriented language. For beginners, consider it building on what you've learned in C.

This tutorial covers several topics, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of C++. We start with simple examples to ease you into the world of coding. Then, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of C++.

What is C++ Programming Language?

C++ is the most common computer language, created by a brilliant mind named Bjarne Stroustrup. It's the go-to language for many developers. Moreover, it empowers developers to craft efficient code for applications, games, and system software, ensuring smooth computer performance and functionality. It has Object Oriented Programming (OOPs) to make code look neat and organized.

Apart from that, it is necessary to know where it works. It is used on different types of computers. Developers love it because it gives them complete control over how the computer uses its resources and memory.

History of C++ Programming Language

In 1983, a savvy computer expert named Bjarne Stroustrup created C++, building on the C language. He incorporated OOP concepts from Simula into C's powerful basics, like encapsulation and inheritance. C++ kept getting better over the years. In 1998, it got its first official set of rules, known as standards. Since then, C++ has evolved, adding new tricks, working faster, and becoming even more awesome with each update.

Now, we will discuss why you should learn C++. The following section will discuss the same.

Why Should Users Learn This Programming Language?

• C++ is among the most used and liked programming languages.
• It is employed in crafting operating systems, embedded systems, and user-friendly graphical interfaces.
• C++ follows object-oriented programming, using concepts like Abstraction, Encapsulation, and Inheritance for clear and reusable code.
• Portable across platforms, it creates applications that easily fit different systems.
• Easy to learn. Additionally, it makes it the best choice for those starting the programming journey.
• Its syntax similarity to C, Java, and C# eases the transition for programmers, making coding more accessible.

Here, we have discussed the necessity of learning the programming language. Now, It's time to understand the uses of C++ language basics.

Our Learners Also Read:- R Programming Language - Tutorial For Beginners

Use of C++ Programming

The following section will describe some common uses of the C++ programming language.
 

• Operating Systems: C++ is the programming language that helps build efficient operating systems with its memory management skills.
• Gaming and Graphics: It is the best choice for gaming engines such as Unreal Engine. In addition, C++ also does savvy things in graphics, like making images look natural and handling physics in games.
• Embedded Systems: C++ is the go-to language for building tiny computers that do specific tasks, like medical devices or car systems. Even those smart devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) world use C++.
• Software Libraries: C++ is the foundation for some tools that make programmers' lives easier. Libraries like Boost and the Standard Template Library (STL) offer ready-made building blocks for creating awesome stuff.
• High-performance computing (HPC): C++ programming language used for tricky stuff like scientific simulations and handling big math problems. It uses some tools, like the message-passing interface and OpenMP, to accomplish big tasks.
• Web development: Even though C++ doesn't play the primary role in creating websites, it's the programming language. It handles the hard work, like managing web servers and ensuring your data travels smoothly on the internet. Big websites with several visitors use C++ because it's fast and reliable.
• Systems programming: C++ is the language used for device drivers, network rules, and tools that help computers understand each other.

Before proceeding further towards the merits and demerits section, you should know the applications of it.

Some Helpful Applications of C++
 

• C++ is the brain behind operating systems like Linux (think Ubuntu).
• It plays a role in browsers like Chrome and Firefox, helping you surf the web.
• Have you ever used Photoshop or Blender? C++ is part of the blender and Photoshop. It's also in game engines like Unreal Engine.
• C++ helps build the engines behind databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and Redis.
• It's the backbone of cloud and distributed systems.

As we mentioned, the following section will elaborate on the merits and demerits of the C++ programming language.

Advantages and Disadvantages of C++

First, we will explain the pros of C++. After that, we will describe the drawbacks or cons of this programming language.

Merits of C++

• Speedy Performance: C++ has enough ability to handle multiple tasks quickly, especially when dealing with a ton of data or intense programs.
• Total Control in Your Hands: Developers can effortlessly control things at a super-detailed level. In short, they can make their programs run in the best way possible.
• Shape-Shifter Language: C++ supports various programming styles such as OOP, procedural, and functional.
• Software portability: Programs created with C++ can work on different types of computers.
• Compatibility: C++ gets along with other languages like C, making it easy for developers to mix and match tools. Despite this, it requires less work for developers. They can reuse existing code and grab useful bits from other languages.
• An expansive ecosystem: Developers have access to a wide range of pre-built tools and shortcuts that can help them work more efficiently.

Here, we’ve just finished the merits of C++ programming language. Now, we will elaborate on the demerits.

Demerits of C++

• Complexity: For beginners, C++ can be a challenging level in a video game. As a result, it has various advanced features that might seem overwhelming at first.
• Manual memory management: Handling memory in C++ can be difficult manually. If not done carefully, it can cause problems like memory leaks, where the computer forgets to clean up after itself.
• Security risks: C++ can directly access computer memory, so there's a risk of writing code that's not safe.
• Lack of built-in garbage collection: Unlike some languages that automatically clean up unused stuff, C++ makes developers do it manually.
• Complex syntax: C++ is more complicated compared to other languages. In short, it takes more time to read and write.
• Long compile time: When you're getting ready to run your program, C++ can take longer to get everything ready.

Further, we will describe some examples of C++ tools.

C++ Example

As mentioned earlier, the upcoming paragraph will discuss some common examples of C++ programming language.
 

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Programming becomes more effortless using tools that assist with coding, debugging, and organizing code. They have popular tools like Microsoft Visual Studio, JetBrains CLion, and Eclipse CDT.
• Build Systems: Build systems like CMake and GNU to simplify turning code into a working program. They handle tasks like discovering what parts of the code depend on each other.
• Testing Frameworks: Testing frameworks like Google Test, Catch2, and BoostTest to ensure the code works as expected. They help catch mistakes early by letting developers write and run tests for their code.
• Profiling Tools: Profiling tools like Valgrind and Intel VTune Amplifier dig into code to find out how it's performing. They spot areas that might be slowing down or using too many resources.
• Documentation Tools: Doxygen is an example of a documentation tool. It automatically creates code documentation, turning comments into helpful guides.
• Package Managers: Package managers like JFrog's Conan and Microsoft make handling different parts of a project easy. They observe every track of what pieces of code are needed, install them, and keep everything up to date.

Conclusion

Here, we have reached the end of the tutorial on C++ Programming Language. We have described all the primary concepts of this popular language. Firstly, we detailed the language. After that, we elaborated on the history and then why we should prefer to learn this. The most significant section is the uses, advantages, and demerits that everybody should know about.

Frequently Asked Questions