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Introduction to Programming in C++
CS101 | 3 Credits
Get an introduction to programming in C++ while learning the core computer science concepts like variables, loops, branching, arrays, and functions. This course makes coding approachable and practical, so you can start building real programs.
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Note: Students can only enroll in a single CS101 course.
About Introduction to Programming in C++
What You’ll Learn
In our Introduction to Programming C++ course, you will learn about the core computer science concepts of variables, branching, loops, arrays/lists, and functions/methods.
- Use standard input and output, and understand common syntax errors
- Declare and initialize variables with valid identifiers
- Develop programs that branch based on user input
- Combine loops and arrays/lists, and develop programs with multiple arrays/lists
- Write a function/method, then return from a function/method and parameterize a function
- Initialize class variables with class constructor
- Create derived and abstract classes
- Write a recursive function
- Use binary search, O notation, and algorithm analysis
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Intro to Programming in C++ teaches you object-oriented programming, covers use pointers and streams, and provides a variety of good coding practices, including iterative development, code formatting, and variable naming schemes.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0069
Flexible Schedule
28-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 8,500 Times
$1,500,000 Saved on I.T. Tuition
Prerequisites
It is suggested, though not required, that students take Pre-Calculus or its equivalent before enrolling in Introduction to Programming in C++.
Course Text
There is no text for this course. All materials are included in the course fee.
Course Checkpoints
Introduction to Programming in C++
- Programming (general)
- Programming basic
- Comments and whitespace
- Errors and warnings
- Computers and programs (general)
- Computer tour
- Language history
- Problem solving
- Why whitespace matters
- C++ example: Salary calculation
- C++ example: Married-couple names
Variables and Expressions
- Variables and assignments (general)
- Variables (int)
- Identifiers
- Arithmetic expressions (general)
- Arithmetic expressions (int)
- Example: Health data
- Floating-point numbers (double)
- Scientific notation for floating point literals
- Constant variables
- Using math functions
- Integer division and modulo
- Type conversions
- Binary
- Characters
- Strings
- Integer overflow
- Numeric data types
- Unsigned Random numbers
- Debugging Auto (since C++11)
- Style guidelines
- C++ example: Salary calculation with variables
- C++ example: Married-couple names with variables
Branches
- If-else branches (general)
- If-else
- More if-else
- Equality and relational operators
- Detecting ranges (general)
- Detecting ranges with if-else statements
- Logical operators
- Order of evaluation
- Example: Toll calculation
- Switch statements
- Boolean data type
- String comparisons
- String access operations
- Character operations
- More string operations
- Conditional expressions
- Floating-point comparison
- Short circuit evaluation
- C++ example: Salary calculation with branches
- C++ example: Search for name using branches
Loops
- Loops (general)
- While loops
- More while examples
- For loops
- More for loop examples
- Loops and strings
- Nested loops
- Developing programs incrementally
- Break and continue
- Variable name scope
- Enumerations
- C++ example: Salary calculation with loops
- C++ example: Domain name validation with loops
Arrays / Vectors
- Array concept (general)
- Vectors
- Array iteration drill
- Iterating through vectors
- Multiple vectors
- Vector resize
- Vector push_back
- Loop-modifying or copying/comparing vectors
- Swapping two variables (General)
- Debugging example: Reversing a vector
- Arrays vs. vectors
- Two-dimensional arrays
- Char arrays / C strings
- String library functions
- Char library functions: ctype
- C++ example: Annual salary tax rate calculation with vectors
- C++ example: Domain name validation with vectors
User-Defined Functions
- User-defined function basics
- Return
- Reasons for defining functions
- Functions with branches/loops
- Unit testing (functions)
- How functions work
- Functions: Common errors
- Pass by reference
- Functions with string/vector parameters
- Functions with C string parameters
- Scope of variable/function definitions
- Default parameter values
- Function name overloading
- Parameter error checking
- Preprocessor and include
- Separate files
- C++ example: Salary calculation with functions
- C++ example: Domain name validation with functions
Objects and Classes
- Objects: Introduction
- Using a class
- Defining a class
- Inline member functions
- Mutators, accessors, and private helpers
- Initialization and constructors
- Classes and vectors/classes
- Separate files for classes
- Choosing classes to create
- Unit testing (classes)
- Constructor overloading
- Constructor initializer lists
- The ‘this’ implicit parameter
- Operator overloading
- Overloading comparison operators
- Vector ADT
- Namespaces
- Static data members and functions
- C++ example: Salary calculation with classes
- C++ example: Domain name availability with classes
Pointers
- Why pointers?
- Pointer basics
- Operators: new, delete, and ->
- String functions with pointers
- A first linked list
- Memory regions: Heap/Stack
- Destructors
- Memory leaks
- Copy constructors
- Copy assignment operator
- Rule of three
- C++ example: Employee list using vectors
Streams
- Output and input streams
- Output formatting
- Input string stream
- Output string stream
- File input
- File output
- C++ example: Parsing and validating input files
- C++ example: Saving and retrieving program data
- Overloading stream operators
Inheritance
- Derived classes
- Access by members of derived classes
- Overriding member functions
- Polymorphism and virtual member functions
- Abstract classes: Introduction (generic)
- Abstract classes
- Is-a versus has-a relationships
- UML
- C++ example: Employees and overriding class functions
- C++ example: Employees using an abstract class
Recursion
- Recursion: Introduction
- Recursive functions
- Recursive algorithm: Search
- Adding output statements for debugging
- Creating a recursive function
- Recursive math functions
- Recursive exploration of all possibilities
- Stack overflow
- C++ example: Recursively output permutations
Exceptions
- Exception basics
- Exceptions with functions
- Multiple handlers
- C++ example: Generate number format exception
Templates
- Function templates
- Class templates
- C++ example: Map values using a function template
- Containers
- Range-based for loop
- List
- Pair
- Map
- Set
- Queue
- Deque
- find() function
- sort() function
Searching and Sorting Algorithms
- Searching and algorithms
- Binary search
- O notation
- Algorithm analysis
- Sorting: Introduction
- Selection sort
- Insertion sort
- Quicksort
- Merge sort
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- Midterm Exam
- Final Exam
This course has an open-book Final Exam. No calculators are permitted.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Professional development assistance
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Students who enrolled also took:
Information Technology Fundamentals
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 23
3 credits
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C++ Your Career in Technology
Introduction to Programming in C++ is a key building block for a career in software development and IT. By learning C++ fundamentals, you’ll gain the coding skills and problem-solving abilities that can set you on the path to roles such as software developer, systems analyst, or IT project manager.
Why it matters:
- Technology drives every industry, making IT one of the most secure career fields as we rely more on digital systems.
- Tech professionals have lower unemployment rates, even during broad economic fluctuations.
How this course sets you up for success:
Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Information Security Specialist, and Computer Support Specialist
How this course sets you up for success:
Learn the fundamentals of C++ programming to get the foundation you need to succeed in software development and IT careers.
3 Credits
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