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Introduction to Programming in C++
CS102 | 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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About Introduction to Programming in C++
What You’ll Learn
In our Introduction to Programming C++ course, students get a comprehensive foundation in C++ programming fundamentals. Students begin with basic syntax, variables, and control structures including branches and loops. The course progresses through essential data structures like arrays and vectors, then advances to object-oriented programming concepts including classes, inheritance, and polymorphism. Key topics include memory management with pointers, file I/O through streams, and advanced features like templates and containers. Students explore recursive programming, exception handling, and implement common algorithms for searching and sorting. Hands-on coding practice problems and laboratory exercises reinforce theoretical concepts, preparing students for advanced programming coursework and real-world software development challenges.
- Analyze the fundamental syntax and structure of C++ programs to identify correct programming practices.
- Apply control flow structures (branches and loops) to solve computational problems.
- Implement data storage and manipulation using arrays, vectors, and other container classes.
- Design modular programs using user-defined functions with appropriate parameter passing and return values.
- Create object-oriented solutions by defining classes with appropriate data members, member functions, and inheritance relationships.
- Evaluate memory management techniques using pointers and dynamic memory allocation.
- Construct programs that handle file input/output and data streams effectively.
- Develop recursive algorithms to solve problems that can be broken down into smaller subproblems.
- Apply exception handling mechanisms to create robust programs that gracefully handle runtime errors.
- Synthesize generic programming concepts using templates and implement common searching and sorting algorithms.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Intro to Programming in C++ teaches you object-oriented programming, covers use of 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-0127
Flexible Schedule
28-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 8,500 Times
$1,500,000 Saved on I.T. Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Text
There is no text for this course. All materials are included in the course fee.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Introduction to C++
- Programming
- Programming basics
- Console input
- Comments and whitespace
- Errors and warnings
- Computers and programs
- Integrated development environment
- Computer tour
- Language history
- Problem solving
- Why programming
- Why whitespace and precision matter
- C++ example: Salary Calculation
- C++ example: Married-couple names
Checkpoint 2: Variables/Assignments
- 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
Checkpoint 3: Branches
- If-else branches (general)
- Detecting equal values with branches
- Detecting ranges with branches (general)
- Detecting ranges with branches
- Detecting ranges using logical operators
- Detecting ranges with gaps
- Detecting multiple features with branches
- Common branching errors
- Example: Toll calculation
- Order of evaluation
- Switch statements
- Boolean data type
- String comparisons
- String access operations
- Character operations
- Finding, inserting, and replacing text in a string
- Conditional expressions
- Floating-point comparison
- Short circuit evaluation
- C++ example: Salary calculation with branches
- C++ example: Search for name using branches
Checkpoint 4: 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
Checkpoint 5: 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
- C-String library functions
- Char library functions: cctype
- C++ example: Annual salary tax rate calculation with vectors
- C++ example: Domain name validation with vectors
Checkpoint 6: User-Defined Functions
- User-defined function basics
- Print functions
- Reasons for defining functions
- Writing mathematical functions
- Functions with branches
- Functions with loops
- Unit testing (functions)
- How functions work
- Functions: Common errors
- Pass by reference
- Using pass by reference to modify 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
Checkpoint 7: 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
Checkpoint 8: Pointers
- Pointers (General)
- Pointers and dynamically allocated arrays
- Changing the size of a dynamically allocated array
- Dynamically allocating objects
- Allocating arrays of objects
- Classes with dynamically allocated data
- String functions with pointers
- Memory regions: Heap/Stack
- Destructors
- Memory leaks
- Copy constructors
- Copy assignment operator
- Rule of three
- Smart pointers
- C++ example: Employee list using vectors
Checkpoint 9: Streams
- Output and input streams
- Output formatting
- Input string stream
- Output string stream
- File input
- C++ example: Parsing and validating input files
- File output
- C++ example: Saving and retrieving program data
- Overloading stream operators
Checkpoint 10: 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
Checkpoint 11: 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
Checkpoint 12: Exceptions
- Handling exceptions
- Throwing exceptions
- Exceptions with files
- User-defined exceptions
- C++ example: Generate number format exception
Checkpoint 13: Templates
- Function templates
- Class templates
- C++ example: Map values using a function template
Checkpoint 14: Containers
- Range-based for loop
- List
- Pair
- Map
- Set
- Queue
- Deque
- find() function
- sort() function
Checkpoint 15: 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:
- 15 Checkpoints
- 15 Benchmarks
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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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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