C++ Programming

This course provides a practical hands-on introduction to the C++ programming language. Participants will learn the central concepts of the C++ language, with emphasis on the use of object-oriented techniques in writing robust code. Some advanced features are included.

Participants must be fluent in ANSI C and have an understanding of object-oriented concepts

On completion of this course, the student should be able to

• Create new classes
• Describe the process of data abstraction
• Create new data types using inheritance
• Use C++ class libraries
• Implement exception handling
• Write template functions and classes

5 Days

Instructor-led course, with practical computer-based exercises.

Why C++?

• C vs. C++
• Abstract data types
• C++ as a better C
• I/O services
• Standard template library
• Standard compliance

Functions

• Function overloading
• Default parameter values
• Variable numbers of arguments
• Ambiguity
• Inline functions
• References
• The const type-qualifier

Classes

• Class definition
• Instantiating and using classes
• Member functions
• Classes and encapsulation
• Constructors and destructors
• Constructors and conversions

Storage Management

• Memory allocation
• Dynamic allocation
• Problems with dynamic allocation

Operator Overloading

• Simple operator overloading
• Return values of operator functions
• Predefined operator functions
• Conversions
• Member vs. non-member functions
• Overloading I/O operators
• Friend functions
• The effect of conversions
• Restrictions on overloading
• The [ ] operator

Initialization

• Initialization vs. assignment
• Constructors
• Arrays of objects
• Branching past initialization
• Constant class members
• Static class members

Inheritance

• Derivation
• Overriding names
• Constructor and destructor calls
• Inheritance at work
• Conversions
• Features not inherited
• Protected members
• When to use inheritance

Polymorphism

• Polymorphism
• Abstract classes
• New casting operators

I/O in C++ Programs

• Standard streams
• Insertion and extraction operators
• Manipulators
• Unformatted input and output
• File input and output
• Stream states
• Problems with object I/O

Exception Handling

• Exception handling concepts
• Exception handling terminology
• Uncaught exceptions
• Inheritance and exceptions
• When in an exception handler
• Function declarations

Templates

• Template functions
• Template classes
• Argument types
• Standard Template Library
• Implementation issues
• Vector of strings
• Maps
• Appendix: Review of C

An ANSI C++ development environment, including a compiler with template support, is required. A compiler that supports exception handling is recommended. The system must be able to load text files from a 3.5” DOS-formatted solution disk.