C++ Programming for Non-C Programmers

This course is a comprehensive hands-on introduction to object oriented programming in C++ for non-C programmers. Emphasis is placed on the features of C++ that support effective modeling of the problem domain and reuse of code. The course consists of two modules.

The first module introduces the core C features of C++, with simplified input/output through iostreams. The module begins with simple hands-on programming using C++ to do input, computation and output. The C++ data types are covered, and simple if tests and loops are covered. C++ program structure is introduced. Pointers, addressing, and arrays are discussed. Structures and unions are covered

In the second module, object-oriented concepts are introduced. The C++ class construct is introduced and its key features elaborated step-by-step, providing full implementation of abstract data types. C++ memory management is discussed. Function and operator overloading and the use of references are covered. The scope and access control mechanisms of C++ are described. Inheritance is introduced. The use of virtual functions to implement polymorphism is discussed.

Extensive programming examples and exercises are provided. The course is current to ANSI standard C++ and is designed so that it can be taught in any environment with an ANSI C++ compiler.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of a programming language.

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

• Learn the core C features of C++
• Become acquainted with the basic concepts of object oriented programming
• Acquire an introductory knowledge of C++ programming

5 Days

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

• Module 1: Introduction to C and C++
  • 1. First C++ Programs
    • Hello, World
    • Program Structure
    • Output in C++
    • Variables and Expressions
    • Calculations Using C++
    • Input in C++
  • 2. Data Types and Operators
    • Strong Typing
    • Integer Data Types
    • Floating Point
    • Conversions Between Types
    • Arithmetic Operators
    • Doing Math in C++
  • 3. Logical and Bit Operations
    • Bool
    • Logical and Relational Operators
    • If Tests
    • Bitwise Operators
    • Shifting and Masking
  • 4. Loops and Structured Programming
    • While Loops
    • Quitting Infinite Loops
    • Curly Braces and Indenting
    • Sentinels and Counters
    • For Loops
    • Loops and If Tests Together
    • Nested If Statements
    • Structured Programming
  • 5. Functions and Program Structure
    • Function Prototypes and Type Checking
    • Returning Value and Argument Passing
    • Pass-by-Reference
    • External Variables
    • Block Structure
    • Scope
    • Header Files
    • Preprocessor
  • 6. Pointers and Arrays
    • Pointers and Addresses
    • Pointers and Function Arguments
    • Address Arithmetic
    • Pointers and Arrays
    • Arrays of Pointers
    • Command Line Arguments
    • Pointers to Functions
    • Strings
  • 7. Structures and Unions
    • Structures
    • Structures and Functions
    • Arrays of Structures
    • Unions

• Module 2: Object-Oriented C++ Programming Fundamentals
  • 1. Concepts of Object Oriented Programming
    • Objects
    • Information Hiding and Encapsulation
    • Abstract Data Types
    • Methods and Messages
    • Classes
    • Class Inheritance
    • Polymorphism
  • 2. Classes in C++
    • Data Encapsulation in C and C++
    • Definition of C++ Classes
    • Member Data and Functions
    • this Pointer
    • Abstract Data Types
    • Organizing Code for Classes
  • 3. Functions in C++
    • Function Prototypes and Type Checking
    • Conversion of Parameters
    • Default Arguments
    • Inline Functions
    • Function Overloading
  • 4. Constructors and Destructors
    • Constructors and Initializations
    • Object Creation and Destruction
    • Destructors
    • Multiple Constructors in a Class
    • Hidden Constructors
  • 5. Memory Management in C++
    • Static, Automatic and Heap Memory
    • New and Delete
    • Handling Memory Allocation Errors
    • Hiding Details of Memory Management in a Class
    • Implementing a Dynamic String Class
  • 6. References and Argument Passing in C++
    • Call by Value
    • Reference Declarations
    • Reference Arguments
    • Copy Constructor
    • Constant Arguments and Functions
  • 7. Operator Overloading, Initialization, and Assignment
    • Operator Overloading
    • Semantics of Assignment
    • Initialization vs. Assignment
    • Overloading Assignment
    • Type Conversions
  • 8. Scope and Access Control
    • Scope in C++
    • Friend Functions
    • Const and Enumeration Types
    • Static Members
  • 9. Introduction to Inheritance
    • Inheritance for Modeling and Reuse
    • Class Derivation
    • Access Control
    • Base Class Initialization
    • Composition
    • Initializing Class Type Members
  • 10. Polymorphism and Virtual Functions
    • Virtual Functions and Dynamic Binding
    • Polymorphism in C++
    • Pointer Conversion
    • Virtual Destructors
    • Abstract Classes and Pure Virtual Functions

The course is designed to be delivered in any environment supporting an ANSI C++ compiler. An optional version of the lab file contains project files for Visual C++ 2005.