C++ Programming Tutorial for Beginners – Learn C++ Step by Step W3Office.com

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Introduction to C++

What is C++?
C++ is a high-performance, general-purpose programming language that blends the features of procedural and object-oriented programming. Developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979, it’s widely used in system/software development, game engines, real-time simulations, and performance-critical applications.

Why Learn C++?
Because it teaches you how the computer really works. Want to master memory, performance, and OOP? C++ is the boss. It’s like learning to drive using a manual car—you’ll understand what’s under the hood.

Applications of C++

Operating Systems (Windows, parts of Linux)
Game Engines (Unreal Engine)
Embedded Systems
🏦 Banking Systems
Compilers

Setting Up the C++ Environment

Installing a C++ Compiler
Choose based on your OS:

Windows: MinGW, Visual C++
macOS: Xcode Command Line Tools
Linux: g++

Setting Up an IDE
Use beginner-friendly IDEs:

Writing Your First Program

#include<iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, C++ World!";
    return 0;
}

Save as .cpp, compile, and run it — you’re now coding in C++!

Basic Structure of a C++ Program

main() Function
Acts as the entry point for execution.

Header Files & Namespaces

#include<iostream> includes input/output.
using namespace std; simplifies code.

I/O Example

int x;
cin >> x;
cout << "You entered: " << x;

Variables, Data Types, and Constants

Declaring Variables

int age = 25;
float pi = 3.14;
char grade = 'A';

Common Data Types

int, float, double, char, bool, string

Constants

const int MAX = 100;

Operators and Expressions

Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, %
Relational: ==, !=, <, >
Logical: &&, ||, !
Compound Assignment: +=, -=, *=, etc.

Control Flow Statements

If-Else

if (x > 0) cout << "Positive";
else cout << "Non-positive";

Switch Case

switch(day) {
  case 1: cout << "Monday"; break;
  default: cout << "Invalid";
}

Loops

for(int i=0; i<5; i++) cout << i;
while(x > 0) x--;
do { x++; } while(x < 10);

break exits a loop, continue skips an iteration.

Functions in C++

Basic Function

int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}

Function Overloading

int sum(int a, int b);
float sum(float a, float b);

Recursion: Function calling itself.

Arrays and Strings

Array Example

int arr[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

String Example

string name = "C++";

Methods: .length(), .substr(), .append()

Pointers in C++

Pointer Basics

int x = 10;
int* p = &x;

Arrays and pointers are closely related.

Function Pointers: Advanced use cases.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Class Example

class Car {
  public:
    string brand;
};

Inheritance

class Dog : public Animal {};

Polymorphism, Encapsulation, Abstraction

Memory Management

Dynamic Memory

int* ptr = new int;
delete ptr;

Smart Pointers (unique_ptr, shared_ptr) – safer memory management in C++11+

File Handling in C++

Write to File

ofstream file("test.txt");
file << "Hello File!";
file.close();

Use <fstream> to read/write files.

C++ Standard Template Library (STL)

Containers
vector, list, map

Iterators and Algorithms
begin(), end(), sort(), find()

Exception Handling

Try-Catch Example

try {
  throw 20;
} catch (int e) {
  cout << "Error: " << e;
}

Tips to Master C++

Practice daily
Build real projects
Use LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank

Conclusion

C++ is the foundation of many modern systems and applications. It may be complex, but once mastered, it equips you with powerful low-level and high-level programming skills. Stay consistent, solve problems, and you’ll be fluent in one of the most respected languages in the industry.