Chapter 1: Introduction to C++

Key Points:

• C++ is a multi-paradigm language supporting procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming.
• Setting up the development environment is crucial for writing and compiling code.
• The “Hello, World!” program demonstrates basic syntax and structure.

1. Overview of C++: Brief history, features, and applications

A. Brief History

• Origins: Developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs in the early 1980s.
• Evolution: Evolved from C with added features like classes, objects, and other OOP principles.
• First Release: C++ was first released in 1985 as C with Classes.

B. Features of C++

• Multi-paradigm Language: Supports procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Emphasizes classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
• Standard Template Library (STL): Provides a rich set of ready-to-use classes and functions for data structures and algorithms.
• Low-Level Manipulation: Offers facilities for low-level memory manipulation and system-level programming.
• Compatibility with C: Maintains compatibility with C, allowing for seamless integration of C code.

C. Applications of C++

• Systems Software: Operating systems, device drivers, embedded systems.
• Application Software: Desktop applications, GUIs.
• Game Development: High-performance game development due to its speed and control.
• Real-Time Systems: High-frequency trading systems, robotics.
• Software Infrastructure: Database management systems, compilers, and networking software.

2. Setting Up the Development Environment

A. Installing IDEs

• Code::Blocks:
• Installation: Download from the official website and run the installer.
• Setup: Configure compiler settings (GCC or MinGW).
• Visual Studio:
• Installation: Download from the Microsoft website.
• Setup: Choose the “Desktop development with C++” workload during installation.
• Online Compilers:
• Options: OnlineGDB, repl.it, or Ideone.
• Usage: No installation required, write and run code directly in the browser.

B. Configuring the Development Environment

• Setting Up the Compiler: Ensure the IDE is correctly configured with a C++ compiler.
• Environment Variables: Set up paths for compiler binaries if using command-line tools.

3. Writing Your First C++ Program: “Hello, World!”

A. Understanding the Main Function

• Syntax: int main() { }
• Purpose: Entry point of the program where execution starts.

B. Basic Syntax and Structure

• Include Directive: #include <iostream>
• Purpose: Includes the standard input-output stream library.
• Using Namespace: using namespace std;
• Purpose: Allows usage of standard library functions without prefixing std::.

C. The “Hello, World!” Code

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

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

• Explanation:
• #include <iostream>: Includes input-output stream library.
• using namespace std;: Enables usage of cout and endl.
• cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;: Prints “Hello, World!” to the console.
• return 0;: Indicates successful program termination.

4. Structure of a C++ Program

A. Components of a C++ Program

• Headers: #include <iostream> includes necessary libraries.
• Namespaces: using namespace std; avoids prefixing std::.
• Main Function: int main() { } is the entry point.
• Statements and Expressions: Code lines that perform actions.
• Comments: Use // for single-line and /* */ for multi-line comments.

B. Example Program Breakdown

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, World!" << endl; // Output message
    return 0;
}

• Header Inclusion: #include <iostream>
• Namespace Usage: using namespace std;
• Main Function: int main() { }
• Print Statement: cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
• Return Statement: return 0;

Practice Task:

• Write a simple C++ program to print “Welcome to C++ programming!”.
• Experiment with comments and modify the “Hello, World!” program to include a comment explaining each part.