26 September 2023
C++ is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world. It's a robust, high-performance language that forms the foundation for many applications, games, operating systems and more. However, C++ is also complex with a steep learning curve. Mastering C++ requires dedication and practice.
This guide provides beginner C++ programmers with the most essential advice to start writing, compiling and debugging C++ code effectively. Follow these C++ tips and techniques to go from a complete beginner to an intermediate C++ coder. You can use this guide alongside the JBI training you receive in our acclaimed C++ Introduction training course.
To write your first C++ program, you need a development environment with a compiler and linker to generate an executable file from your code. Here are some steps to set up a C++ dev environment:
For example, to compile a simple hello world program in C++, you can use the g++ compiler:
// helloworld.cpp
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Hello World!";
return 0;
}
$ g++ helloworld.cpp -o helloworld
$ ./helloworld
Hello World!
This compiles the source code into an executable file that you can then run.
C++ syntax can seem confusing at first compared to other languages. Here are some key C++ syntax basics you should learn:
Make sure to understand fundamental syntax like proper indentation, statements termination and brackets. Focus on writing cleanly formatted code.
Operators allow you to perform operations on variables and values. Some key C++ operators include:
For instance, you can perform arithmetic on numbers:
int x = 5;
int y = 2;
int sum = x + y; // 7
int diff = x - y; // 3
And use comparison operators like greater than (>) in an if statement:
if (x > y) {
cout << x << " is greater than " << y;
}
Being able to control how a C++ program executes is essential. Here are some common flow control techniques:
For example, a for loop prints numbers from 1 to 5:
for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
cout << i << endl;
}
And a while loop prints numbers till x is no longer less than 10:
int x = 1;
while (x < 10) {
cout << x << endl;
x++;
}
Mastering control flow is key to writing efficient C++ code.
Functions are reusable blocks of code that group together logic. Here's the syntax to define and call a function in C++:
// Function definition
void printHello() {
cout << "Hello there!" << endl;
}
// Calling the function
printHello();
Parameters allow passing data into a function. Return values allow returning data back from a function.
Pointers and references are important but tricky concepts in C++.
A pointer holds the memory address of another variable:
int x = 10;
int* ptr = &x; // ptr holds address of x
While a reference is like an alias to an existing variable:
int x = 10;
int& ref = x; // ref refers to x
Pointers access data indirectly and can be reassigned, while references act as alternative names. Mastering pointers and references is critical for low-level programming in C++.
C++ uses classes and objects to implement object oriented programming. A class encapsulates data and functions into one unit:
// Class definition
class Person {
public:
string name;
int age;
void printInfo() {
//...
}
};
// Object creation
Person person1;
person1.name = "John";
person1.age = 20;
OOP is vital to C++ and mastery of classes is essential for C++ programmers.
Arrays allow storing sequential data of the same type. Strings represent textual data.
// Array example
int nums[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
// String example
string greeting = "Hello world!";
Key string operations include:
And array operations include:
Practice arrays and strings well as they are very commonly used data structures.
No matter how good a coder you become, bugs are inevitable. Here are some tips for debugging C++ code:
Take your time to fix bugs one by one. Avoid panicking or rushing when debugging!
Some final best practices that will make you a better C++ programmer include:
By following these tips and with regular practice, you will be on your way to mastering C++ in no time!
Here are some common FAQs for beginner C++ programmers:
Should I use pointers or references?
Prefer references over pointers for function parameters. Use pointers only when necessary for dynamic memory.
When should I use a class vs struct?
Use classes by default, structs for passive data holding. Classes have private members by default while structs are public.
How do I decide between a for vs while loop?
Use for loops when you know the iteration count. While loops are best when iterations depend on a condition.
What IDE is best for C++ development?
For beginners, CodeBlocks, Xcode or Visual Studio Community are good free options. As you advance, try CLion or Visual Studio.
C++ is a versatile and powerful language but has a steep learning curve. Be patient, write lots of code and don't hesitate to get help. Using these C++ tips and tricks for beginners, with regular practice, you'll be on the journey to mastering C++.
The key is to start writing small programs hands-on, make mistakes and learn from them. And remember to enjoy the process - after all, programming is fun!
Check out our first article Learn C++ from scratch: A complete guide for beginners or consider one of the courses that we offer
This foundational C++ course is ideal for complete beginners. It covers core C++ syntax, data types, functions, classes, and other basic concepts. Taking this intro course will give you the core knowledge needed before advancing to more complex C++ topics.
The advanced C++ course dives deeper into more sophisticated features like STL containers, smart pointers, lambda expressions, concurrency, and memory management. This is crucial to level up your skills as an intermediate C++ programmer.
Stay updated with the latest by learning the C++20 standard library changes and additions like new containers, algorithms, ranges, and more. This will keep your C++ skills relevant with the current standard.
Learn C++ development on the Windows platform with Visual Studio, the MFC library, Windows API, and IDE integration. Useful if you want to build Windows desktop applications.
Writing automated unit tests is an essential skill. This course teaches test-driven development techniques and best practices using frameworks like Catch2 and Google Test for rigorously testing C++ code.
Taking a blended learning approach with both foundational and advanced courses will help you become a well-rounded C++ developer. The specific JBI Training courses are a great fit for systematically building up your skills and knowledge.
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