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Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++

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Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider

4.7

Based on 2,997 ratings

, see reviews

Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider

This course teaches learners how to write a program in the C++ language, including how to set up a development environment for writing and debugging C++ code and how to implement data structures as C++ classes. It is the first course in the Accelerated CS Fundamentals specialization, and subsequent courses in this specialization will be using C++ as the language for implementing the data structures covered in class.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation; Writing a C++ Program

Understanding the C++ Memory Model

Developing C++ Classes

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores data structures and algorithms, which is a core topic in computer science

Beginners to C++ can start here as the course presumes no prior knowledge required

Builds a strong foundation for intermediate learners in C++

Taught by Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, who are experts in the field of computer programming

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Reviews summary

Accelerated c++ data structures fundamentals

Learners say this course provides a challenging but valuable introduction to object-oriented data structures in C++. It is often described as fast-paced, making it particularly suitable for students with some existing programming background, though complete beginners may struggle. Many reviewers highlight the programming assignments as the most beneficial part, noting they are difficult but effectively reinforce the concepts taught in the lectures, which are generally seen as clear and high-quality. A frequently mentioned hurdle is the process of setting up the development environment. While the course covers core topics, some students feel it doesn't go into enough depth on certain subjects, necessitating additional resources for a complete understanding.

Lectures are mostly clear and well-explained.

"The lectures explain complex topics clearly and build a good foundation."

"The professor's explanations are easy to follow for the most part."

"I found the video lectures to be very informative and well-structured."

"Some parts of the lectures could go into more detail, but they are generally good."

Assignments are hard but essential for learning.

"The assignments are challenging but incredibly helpful for solidifying the concepts."

"Putting what you learn into practice through the labs is where the real learning happens."

"Be prepared to spend significant time on the programming assignments; they are not easy but are very rewarding."

"Working through the coding assignments was crucial for my understanding."

Covers breadth but sometimes lacks depth.

"The course provides a good overview but sometimes skims over advanced details."

"I needed to consult outside resources and documentation for a deeper understanding of some topics."

"It feels like a solid introduction, but not exhaustive coverage of data structures in C++."

"Could benefit from more in-depth explanations on certain complex data structures or algorithms."

Setting up the dev environment can be tricky.

"Getting the C++ development environment configured correctly was frustrating and time-consuming."

"Be warned: setting up your compiler and tools can be a significant hurdle before you even start coding."

"Instructions for setting up the necessary software weren't as clear as they could be."

"Once the environment was set up, everything was smoother, but that first step was tough."

Course pace is high; challenging for beginners.

"This course is fast-paced and demands dedication, especially if you're not already familiar with C++."

"If you're a complete beginner to programming or C++, you will likely find this course very difficult and overwhelming."

"The 'Accelerated' in the title is accurate; it moves quickly and expects you to keep up."

"Found the course manageable because I had prior programming experience, but still challenging."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++ with these activities:

Review C++ syntax and data structures

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Review the basics of C++ syntax and data structures to strengthen your foundation and prepare for the course.

Browse courses on C++ Syntax

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Read through the official C++ documentation
Go through online tutorials and examples
Practice writing simple C++ programs
Review your notes from previous courses or textbooks on C++

Follow online tutorials and video lectures

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Supplement your learning by following online tutorials and video lectures to reinforce concepts covered in the course and explore additional topics.

Show steps

Find reputable online resources and tutorials
Set aside time each week to watch videos or read tutorials
Take notes and practice implementing the concepts covered

Create a C++ resource collection

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Compile a collection of useful resources, including tutorials, documentation, and code examples, to create a comprehensive reference for C++ development.

Browse courses on Compilation

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Identify and gather relevant resources
Organize the resources into a structured format
Share your resource collection with others

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'Effective C++' by Scott Meyers

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Deepen your understanding of C++ best practices and gain insights into effective software development by reading this highly recommended book.

View Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read through the book and take notes
Apply the concepts learned in your own C++ projects

Solve coding challenges and practice problems

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Regularly practice solving coding challenges and practice problems to improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of C++ concepts.

Browse courses on Coding Challenges

Show steps

Find online coding challenges and practice platforms
Set aside time each week to work on practice problems
Review solutions and learn from your mistakes

Mentor a junior C++ developer

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Share your knowledge and expertise by mentoring a junior C++ developer, fostering their growth and enhancing your own understanding through teaching.

Browse courses on Mentoring

Show steps

Identify a junior developer who needs guidance
Set up regular meetings or communication channels
Provide support and guidance on C++ concepts and best practices
Review their code and provide constructive feedback

Contribute to open-source C++ projects

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Apply your C++ skills and contribute to the larger open-source community by actively participating in C++ projects.

Browse courses on Open-Source

Show steps

Find open-source C++ projects that align with your interests
Review the project documentation and codebase
Identify areas where you can contribute
Submit pull requests with your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers write, maintain, and test software applications that run on various devices, such as personal computers, mobile phones, and embedded systems. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is often used in developing software applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is often used in developing software systems. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, modify, and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is often used in developing computer applications and software programs. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Computer Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is often used in developing data science applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is often used in developing data analysis applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing web applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing database applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing computer systems. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Computer Systems Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect information systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing information security applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing network administration tools. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Network Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing computer hardware drivers. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Computer Hardware Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing computer support tools. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Computer Support Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in computer and information systems departments. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing computer systems. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Computer and Information Systems Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Systems Manager

Information Technology Project Manager

Information Technology Project Managers plan, direct, and coordinate information technology projects. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing information technology projects. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Information Technology Project Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Database Manager

Database Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in database administration departments. This course may be useful for learning the C++ programming language, which is sometimes used in developing database applications. The course also teaches learners how to implement data structures as C++ classes, which is a fundamental skill for Database Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Manager

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++.

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Applied Computational Physics

Save

This classic book is commonly used to teach C++ at academic institutions. It provides good insight into the language and constructs as they were originally conceived and how they are implemented.

Applied Computational Physics

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Save

By the author of C++ introduces you to object oriented programming, the C++ language, and the standard template library.

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Save

Introduces the basic concepts of C++ including its class structure, object oriented design, and standard template library. It is commonly used as a reference and textbook at universities.

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ (C++...

C++ Programming Language, The

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ (2nd...

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++

C++ Programming Language, The

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++

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Cover image

Save

Teaches the general principles of C++ and includes an introduction to its standard library. It is commonly used as a textbook or reference book.

C++ Primer (5th Edition)

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Boost Graph Library

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Is suitable for developers with at least some programming experience as it covers C++ in detail. It provides valuable insight into the complexities of modern C++.

The Boost Graph Library: User Guide and Reference...

Boost Graph Library: User Guide and Reference...

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C++ Coding Standards

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This advanced-level book is suitable for developers with significant experience. It explores modern C++ concepts and provides a deep dive into the language.

C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and...

C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and...

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Cover image

Save

Suitable as a reference textbook, this book introduces you to C++ using practical examples. It good book for readers with some programming experience.

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Exceptional C++ Style

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Collection of essays on the topic of exception handling in C++. It is not a comprehensive guide to C++, but it provides a deep dive into a critical aspect of the language.

Exceptional C++ Style: 40 New Engineering Puzzles,...

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C++ Concurrency in Action

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Can be useful if you plan to work with concurrency in C++. It is commonly used by professional developers or at the post-graduate level.

C++ Concurrency in Action

C++ Concurrency in Action: Practical Multithreading

C++ Concurrency in Action

Cover image

Cover image

Save

This is an exhaustive reference book on C++ templates. It is more useful as a reference to look up specific things, rather than as a cover-to-cover read.

C++ Templates: The Complete Guide

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Course image

Rating

4.7

Effort

Approx. 21 hours

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Instructor

Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider

Language

English

Transcripts

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This course belongs to a collection called Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals. It's comprised of three courses:

Unordered Data Structures
Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++ (viewing)
Ordered Data Structures

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores data structures and algorithms, which is a core topic in computer science

Beginners to C++ can start here as the course presumes no prior knowledge required

Builds a strong foundation for intermediate learners in C++

Taught by Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, who are experts in the field of computer programming

Share this

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