We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Rahmat M

Welcome to "Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20" a comprehensive course designed to provide you with a solid understanding of pointers and smart pointers in C++. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer looking to deepen your knowledge, this course will equip you with the essential skills to confidently work with pointers and effectively manage memory in your C++ programs.

Throughout this course, you will embark on a journey starting with the fundamentals of C++ and gradually delve into advanced topics related to pointers and smart pointers. Here's what you'll learn:

Read more

Welcome to "Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20" a comprehensive course designed to provide you with a solid understanding of pointers and smart pointers in C++. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer looking to deepen your knowledge, this course will equip you with the essential skills to confidently work with pointers and effectively manage memory in your C++ programs.

Throughout this course, you will embark on a journey starting with the fundamentals of C++ and gradually delve into advanced topics related to pointers and smart pointers. Here's what you'll learn:

  1. Introduction to C++ Basics:

    • Gain a foundational understanding of the C++ programming language, including syntax, variables, functions, arrays and vectors.

  2. Understanding Pointers:

    • Learn the basics of pointers, including declaration, initialization, and dereferencing.

  3. Pointer Arithmetic and Dynamic Memory Allocation:

    • Explore pointer arithmetic and dynamic memory allocation techniques to efficiently manage memory in your programs.

  4. Managing Hazards of Dynamic Memory Allocation:

    • Understand common pitfalls and memory management issues associated with dynamic memory allocation and learn how to mitigate them.

  5. Smart Pointers: Unique_ptr, Shared_ptr, Weak_ptr:

    • Dive into smart pointers, including unique_ptr, shared_ptr, and weak_ptr, and understand their advantages over raw pointers.

  6. Utilizing Smart Pointers with Containers:

    • Learn how to effectively use smart pointers with standard C++ containers to enhance memory management and resource handling.

  7. Deep Dive into References:

    • Explore the nuances of references in C++, including initialization and usage patterns.

  8. Pointers and Functions:

    • Understand the role of pointers in function parameters and return values, and learn best practices for working with them.

  9. Reference Function Parameters and Return:

    • Master the use of reference parameters and return values in function declarations and implementations.

  10. Input and Output Parameters in Functions:

    • Learn how to design functions that accept input parameters, modify them, and return output parameters using pointers and references.

  11. Arrays, Functions, and Pointers Interaction:

    • Understand how arrays, functions, and pointers interact in C++ programs and explore advanced techniques for manipulating array elements.

  12. Pointer and Function Overloading:

    • Delve into the concept of function overloading with pointers and explore how it enhances code readability and maintainability.

  13. Practical Example: Building an Inventory System:

    • Apply your newfound knowledge to a real-world scenario by building an inventory system using pointers, smart pointers, and various C++ features.

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of pointers, smart pointers, and their applications in C++ programming. You'll be equipped with the skills to write efficient, robust, and memory-safe C++ code, ready to tackle complex projects with confidence.

Enroll now and take the next step towards mastering C++ pointers and smart pointers.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Introduction to c++ basics
  • Understanding pointers: declaration, initialization, dereferencing
  • Pointer arithmetic and dynamic memory allocation
  • Managing hazards of dynamic memory allocation
  • Smart pointers: unique_ptr, shared_ptr, weak_ptr
  • Utilizing smart pointers with containers
  • Deep dive into references: initialization, usage
  • Pointers and functions: parameters, return values
  • Reference function parameters and return
  • Input and output parameters in functions
  • Arrays, functions, and pointers interaction
  • Pointer and function overloading
  • Practical example: building an inventory system
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
C++ Basics (Optional)
Installing Visual studio community
Setup Visual studio project
Read more
Introduction to C++
Libraries
Start Coding in C++
Statements in C++
Names and Keywords
Data types and Variables
Operators
Arrays
Vectors
Functions
Pointers
Dereferencing Pointers
Array of Pointers and pointer to array
Constant and Pointers
Pointer Arithmetic
Dynamic Memory Allocation
Hazards of Dynamic Memory Allocation
Hazards of Dynamic Memory Allocation - Example
Smart Pointers
Reference
Unique Pointer
Shared Pointer
Smart pointers of Containers
Reference Examples
Pointers and Functions
Passing Pointers to Functions
Pointers to functions - Example
Returning a pointer from a function
Passing by Reference
Returning Reference from a Function
Function on the Left
Input and Output Parameters
Arrays to Functions
Pointers and Function Overloading
Course Project
Course Mission
Mission Solution

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers smart pointers like unique_ptr, shared_ptr, and weak_ptr, which are essential for modern C++ development and memory management
Includes a practical example of building an inventory system, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a real-world context
Explores dynamic memory allocation techniques, which are crucial for writing efficient and performant C++ applications
Teaches C++20, which is a recent version of the language and includes modern features and improvements
Requires installing Visual Studio Community, which may pose a barrier for learners who prefer other IDEs or development environments
Includes an optional section on C++ basics, which may be redundant for experienced programmers but helpful for beginners

Save this course

Save Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20 to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20 with these activities:
Review C++ Basics
Solidify your understanding of C++ fundamentals before diving into pointers and memory management. This will make grasping advanced concepts easier.
Show steps
  • Review data types, variables, and operators in C++.
  • Practice writing simple C++ programs.
  • Familiarize yourself with C++ syntax and control structures.
C++ Primer
Read C++ Primer to get a solid foundation in C++ concepts. This will help you better understand the course material.
View C++ Primer on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on pointers, arrays, and dynamic memory.
  • Work through the examples and exercises in the book.
  • Use the book as a reference when working on C++ projects.
Implement Data Structures with Smart Pointers
Practice implementing common data structures like linked lists and trees using smart pointers. This reinforces understanding of memory management and smart pointer usage.
Show steps
  • Choose a data structure to implement (e.g., linked list, binary tree).
  • Implement the data structure using unique_ptr or shared_ptr for memory management.
  • Test your implementation thoroughly to ensure memory safety and correctness.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Smart Pointer Tutorial
Develop a tutorial explaining the different types of smart pointers and their use cases. Teaching others will reinforce your own understanding of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on unique_ptr, shared_ptr, and weak_ptr.
  • Write clear and concise explanations of each smart pointer type.
  • Include code examples demonstrating how to use smart pointers in different scenarios.
  • Publish your tutorial on a blog or online platform.
Effective Modern C++
Study Effective Modern C++ to learn about modern C++ practices. This will help you write more robust and efficient code.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on smart pointers and resource management.
  • Implement the examples provided in the book.
  • Apply the principles learned to your own C++ projects.
Build a Memory Management Debugger
Create a simple memory management debugger to detect memory leaks and other memory-related errors. This project will solidify your understanding of dynamic memory allocation and debugging techniques.
Show steps
  • Design the debugger to track memory allocations and deallocations.
  • Implement functions to detect memory leaks and double frees.
  • Integrate the debugger into a sample C++ program and test its functionality.
Contribute to a C++ Open Source Project
Contribute to an open-source C++ project that utilizes pointers and memory management. This provides practical experience and exposure to real-world coding practices.
Show steps
  • Find a C++ open-source project on GitHub or GitLab.
  • Identify an issue related to memory management or pointer usage.
  • Submit a pull request with your proposed solution.

Career center

Learners who complete Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course helps build a foundation in memory management, a critical aspect of software development, especially when working with C++. By mastering pointers and smart pointers, developers can write safer and more efficient code, reducing the risk of memory leaks and other common issues. The practical experience from using pointers with arrays, vectors, and functions is directly applicable to the challenges faced by a software developer. This course may be useful for anyone looking to become proficient in C++ development.
Operating System Developer
An Operating System Developer works on the core software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. Memory management is a core practice of this field, so the focus of this course on pointers, dynamic allocation, and smart pointers makes it valuable. Understanding the hazards of dynamic memory allocation as a result of this course is helpful. The course's coverage of pointers and functions is particularly important to the work of an operating system developer. An operating systems developer may find this course to be very useful.
Systems Programmer
A Systems Programmer works on the core components of an operating system or other low-level software. Direct memory manipulation with pointers is a key part of systems programming, so this course's deep dive into pointers, dynamic memory allocation, and smart pointers is essential. Systems programmers must be extremely careful with memory management, so the instruction on avoiding hazards of dynamic memory allocation is crucial. The course's coverage of function overloading with pointers is also relevant. A systems programmer would gain valuable insights from this course.
Game Programmer
Game Programmers are responsible for the implementation of game logic, mechanics, and systems. Memory management is especially important within this field, and this course can help a game programmer to avoid memory leaks and effectively manage game resources. With the course's focus on C++ fundamentals, you will write performant and robust code, essential for smooth gameplay. The course's exploration of pointers, smart pointers, and their interaction with functions and arrays is fundamental for working with game engines. A game programmer may find this course to be especially useful.
High-Performance Computing Engineer
A High Performance Computing Engineer optimizes software for supercomputers and other high-performance systems. They need to understand how to manage memory efficiently to get the most out of these powerful machines. This course's focus on dynamic memory allocation and smart pointers is crucial to writing efficient high-performance code in C++. The work with pointers and arrays from this course is also a good fit for this role. A high performance computing engineer may find this course to be very useful.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops low-level software that interacts directly with hardware. This role involves working with memory at a granular level, making this course valuable. The instruction on pointers, dynamic memory allocation, and smart pointers will help to write efficient and reliable firmware. The course's focus on avoiding hazards of dynamic memory allocation is essential for a firmware engineer. A firmware engineer would find this course useful.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer develops software for specialized hardware like microcontrollers. This role demands a deep understanding of memory management because embedded systems often have constrained resources. This course specifically targets memory management in C++, including dynamic allocation, smart pointers and how they interact with functions and arrays. These topics can help an Embedded Systems Engineer to write more reliable and efficient code that is needed to make these devices run smoothly. An embedded systems engineer might find this course to be very useful.
Robotics Software Engineer
A Robotics Software Engineer develops software to control robots and autonomous systems. This role requires high performance and efficient memory usage, making this course highly relevant. The knowledge of pointers, smart pointers, and memory management learned in the course is useful in writing robust and reliable code. The experience gained working with various data structures and memory allocation techniques can translate directly to robotics. A robotics engineer may find this course helpful.
Compiler Engineer
A Compiler Engineer works on programs that translate source code into machine code. These engineers have a deep understanding of memory management, which this course may help to build. A compiler engineer needs to have expertise in pointers, smart pointers, and function overloading with pointers. This course's practical examples further enhance these skills. This course may be useful to a compiler engineer.
Graphics Programmer
A Graphics Programmer specializes in developing software to render images and graphical content. This role often involves working with large datasets and complex algorithms, where careful memory management is essential for peak performance. This course's deep dive into pointers and dynamic memory allocation is directly applicable to the challenges a graphics programmer faces. This course may be useful for a graphics programmer.
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst, or quant, develops mathematical models and algorithms for financial trading. High-performance C++ is often used for speed and efficiency, meaning this course may be useful to a quant. The course's focus on memory management, pointers, and smart pointers will help them to write robust programs that are needed to process large amounts of data. The course's focus on practical examples like building an inventory system would allow for learning to program in the context of real world systems. This course may be useful to a quantitative analyst.
Data Structures Engineer
A Data Structures Engineer designs and implements efficient ways to organize and store data. Work on data structures often involves direct memory management. The instruction on pointers, dynamic memory allocation, and smart pointers is directly applicable. By the end of this course, a data structures engineer will be able to efficiently manage memory for various data structures. This course may be useful for a data structures engineer.
Database Developer
A Database Developer designs and implements databases. They also write queries and procedures to manage data. Effective memory management is important for a database to perform optimally. This course about memory management in C++ will help a database developer to write performant code for data storage and retrieval. Knowledge of smart pointers, dynamic allocation, and how to prevent memory leaks may help a database developer. This course may be useful for a database developer.
Software Architect
A Software Architect designs the high-level structure of software systems, making decisions about technology and design patterns. While they may not be directly coding, understanding concepts like memory management, as covered in this course, is important for creating maintainable and efficient systems. Knowledge about smart pointers and memory allocation is valuable for any software architect working in C++. This course may be useful for a software architect.
Cloud Computing Engineer
A Cloud Computing Engineer designs, deploys, and manages applications and services on cloud platforms. While many tasks involve higher-level abstractions, some cloud computing tasks require close-to-metal programming, where effective memory management is essential for performance. This course may be useful for a cloud computing engineer working with C++ based cloud technologies. The course's practical examples may also help this role.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Master Pointers, Memory Management & Smart Pointers in C++20.
Provides in-depth guidance on using modern C++ features effectively, including smart pointers and memory management techniques. It is highly recommended for understanding best practices and avoiding common pitfalls. This book expands on the course material by providing real-world examples and detailed explanations. It is commonly used by industry professionals.
C++ Primer comprehensive introduction to the C++ language, covering fundamental concepts such as pointers, memory management, and object-oriented programming. It valuable resource for beginners and experienced programmers alike. provides a solid foundation for understanding the more advanced topics covered in the course. It is often used as a textbook in introductory C++ courses.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser