Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal from Coursera

This course is all about starting to learn how to develop video games using the C++ programming language and the Unreal Engine on Windows or Mac.

This course assumes you have previous programming experience in some other language. Although we'll start at the very beginning for C++, hardly anybody learns (or teaches) C++ as a first language. Similarly, Unreal Engine is a commercial, industrial strength game engine. With great power comes great ... complexity, so it's important that you have the will to work hard to learn how to use C++ in Unreal Engine.

Computer programming is really fun in general, and programming games is even better!

Caution: Introduction (starting to learn C++ and Unreal Engine) is not the same as easy (not hard to do). Learning to program using C++ in Unreal Engine IS hard to do, especially since this course is essentially the first half of a freshman-level college course. Meeting the course challenges while you master the material will be rewarding to you, but doing that will require hard work and maybe even a few expletives along the way.

Module 1: Write your first C++ console application and Unreal script

Module 2: Learn how we store and use data in our programs

Module 3: Learn how we use classes and objects to implement our code

Module 4: Learn the basics of Unreal Engine

What's inside

Syllabus

Starting to Program

In this module, you'll learn about the course and get Unreal installed and configured. You'll write your first C++ console application and your first C++ script in Unreal.

Data Types, Variables, and Constants

In this module, you'll learn how information is stored in the computer using binary and you'll learn how data types tell us how to interpret the bits and memory and what operations we can perform on those bits. You'll also learn about the most commonly-used numeric types in C++, you'll get some practice reading documentation (which programmers do all the time!), and you'll learn how to use the debugger to find and fix bugs in your code.

Classes and Objects

In this module, you'll learn the foundational concepts in the Object-Oriented (OO) paradigm. This paradigm is incredibly useful in game development, because it models our software system as a set of software objects that interact with each other. Those concepts map nicely to games, which typically include lots of game entities that interact with each other. You'll learn how to actually use classes and objects in your code as well.

Unreal Engine Basics

In this module, you'll start learning how to use Unreal Engine. We'll explore how to import models into our games, how to set up the orthographic camera and light source for a "2D" game, how to create reusable assets (blueprints) you can add to the game either in the editor or from scripts, and how to use the physics system. You'll finally do more in Unreal than just write scripts!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an accessible entry into game development with clear module progression

Taught by Dr. Tim "Dr. T" Chamillard, an industry professional and scholar recognized for their work in game development

Emphasizes industry-standard tools, such as C++ and Unreal Engine, ensuring relevance in the game development field

Requires basic programming experience, making it suitable for learners with a foundational understanding of coding principles

Focuses on foundational concepts in Object-Oriented programming, a paradigm commonly used in game development

Explores the basics of Unreal Engine, providing hands-on experience with a widely adopted game development platform

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Developer

As a Game Developer, you will be responsible for the development of video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Video Game Designer

As a Video Game Designer, you will be responsible for the design and development of video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Level Designer

As a Level Designer, you will be responsible for creating the levels in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Technical Artist

As a Technical Artist, you will be responsible for creating the technical assets used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Environment Artist

As an Environment Artist, you will be responsible for creating the environments used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in software development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Character Artist

As a Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating the characters used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Concept Artist

As a Concept Artist, you will be responsible for creating the concept art used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Animator

As an Animator, you will be responsible for creating the animations used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Rigger

As a Rigger, you will be responsible for creating the rigs used in video games. This course will help you build a foundation in the C++ programming language, which is commonly used in game development. You will also learn how to use the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine used by many professional game developers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field.

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Computer Programmer

As a Computer Programmer, you will be responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a foundation in the C++ programming language and in the Unreal Engine, which is a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications.

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Machine Learning Engineer

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a foundation in the C++ programming language and in the Unreal Engine, which is a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications.

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Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a foundation in the C++ programming language and in the Unreal Engine, which is a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications.

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Systems Engineer

As a Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing computer systems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a foundation in the C++ programming language and in the Unreal Engine, which is a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications.

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Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a foundation in the C++ programming language and in the Unreal Engine, which is a popular game engine that is also used in the development of other types of software applications.

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Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal

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