Project: Creating Your First C++ Application from Coursera

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to implement the basics of C++ and OOP program design, discover pointers and memory management in C++, and find optimal situations for using C++ in the real world. By the end of the project, you will create an application that can process basic calculator functions from the user, and stores the previous results. With this project we will create a basic first application in C++, and highlight the differences between C++ and other popular programming languages.

C++ has been around since the mid 80s, yet despite its age, it is still an essential part of application development today. C++ is the third most popular language for development, and its balance of low level access and high level concepts ensures that it still holds an essential role, especially in large-scale enterprise development. Students looking to re-skill for another job will find this course gives them a great introduction to C++, and more advanced students looking to refresh their memory will also be at home. Join the course, and get a powerful crash course into C++.

This course works on the Rhyme platform, which allows you to have a custom Windows VM that ensures you don't have to worry about any of the setup work that normally causes beginners trouble with C++ or any new language. Students will be able to code along on their desktop and learn by coding with the instructor.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project: Creating Your First C++ Application

In this course we will discover how to create a C++ application. We will learn about the basics of how to create a program in C++, how to make it manage memory correctly, and learn how to process user inputs for our program. By the end of the course you will have created a basic calculator application, and have a solid understanding of C++.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the core concepts of C++ and OOP, making it suitable for beginners

Provides hands-on experience with C++ through a project-based approach

Covers foundational topics such as pointers and memory management

Highlight the differences between C++ and other popular programming languages

Uses a custom Windows VM to simplify the setup process for beginners

Duration is only 1 hour, which may not be sufficient for some learners

Reviews summary

Engaging c++ project

Learners say this course offers a largely positive experience for beginners interested in learning how to write their first C++ applications. Many students find the guided project to be an engaging way to practice and apply C++ concepts. However, some students with no prior programming experience may find the course to be difficult and those with some programming experience may find the pace too slow.

Great for new learners to C++

"this course is good for beginners"

"beginner-friendly"

"Surely recommend you to have a look and complete this Guided Project on C++ using the concepts and methodology of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and blend of C++."

Helpers students learn key C++ programming concepts

"Explained about why to use Copy Constructor, Copy Assignment, Destructor."

"Why to use size_t instead of int."

"Why to create header files along with cpp files."

Engaging project helps learners apply knowledge

"this project proved to be very conceptual and very emphasizing"

"It gives some basics knowledge of c++ and its application."

"Nice platform to learn the language"

May be too slow for experienced learners

"Some exposure to C and C++ prior to taking your course, never really done much with it but even I cal tell that you were skipping insane amount of important stuff."

"It is not clear who this is aimed at - expert developers are not gonna be doing a "Make your First C++ application" project, yet the material provides inadequate understanding for a beginner."

"The only way you will be able to follow everything shown and _grasp why it is being done the way it is_ is if you already know C++ objects or have sufficient knowledge of memory managing in object oriented programming languages."

May be difficult for complete beginners

"I had some exposure to C and C++ prior to taking your course, never really done much with it but even I cal tell that you were skipping insane amount of important stuff."

"even though i can't understand much but i want learn how to create projects using c++"

"This class was very tough to understand, as many very difficult concepts were glossed over."

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 Project: Creating Your First C++ Application with these activities:

Introduction to C++

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Review the basics of C++ and programming concepts to strengthen your foundation for the course.

View C++ Primer on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1-3 of the book.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.

Review basic C syntax

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Doing this activity will bring what you already know about C++ syntax to the forefront and highlight areas you should review.

Browse courses on C++ Syntax

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Go through the Codecademy lesson on C++ syntax
Identify areas you need to focus on

Build a simple calculator using C++

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This activity will help you apply basic C++ principles to create a functional calculator that can perform basic operations.

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Follow the tutorial on how to create a calculator in C++
Identify the different sections of the code and understand their purpose

Five other activities

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Code Along with the Instructor

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Reinforce your understanding of C++ concepts by coding along with the instructor in the Rhyme platform.

Browse courses on C++

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Follow the instructor's code-along videos.
Attempt the practice exercises.

Calculator Application

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Apply your C++ skills by creating a basic calculator application that can perform basic arithmetic operations.

Browse courses on C++

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Test and debug the application.
Design the application's user interface.
Implement the calculator's functionality.

Advanced C++ Concepts

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Extend your knowledge by exploring advanced C++ concepts, such as templates, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Browse courses on C++

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Find tutorials on advanced C++ concepts.
Complete the practice exercises.
Incorporate the new concepts into your projects.

Develop a C++ code snippet library

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This activity will help you explore and master different C++ functionalities by creating a library of reusable code snippets.

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Identify the different types of code snippets you need
Write and test the code snippets
Document the code snippets with clear descriptions

C++ Programming Project

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Challenge yourself by starting a project that incorporates the C++ concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on C++

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Identify a project idea.
Plan and design the project.
Implement the project.
Test and debug the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Project: Creating Your First C++ Application will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. C++ is a common language in game development, especially for game engines. This course will help you build a foundation for a successful career as a Game Developer, especially if you want to focus on game engine design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Research and Development Scientist

Research and Development Scientists conduct research to develop new technologies and products. C++ is a common language for researchers who develop new algorithms or simulations, so this course may be helpful for you if this career is your goal.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Scientist

Applications Developer

Applications Developers design, build, test, deploy, and maintain applications. An Applications Developer with knowledge of C++ would be especially valuable to any company striving to create or maintain a large-scale software application. C++ is still used for many game engines and will help you break into the gaming industry. This course will help you build a foundation for a successful career in application development, especially if your concentration is on complex, large-scale applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Applications Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers create and modify source code to create software systems. A Computer Programmer familiar with C++ is a valuable resource, as it is a common language for enterprise development. This course will help you build the foundation necessary for a successful career in computer programming, especially if you are interested in enterprise development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop and maintain machine learning models. C++ is not as common in Machine Learning as Python, SQL, or R, but it is used for deep learning in some cases. This course may help you in your pursuit of a career as a Machine Learning Engineer if you are interested in deep learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret large amounts of complex data. C++ is not as common in Data Science as Python, SQL, or R, but it still may be used to create custom solutions for processing large datasets. This course may help you in your pursuit of a career in Data Science if your interests align with those of this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers combine software development and IT operations to provide continuous integration and delivery. C++ is not a common language for DevOps, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software products to ensure they meet quality standards. C++ is not a common language for Quality Assurance Analysts, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

IT Architect

IT Architects design and implement IT systems. C++ is not a common language for IT Architects, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on how to use technology to meet their business needs. C++ is not a common language for IT Consultants, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. C++ is not a common language for Network Engineers, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications. C++ is not a common language for mobile development, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. C++ is not a common language in information security, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure an organization's databases and related infrastructure run smoothly and efficiently. C++ is not a common language in database administration, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers create and maintain the user interface of websites and applications. C++ is not a common language for front-end development, so this course may not directly help you pursue this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer