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Reading Legacy C++

Kate Gregory

Do parts of your C++ code base appear to be in some other programming language entirely? Are you trying to read a maze of typedefs, macros, function pointers, and pointer arithmetic? This course will show you how to read and understand that code.

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Do parts of your C++ code base appear to be in some other programming language entirely? Are you trying to read a maze of typedefs, macros, function pointers, and pointer arithmetic? This course will show you how to read and understand that code.

Because C++ has existed for decades, there is a lot of old code out there written with keywords, library functions, and practices that are just not used in modern C++. In this course, Reading Legacy C++, you will gain the ability to read and understand that old code. First, you will learn to read code that works with C-style arrays and C-style strings. Next, you will discover macros, typedefs, and some other old constructs. Finally, you will explore how to read and understand calls to printf, including format strings. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of legacy C++ needed to understand and maintain this old code.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:

C++ Legacy Code Code Reading Arrays Pointers Strings Macros

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Syllabus

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in reading older versions of C++

Should be taken by students who want to maintain older codebases

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to legacy c++

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and effective approach to understanding legacy C++ codebases. Learners found the explanations of complex topics like pointer arithmetic, macros, and C-style strings to be exceptionally clear and easy to follow. While the course provides a strong foundation and is a lifesaver for deciphering old code, some students expressed a desire for more advanced practical exercises to deepen their immersive experience.

Thoroughly covers C-style arrays, strings, macros, and `printf` format strings.

"The excellent coverage of legacy C-style strings and arrays cleared up years of confusion for me."

"The sections on typedefs and printf format strings were exactly what I needed to grasp those elements."

"It effectively covered macros and pointer arithmetic, which are omnipresent in the old code I encounter."

Demystifies complex legacy C++ concepts effectively.

"The explanations of pointer arithmetic and macros were incredibly clear; I finally understood them."

"The instructor made complex topics digestible, turning years of confusion into understanding for me."

"I now understand those cryptic lines of code from older projects, thanks to the clear explanations."

Provides highly useful skills for understanding existing C++ codebases.

"This course was a lifesaver for tackling our old C++ codebase at work; it's extremely practical."

"I highly recommend this for anyone dealing with older C++ code; it provides immediate utility."

"I gained the specific skills needed to maintain and understand our legacy systems, which is invaluable."

Some learners desired more advanced and immersive practical exercises.

"I wished for more advanced examples, especially on more complex macro usage scenarios."

"More practical exercises on deciphering larger code snippets would certainly improve the course for me."

"While a decent overview, I found it not deeply immersive in terms of extensive hands-on challenges."

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 Reading Legacy C++ with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Stay organized and improve your retention by compiling and reviewing course materials.

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Collect and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Review and summarize materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Review the C++ Programming Language

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the C++ programming language from its creator.

View Programming on Amazon

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Read through the book to understand the fundamental concepts of C++.
Refer to the book for guidance and clarification while working on course assignments.

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Career center

Learners who complete Reading Legacy C++ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They work to ensure that software applications are developed, tested, and deployed in a reliable and efficient manner. They may also work to automate the software development and deployment process, and they may work to improve the communication and collaboration between development and operations teams. This course may be useful for DevOps Engineers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Engineers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively work with legacy C++ code and automate the development and deployment process.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define system specifications, and ensure that software applications meet the needs of the organization. They may also develop and implement software architectures, and they may manage the development and implementation of software applications. This course may be useful for Software Developers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Developers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively develop and maintain applications that include legacy C++ code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain complex systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define system specifications, and ensure that systems meet the needs of the organization. They may also develop and implement system architectures, and they may manage the development and implementation of systems. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Engineers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively design, implement, and maintain systems that include legacy C++ code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineers test and evaluate software products to ensure that they meet the requirements and specifications of the organization. They may also develop and implement test plans and procedures, and they may work with developers to identify and fix defects. This course may be useful for Software Test Engineers as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Test Engineers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively test and evaluate legacy C++ systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers develop and implement quality assurance processes and procedures to ensure that software products meet the requirements and specifications of the organization. They may also test and evaluate software products, and they may work with developers to identify and fix defects. This course may be useful for Software Quality Assurance Engineers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Engineers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively develop and implement quality assurance processes for legacy C++ systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer hardware and software. They answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and resolve issues. They may also train users on new software or hardware, and they may provide documentation to help users resolve issues on their own. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Specialists with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively support users who are experiencing issues with legacy C++ systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, technical reports, and white papers. They work with subject matter experts to gather and organize information, and they write and edit documentation to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively. This course may be useful for Technical Writers as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Writers with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively create and maintain documentation for systems that include legacy C++ code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of information technology (IT) projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, requirements, and timelines, and they ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. This course may be useful for IT Project Managers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Managers with proficiency in this area are likely to be more effective at directing projects involving legacy codebases.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define data models, and ensure that database systems meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Database Administrators as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Administrators with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively manage and maintain databases that are integrated with legacy C++ systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software products to ensure that they meet the requirements and specifications of the organization. They may also develop and implement quality assurance processes and procedures, and they may work with developers to identify and fix defects. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Analysts with proficiency in this area will be able to more effectively test and evaluate legacy systems for defects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They may also design and implement new computer systems or applications, or modify existing systems to meet changing needs. This course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Analysts with proficiency in this area will be more capable of designing and implementing solutions that involve legacy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Development Manager

Software Development Managers plan, coordinate, and oversee software development projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, requirements, and timelines, and they ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. This course may be useful for Software Development Managers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Managers who have proficiency in this area are likely to be more effective at directing projects involving legacy codebases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Development Manager

Software Architect

Software Architects design, build, and maintain complex software systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, define system specifications, and ensure that software systems meet the needs of the organization. This course may be helpful for Software Architects as it teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Architects with experience in this area are likely attractive candidates for organizations with a need for migration or integration of legacy systems into a modern development stack.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers carry out design, development. They may also be involved in testing, debugging, or maintenance of computer software. They also work with computer hardware and software systems to meet the needs and constraints of an organization. This course may be useful for Software Engineers as it can teach the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and maintain legacy C++ code. Engineers who can show proficiency in this area may be attractive hires for organizations with legacy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the instructions that direct computers to perform various tasks. They use programming languages to create programs that solve specific problems or produce specific results. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers, as the skills and knowledge taught can be used to read and understand legacy C++ code. Programmers who can show proficiency in this area may be preferred hires for organizations with legacy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Reading Legacy C++.

Cover image

Cover image

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Provides an annotated reference manual for the C++ programming language. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to learn more about the language.

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Is the definitive guide to the C++ programming language, written by its creator. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn C++ or understand the language in depth.

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the C++ programming language, covering both the basics and advanced topics. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of UNIX Programming

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to object-oriented design principles and patterns in C++. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to improve their design skills.

Art of UNIX Programming, The (Addison-Wesley...

(中文) UNIX Programming Art - UNIX编程艺术

(日本語) The Art of UNIX Programming

Cover image

Cover image

Effective Modern C++

Save

Provides a collection of best practices and idioms for writing effective and efficient C++ code. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to improve their skills.

Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve...

(中文) Effective Modern C++：改善C++11和C++14的42个具体做法（影印版英文版）

Cover image

Cover image

C++ Concurrency in Action

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to concurrency in C++. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to learn more about concurrency.

C++ Concurrency in Action

C++ Concurrency in Action: Practical Multithreading

C++ Concurrency in Action

Cover image

Cover image

C++ Network Programming

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to network programming in C++. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to learn more about network programming.

C++ Network Programming: Systematic Reuse With Ace...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to C++ templates, one of the most powerful features of the language. It valuable resource for experienced C++ programmers who want to learn more about templates.

C++ Templates: The Complete Guide

Cover image

Cover image

C++ Crash Course

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Provides a crash course in the C++ programming language. It valuable resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of C++ quickly.

C++ Crash Course: A Fast-Paced Introduction

C++ Crash Course: A Fast-Paced Introduction

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Time

59 hours

Level

Intermediate

Via

Pluralsight

Instructor

Kate Gregory

Language

English

This course belongs to a collection called C++. It's comprised of 17 courses:

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in reading older versions of C++

Should be taken by students who want to maintain older codebases

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