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Kenny Kerr

Learn the essentials of Microsoft’s Component Object Model. Understand its history and design, its relationship to classic C++, and how to write COM code effectively with modern C++.

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Learn the essentials of Microsoft’s Component Object Model. Understand its history and design, its relationship to classic C++, and how to write COM code effectively with modern C++.

This is the first in a series of courses exploring the essentials of COM and the Windows Runtime. In this first course, you are going to learn everything you need to know to use COM confidently and effectively. This course explores the history of COM. You will learn about how C++ shaped the design of COM. You will learn the essentials of compilation and linking, fundamental to the idea of dynamically linking applications and components together. By the end of this course you will have a thorough understanding of COM’s IUnknown interface, how and why it works the way it does, how to implement it, how to use it, and how to wrap it up in a safe and efficient manner with modern C++ libraries

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What's inside

Syllabus

Microsoft's Component Object Model
COM and C++
IUnknown and modern C++
Libraries
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops the basis of Microsoft’s Component Object Model in modern C++
Taught by Kenny Kerr, who is recognized for work in C++ and modern C++
Begins a series of courses that could lead to a strong foundation in COM and the Windows Runtime
Builds on a basic understanding of C++ to implement COM code effectively
Covers fundamental components to the idea of dynamically linking applications and components together

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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 The Essentials of COM with these activities:
Read and Review 'Inside COM' by Dale Rogerson
Gain a deeper understanding of the concepts covered through a dedicated resource.
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3 of the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts covered.
Participate in Peer Study Groups
Engage with peers to exchange knowledge, reinforce understanding, and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with other students taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course concepts, work on assignments, and give and receive feedback.
Create Visual Aids for COM Concepts
Develop visual representations of COM concepts to enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on Visual Aids
Show steps
  • Identify key COM concepts to be represented visually.
  • Choose an appropriate visual aid format (e.g., diagrams, flowcharts, infographics).
  • Create the visual aids, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
  • Review and refine the visual aids based on feedback or self-assessment.
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete The Essentials of COM will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
COM Developer
As a COM Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining COM components. This course on The Essentials of COM will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of COM, including its history, design, and implementation. You will learn how to create COM interfaces, implement COM objects, and manage COM memory. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with COM in a variety of programming languages and environments.
Senior Software Engineer
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to design and develop COM-based systems. You will learn how to use COM effectively with modern C++, as well as how to integrate COM with other technologies. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to mentor junior developers and lead technical projects.
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, deploying, maintaining, and improving software applications. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop a strong foundation for building COM components. You will gain an understanding of the history and design of COM, as well as how to use COM effectively with modern C++. This course will also help you to build a strong foundation for working with other Microsoft technologies, such as .NET and Windows.
Enterprise Architect
As an Enterprise Architect, you will be responsible for designing and developing the architecture of an enterprise's IT systems. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to design and develop COM-based systems. You will learn how to use COM effectively with modern C++, as well as how to integrate COM with other technologies. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other enterprise architects and stakeholders.
Software Architect
As a Software Architect, you will be responsible for designing and developing software systems. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop a strong understanding of the principles and practices of software architecture. You will learn how to design and develop COM-based systems, as well as how to integrate COM with other technologies. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other software architects and developers.
Software Development Manager
As a Software Development Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of software developers. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other software development managers and stakeholders.
Technical Lead
As a Technical Lead, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of software developers. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead and manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other technical leads and stakeholders.
Chief Technology Officer
As a Chief Technology Officer, you will be responsible for leading a team of vice presidents of engineering. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead and manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other chief technology officers and stakeholders.
CIO
As a CIO, you will be responsible for leading an IT organization. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other CIOs and stakeholders.
IT Director
As an IT Director, you will be responsible for leading an IT department. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other IT directors and stakeholders.
CTO
As a CTO, you will be responsible for leading a technology organization. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other CTOs and stakeholders.
Director of Engineering
As a Director of Engineering, you will be responsible for leading a team of software development managers. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead and manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other directors of engineering and stakeholders.
Vice President of Engineering
As a Vice President of Engineering, you will be responsible for leading a team of directors of engineering. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead and manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other vice presidents of engineering and stakeholders.
Principal Software Engineer
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of senior software engineers. This course on The Essentials of COM will help you develop the skills necessary to lead and manage a team of COM developers. You will learn how to set technical direction, manage projects, and mentor junior developers. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to work with other principal software engineers and stakeholders.
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for using data to solve business problems. This course on The Essentials of COM may be useful for you because it will help you understand how to work with data in a variety of formats, including COM. This course will also help you to develop the skills necessary to use data to make informed decisions.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 The Essentials of COM.
Provides a deep dive into the internals of COM. It must-read for anyone who wants to develop high-performance COM components.
Provides a comprehensive guide to COM security. It must-read for anyone who wants to develop secure COM components.
Provides a comprehensive guide to professional COM+ programming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to develop high-performance COM+ applications.
Provides a comprehensive guide to COM programming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about COM.
Provides a deep dive into the internals of COM. It must-read for anyone who wants to develop high-performance COM components.
Provides a comprehensive guide to COM API programming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about COM.

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