C++ in Detail

C++

Introduction

  • C++ is a statically typed, compiled programming language.

  • Known for its use in software infrastructure.

  • Created in 1979 by Bjarne Stroustrup at AT&T Bell Labs.

  • Inspired by Simula but needed C's performance.

  • Originally named "C with Classes."

  • Superset of C: virtually any C program is a valid C++ program.

  • Adds zero-overhead abstractions like object-oriented patterns (polymorphism, encapsulation, inheritance).

  • Used in systems with constrained memory demands:

    • Unreal Engine (AAA video games)

    • Adobe After Effects

    • Databases (MySQL, MongoDB)

    • Embedded systems (SmartToaster display)

    • Low-level infrastructure (language compilers, virtual machines)

  • Combines low-level memory and hardware control of C with high-level abstractions.

  • C++ makes it harder to shoot yourself in the foot, but when you do, it'll blow your whole leg off.

Getting Started

  • Install a C++ compiler (e.g., GCC, Clang).

  • Create a file with the .cpp extension.

  • Include iostream from the standard library for input/output.

  • Code execution starts from the main function.

Basic Syntax

  • Printing "Hello, World!"

    #include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, World!";
    return 0;
}

  • Eliminating std using namespace:

    #include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, World!";
    return 0;
}

  • String variables:

    • As an array of characters:

      char my_string[] = "Hello";

    • Using the string type (include <string>):

      #include <string>

string my_string = "Hello";

Object-Oriented Programming

  • Classes: Blueprints for objects.

  • Attributes and methods are defined inside a class.

  • Access specifiers:

    • private (default)

    • public

  • Defining methods outside the class definition:

    class MyClass {
public:
    void myMethod();
};

void MyClass::myMethod() {
    // Method implementation
}

  • Method overloading: Defining methods multiple times with different parameters (a form of polymorphism).

  • Constructors and destructors:

    • Run code when an object is created or destroyed.

      class MyClass {
public:
    MyClass() { // Constructor
        // Initialization code
    }
    ~MyClass() { // Destructor
        // Cleanup code
    }
};

  • Inheritance: Sharing logic throughout a program more efficiently.

    class BaseClass {
public:
    void baseMethod() {}
};

class DerivedClass : public BaseClass {};

  • Instantiating an object:

    MyClass myObject(parameters);

Memory Management

  • Manual memory management with pointers and references.

  • Smart pointers (e.g., unique_ptr):

    • Easier and safer memory management.

    • Ensures only one object can be allocated to memory.

Compilation

  • Using a tool like Clang++ to compile the code.

    clang++ my_code.cpp -o my_program