Basics

C++ Introduction

Introduction to C++ Programming

C++ is a powerful language for systems and web with high performance.

What is C++?

C++ is a general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the C programming language. It combines the features of both high-level and low-level languages, making it suitable for system software, game development, drivers, client-server applications, and embedded firmware.

Key Features of C++

  • Object-Oriented: C++ supports classes and objects, facilitating encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
  • Performance: C++ is known for its high performance and is often used in performance-critical applications.
  • Standard Library: It includes a rich set of functions and data structures.
  • Portability: Code written in C++ can easily be adapted to different platforms.
  • Memory Management: Provides dynamic memory allocation and deallocation.

Basic Syntax of C++

Understanding the basic syntax of C++ is crucial for writing programs. Here is a simple program that prints "Hello, World!" to the console:

This program includes the iostream library, which is necessary for using the standard input/output stream objects. The main() function is the entry point of the program, where execution begins. std::cout is used to output text to the console.

Compiling and Running C++ Programs

To compile and run a C++ program, you need a C++ compiler. One of the most commonly used compilers is g++, which is part of the GNU Compiler Collection. Here’s how you can compile and run a C++ program:

The command g++ hello.cpp -o hello compiles the hello.cpp source file and generates an executable named hello. The ./hello command runs the compiled program.

Why Learn C++?

C++ offers a combination of performance, efficiency, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for developing complex systems and applications. It is widely used in various domains like gaming, finance, and scientific computing. Learning C++ also provides a strong foundation for understanding more complex programming concepts and other programming languages.