Learn C++
five minutes at a time.

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, Pebble!\n";
}

Hello, Pebble!

The Codiqo C++ course starts at std::cout and covers types, conditions, loops, vectors, strings, functions, references, classes and smart pointers. Every example was compiled with warnings treated as errors.

How the C++ lessons work

The full C++ curriculum

1. Foundations

   Output, variables, types, input and logic.

   First Steps: Write your first C++ programs.

   • Hello, C++: Print with std::cout and understand main()
   • Variables and Types: Store values in int, double, char, bool and std::string
   • Arithmetic: Calculate with + - * / % and predict integer division
   • Reading Input with cin: Read numbers and words from the keyboard

   Strings and Types: Work with text and convert between types.

   • std::string Basics: Join, measure and index strings
   • String Methods: Use substr, find, replace and getline
   • auto, const and Conversions: Let the compiler infer types and convert with static_cast
   • Project: Receipt Printer: Print a neatly formatted receipt

   Logic: Make true or false decisions.

   • Comparisons and bool: Compare values and print booleans
   • Logical Operators: Combine conditions with && || and !
   • Updating Values: Use ++, += and the conditional operator
   • Project: Eligibility Checker: Decide eligibility from several conditions

2. Control Flow

   Decisions, loops and functions.

   Making Decisions: Run different code depending on conditions.

   • if and else: Run code only when a condition is true
   • else if and Nesting: Choose between several paths
   • switch: Choose between many exact values
   • Project: Grade Calculator: Turn scores into grades

   Loops: Repeat work with while and for.

   • while and do-while: Repeat while a condition is true
   • for Loops: Count with for and nest loops
   • break, continue and Range-for: Control loops and visit every item
   • Project: FizzBuzz: Solve the classic FizzBuzz problem

   Functions: Reuse code with functions.

   • Defining Functions: Write functions with parameters and return values
   • Defaults and Overloading: Give parameters defaults and overload by type
   • References: Change arguments and avoid copies with & and const&
   • Project: Unit Converter: Build a converter from small functions

3. Data Structures

   Vectors, maps, sets and memory.

   Vectors: Store lists of values with std::vector.

   • Creating Vectors: Create vectors and read and change items
   • Growing and Looping: Use push_back, size and range-for loops
   • Algorithms: Use sort, find, count and accumulate
   • Project: Score Statistics: Summarise a list of scores

   Maps and Sets: Look things up by key and keep unique values.

   • std::map: Store key-value pairs in order
   • std::set: Keep sorted, unique values
   • Counting with Maps: Count occurrences and find the most common
   • Project: Word Counter: Count the words in a piece of text

   Pointers and Memory: Understand addresses and ownership.

   • Pointers: Use & and * to work with addresses
   • new, delete and Their Problems: See why manual memory is risky
   • Smart Pointers: Own memory safely with unique_ptr and make_unique
   • Project: Inventory: Manage items with vectors and smart pointers

4. Object-Oriented C++

   Classes, inheritance, errors and a complete project.

   Classes: Model things with your own types.

   • Classes and Objects: Define classes with members and methods
   • Constructors: Initialise objects with constructors and initialiser lists
   • Encapsulation: Protect data with private members and const methods
   • Project: Bank Account: Model an account with safe deposits and withdrawals

   Inheritance and Errors: Share behaviour and handle problems.

   • Inheritance: Build classes on top of other classes
   • Virtual Functions: Use polymorphism through base-class references
   • Exceptions: Throw and catch errors
   • Project: Shapes: Compute areas through a shared interface

   Capstone Project: Plan and build a complete C++ program.

   • Planning and Modelling: Turn an idea into classes
   • Core Logic: Implement the main features
   • Errors and Testing: Handle bad input and test with assert
   • Polishing: Improve output, structure and readability

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