What is C++?

• Lightweight-abstraction programming language
• Lets you use the right abstractions at the right time
• C++ is a more complex language than C, but C++ code is much simpler than C.
• Like C, C++ is written for running on hardware directly
• Has OOP capabilities, but not required (unlike Java)

C++ Design Pillars

• Don't leave room for a language between C++ and assembly.
• Abstractions should have as little cost as possible.

C++ is not C

• C++ is backwards compatible with C, so it's easy to think that you can build your C++ understanding directly on top of your C understanding
• However, while valid C code is often valid C++, good C is is almost never good C++ code. Over the years C++ continues to diverge from C
• For example, when we teach you best practice, we will not be using:
  • malloc
  • free
  • C-style arrays
  • C-style strings
• And will be sometimes discouraging use of:
  • raw pointers (char *, int *)

What's C++ good for?

Mars Curiosity Rover, courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech.

©2018 Google LLC All rights reserved. Google and the Google logo are registered trademarks of Google LLC.

James-Webb Telescope, courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech.

This course is an independent class and is neither affiliated with, nor authorized, sponsored, or approved by, Microsoft Corporation.

What is C++ used for?

• Operating systems
  • Despite myths, C++ is as fast as C, but far more concise and easier to write correct code
• Low latency software (eg. high frequency trading)
  • C++ can have direct control over the hardware
• Games
• Just about anything you can think of

Learning Resources

Will help you in a pinch (e.g. before exams and interviews)

Also covers newer stuff the Swan book doesn't

Comprehensive intro to C++ (>100 pages of exercises!)

+

Learning Resources

Good for looking up APIs and recalling language rules

DO NOT USE CPLUSPLUS.COM

code.visualstudio.com

Documentation on how to use the course editor

Schedule & Structure

• See course outline for full course schedule
• Weekly teaching provided includes:
  • 4 hours of lectures
  • 1 hour of tutorial
  • 7+ hours of recommended practice and associated work

We may provide additional material and webinars to assist in your learning. While these will be recommended, they will not be required.

Assessment

Assignment due dates are subject to change (never earlier), so always see the assignment specification for more information

Assessment

• Final exam may be scaled
• Final exam:
  • No hurdle
• Assignments:
  • have an emphasis on testing
  • rely on version control (assumed knowledge)
  • have a late penalty outlined in the specification
• Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
  • Immediate zero for assignment.