Did you know that the initial phase of C++ was launched way back in 1985?
But, it wasn't until the early 2000's that this programming language peaked in programming and got the recognition that it deserves.
From building complex applications to developing browsers, C++ has its mark on the majority of web infrastructures that we commonly utilize today!
The language is one of the top preferences for coding and development for the professional level programmers because of its versatility and high performance. Learning the basics of C++ can prove to be highly beneficial during your placement.
This blog is curated to cover all the basics of C++ that you need to know as a beginner to get a peak at what this programming language is all about.
What is C++?
C++ is basically a cross platform language that is widely used by programmers to develop high-functioning applications.
One of the most efficient features of the C++ programming language is that it facilitates having control over the memory and system resources for the programmers and developers. Which is why, C++ constantly being updated.
Also, did you know that since the year 2011, the version of C++ was updated in different consecutive years such as C++11, C++14, C++17 and C++20?
Well this is because C++ is constantly evolving and accommodating new changes.
Nevertheless, the basic concepts of C++ language remain intact with minute differences that are important to understand for a programmer so that they can look out for unexpected results.
The following section discusses the basic concepts of C++ programming language.
What are the basic concepts in C++?
In order to understand the critical concepts of C++, we have divided them into different sections to ensure that all the topics are covered effectively. Here are the basic concepts of C++ programming.
C++ Type System
Type is definitely one of the most integral parts of C++ programming. All the variables, function return value and function arguments must have a specific type in order for them to be compiled in a specific program.
Type basically signifies the particular amount of memory that is allocated for a specific variable, expression or result.
Type also signifies the type of values that are stored within the program, how the IDE will interpret the minute bits of patterns within the values and the type of operations that you will be able to perform using them.
One of the important things to note about the C++ programming language is that it is both statically typed and strongly typed language.
Some of the major types in C++ are discussed as follows:
Fundamental Types
Quite different from many programming languages that have a universal base type, that is certainly not the case with C++.
The language accommodates several fundamental types that are otherwise referred to as the built-in types.
Here are some of the fundamental numeric types in C++:
int
double
long
boo1
char
wchar_t
Void Type
This is special type in C++ where the programmer cannot declare a void unless they use the void* pointer before running the program.
Often, the void type is necessary for allocating raw or untyped memory in the program.
String Types
As we have discussed so far, C++ has absolutely no specific in-built string type. The numeric types char and wchar_t that we have previously discussed, are only used to declare an array for adding a terminating value to null and approximating a string as the past valid character.
Pointer Types
Quite similar to the earlier versions of C, the C++ programming language also lets you declare a variable of a specific pointer type by making use of a special declarator.
Windows Data Types
C++ programming often uses most of the functions that offer Windows-specific typedefs and macros in order to specify the various return values and parameters.
After types, we will move onto the next major concept in C++ i.e Scope.
Scope in C++
When programmers declare a specific element for instance a variable, function or class, the name for it can only be observed in a few parts of your program.
The context in which you can practically see this name is referred to as the Scope in C++.
For example, when a programmer declares a variable 'n' within a specified function in a program, 'n' will only be visible within the body of the specified function.
In C++, you will observe that there are 6 different forms of scopes:
Global Scope
The global name in a scope is one where the declaration is made outside a particular namespace, function and class.
Namespace Scope
Here the declaration is made within a given namespace and outside of any function block, class or enum.
Local Scope
This is the name that is declared within a lambda or function. This also includes the names of the parameters.
Class Scope
Here the names of all the class members are declared regardless of the whole point of declaration.
Statement Scope
Here the names declared within 'switch', 'while', 'if' and 'for' statements are visible in the last statement block.
Function Scope
A label offers a function scope that denotes the fact that this scope will be visible throughout the body of a function even at the point of its declaration.
Another concept in C++ that is fairly similar to Scope is Linkage. Oftentimes it becomes highly difficult to distinguish between the two!
In order to clarify that, let's discuss internal and external linkage in C++.
Internal and External Linkage in C++
Linkage as the name suggests is that property of C++ which is used to describe how the variables ought to be linked together using a linker.
In C++, you will find the following two types of linkers:
Internal Linkage
An identifier that is used to implement the internal linkage will not be accessible from the outside translation unit that it is declared in. This linkage is implemented using a specific keyword i.e Static.
External Linkage
An identifier that is used to implement an external linkage will be readily visible in every translation unit. You can implement an external linkage using the keyword: extern.
Wrapping Up
From some of the top level virtual games to banking applications, C++ programming is highly versatile and efficient in program development.
Did you know that Python is also used for the purpose of developing virtual online games? Learn the basics of Python from our prep materials online!
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