C++ Essentials For Dummies

The quick and crystal-clear guide to C++ programming

C++ Essentials For Dummies is your useful reference to the key concepts of C++, the popular general-purpose language utilized everywhere from building games to writing parts of operating systems. With minimal review and background material—and absolutely no fluff—this book gets straight to the essential topics you need to know to ramp up, brush up, or level up.

• Get a helpful intro to the basic concepts of coding in C++
• Review what you already know or pick up essential new skills
• Create projects that run smoothly with the C++ language
• Keep this concise reference book handy for jogging your memory as you work

Great for supplementing classroom learning, reviewing for a certification, or staying knowledgeable on the job, C++ Essentials For Dummies is a fantastic refresher guide that you can always turn to for answers.

Introduction 1

Chapter 1: Compiling and Running Your First C++ Application 3

Chapter 2: Storing Data in C++ 9

Chapter 3: Directing the Application Flow 37

Chapter 4: Dividing Your Work with Functions 61

Chapter 5: Splitting Up Source Code Files 79

Chapter 6: Referring to Your Data through Pointers 95

Chapter 7: Working with Classes 117

Chapter 8: Working with Arrays and Pointers 151

Chapter 9: Ten Features for More Advanced C++ Programming 159

Index 171

John Paul Mueller produced more than 100 books and more than 600 articles on a range of topics, including functional programming techniques, application development using C++, and machine learning methodologies.

Ronald Mak teaches computer science and data science at San Jose State University. He was formerly a senior scientist at NASA and JPL, and has written books on software design, compiler construction, and numerical computing.

All the C++ must-knows, at your fingertips

Welcome to the petite and practical book that will help you get a handle on C++ basics—quickly. C++ Essentials For Dummies is a straightforward, concise guide that gets straight to the point. Building software? Learning object-oriented programming? Just need a quick refresher? This book has you covered. With crystal-clear explanations and zero filler, it’s the perfect reference to keep by your side as you code. Ideal for students, professionals, or anyone looking to brush up or level up with C++.

Inside…

• Finding accessible code explanations
• Getting concise examples
• Running C++ on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
• Declaring and using variables
• Using loops and functions
• Working with classes, objects, and arrays