The Joy of C++
Learn c++ Step by Step and become an Expert
Introduction to C++
C++, as we all know is an extension to C language and was developed by Bjarne stroustrup at bell labs. C++ is an intermediate level language, as it comprises a confirmation of both high level and low level language features. C++ is a statically typed, free form, multiparadigm, compiled general-purpose language.
C++ is an Object Oriented Programming language but is not purely Object Oriented. Its features like Friend and Virtual, violate some of the very important OOPS features, rendering this language unworthy of being called completely Object Oriented. Its a middle level language.
Benefits of C++ over C Language
The major difference being OOPS concept, C++ is an object oriented language whereas C language is a procedural language. Apart form this there are many other features of C++ which gives this language an upper hand on C laguage.
Following features of C++ makes it a stronger language than C,
– There is Stronger Type Checking in C++.
– All the OOPS features in C++ like Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance etc makes it more worthy and useful for programmers.
– C++ supports and allows user defined operators (i.e Operator Overloading) and function overloading is also supported in it.
– Exception Handling is there in C++.
– The Concept of Virtual functions and also Constructors and Destructors for Objects.
– Inline Functions in C++ instead of Macros in C language. Inline functions make complete function body act like Macro, safely.
– Variables can be declared anywhere in the program in C++, but must be declared before they are used.
What’s a program?
A C++ program is a text file containing a sequence of C++ commands put together according to the laws of C++ grammar. This text file is known as the source file . A C++ source file carries the extension .CPP just as a Microsoft Word file ends in .DOC or an MS-DOS batch file ends in .BAT. The concept extension .CPP is just a convention, but it’s used almost exclusively in the PC world.
The point of programming is to write a sequence of C++ commands that can be converted into a machine language program that does whatever it is that you want done. Such machine executable programs carry the extension .EXE. The act of creating an executable program from a C++ program is called compiling (or building — there is a difference, but it’s small).
How do I program?
To write a program, you need two things: an editor to build your .CPP source file with and a program that converts your source file into a machine executable .EXE file to carry out your commands. The tool that does the conversion is known as a compiler.
Nowadays, tool developers generally combine the compiler with an editor into a single work-environment package. After entering your program, you need only click a button to create the executable file.
The most popular of all C++ environments is Microsoft’s Visual C++, but the software is expensive. Fortunately, there are public domain C++ environments — the most popular of which is GNU C++. (Pronounce GNU like this: guh NEW). You can download public domain programs from the Internet. Some of these programs are not free — you are either encouraged to or required to pay some usually small fee. You do not have to pay to use GNU C++.
GNU stands for the circular definition “GNU is Not UNIX.” This joke goes way back to the early days of C++ — just accept it as is. GNU is a series of tools built by the Free Software Foundation.
GNU C++ is not some bug-ridden, limited edition C++ compiler from some fly-by-night group of developers. GNU C++ is a full-fledged C++ environment. GNU C++ supports the entire C++ language and executes all C++ programs.
