C++ Programming in easy steps, 3rd edition

C++ Programming in easy steps instructs you how to program in the powerful C++ language, giving complete examples that illustrate each aspect.

C++ Programming in easy steps begins by explaining how to download and install a free C++ compiler so you can quickly begin to create your own executable programs by copying the book's examples. It demonstrates all the C++ language basics before moving on to provide examples of Object Oriented Programming. The book concludes by demonstrating how you can use your acquired knowledge to create programs graphically in the free Microsoft Visual C++ Express Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

C++ Programming in easy steps makes no assumption you have previous knowledge of any programming language so it's ideal for the newcomer to computer programming. It has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to programmers moving from another programming language, and to the student who is studying C++ programming at school or college, and to those seeking a career in computing who need a fundamental understanding of object oriented programming.

Mike McGrath now lives in South-east Europe, on the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea. Mike gained his extensive knowledge of computer languages while working as a developer contracting to companies around the world. His interests include coins of ancient Greece, dining-out with friends, and the ongoing evolution of the world wide web.

1. Getting started
   • Introduction
   • Installing a compiler
   • Writing a first C++ program
   • Compiling & running programs
   • Creating variables
   • Employing variable arrays
   • Employing vector arrays
   • Declaring constants
   • Summary
2. Performing operations
   • Doing arithmetic
   • Assigning values
   • Comparing values
   • Assessing logic
   • Examining conditions
   • Establishing size
   • Setting precedence
   • Casting data types
   • Summary
3. Making statements
   • Branching with if
   • Switching branches
   • Looping for
   • Looping while
   • Declaring functions
   • Passing function arguments
   • Overloading functions
   • Optimizing functions
   • Summary
4. Handling strings
   • Creating string variables
   • Getting string input
   • Solving the string problem
   • Discovering string features
   • Joining & comparing strings
   • Copying & swapping strings
   • Finding substrings
   • Replacing substrings
   • Summary
5. Reading and writing files
   • Writing a file
   • Appending to a file
   • Reading characters & lines
   • Formatting with getline
   • Manipulating input & output
   • Predicting problems
   • Recognizing exceptions
   • Handling errors
   • Summary
6. Pointing to data
   • Understanding data storage
   • Getting values with pointers
   • Doing pointer arithmetic
   • Passing pointers to functions
   • Making arrays of pointers
   • Referencing data
   • Passing references to functions
   • Comparing pointers & references
   • Summary
7. Creating classes and objects
   • Encapsulating data
   • Creating an object
   • Creating multiple objects
   • Initializing class members
   • Overloading methods
   • Inheriting class properties
   • Calling base constructors
   • Overriding base methods
   • Summary
8. Harnessing polymorphism
   • Pointing to classes
   • Calling a virtual method
   • Directing method calls
   • Providing capability classes
   • Making abstract data types
   • Building complex hierarchies
   • Isolating class structures
   • Employing isolated classes
   • Summary
9. Processing macros
   • Exploring compilation
   • Defining substitutes
   • Defining conditions
   • Providing alternatives
   • Guarding inclusions
   • Using macro functions
   • Building strings
   • Debugging assertions
   • Summary
10. Programming visually
    • Generating random numbers
    • Planning the program
    • Assigning static properties
    • Designing the interface
    • Initializing dynamic properties
    • Adding runtime functionality
    • Testing the program
    • Deploying the application
    • Summary

• Zip file containing all code examples (59 KB)