Core Features

1. Languages Supported: While Visual Studio primarily targets .NET languages (C#, F#, and VB.NET), it also supports C++, JavaScript, Python, and many others.
2. Powerful Debugger: It boasts a comprehensive debugger for both managed and native code.
3. Integrated Profiling: Developers can identify bottlenecks and performance issues directly within the IDE using its profiling tools.
4. Code Editor: Features like IntelliSense (code completion), live code analysis, and code refactoring are built into the code editor.
5. Extensions and Plugins: The Visual Studio Marketplace offers thousands of extensions, enhancing its functionality and customizability.
6. Integrated Testing: Unit testing tools are built directly into the IDE, ensuring application stability and reliability.
7. Collaboration Tools: With built-in Git and Azure DevOps integration, team collaboration is seamless.
8. Mobile Development: With Xamarin integration, developers can create native Android, iOS, and Windows apps.
9. Database Development: Integrated tools for database design and management, suitable for both SQL and Azure databases.
10. Cloud Integration: Direct tools and integration options for Microsoft Azure, simplifying cloud development and deployment.

Visual Studio vs. Visual Studio Code

While both products carry the “Visual Studio” name, they serve distinct purposes:

• Visual Studio: A fully-featured IDE primarily designed for .NET development, but it also supports various languages and platforms. It offers tools for every stage of software development, from design and coding to testing and deployment. It has multiple editions, including a free version (Community), and paid versions (Professional and Enterprise) with more advanced features.
• Visual Studio Code: A streamlined, lightweight code editor tailored for web and cloud development. It’s open-source, free, and supports numerous languages via extensions. VS Code is more akin to editors like Atom or Sublime Text but with a focus on debugging and developer workflow.

The chart below presents the core features of Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code and describes how the two IDEs are different.

Getting Started with Visual Studio

1. Download and Installation:
   • Navigate to the Visual Studio Downloads page.
   • Choose the edition you want (Community, Professional, or Enterprise). For most individual developers or small teams, the Community edition will suffice.
   • Run the installer and select the workloads you need (like Desktop development, Web development, etc.)
2. Create a New Project:
   • Launch Visual Studio.
   • Choose Create a new project.
   • Select the project type you want (e.g., Console App, Web App) and configure the project settings.
3. Interface Navigation:
   • Solution Explorer: On the right, this panel gives you a tree view of your project files.
   • Properties: Displays properties of the selected item.
   • Editor Window: Central area where you write and edit code.
   • Output and Error List: Displays feedback, errors, and other messages.
4. Extensions:
   • Navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
   • Search and install extensions as needed.
5. Building and Running:
   • After writing your code, click on the green ‘play’ button or press F5 to build and run your application.

Visual Studio stands as a powerhouse in the realm of integrated development environments, providing developers with the tools they need to handle sizable and complex projects. Its versatility in supporting a broad range of languages and platforms ensures that it remains a top pick among professionals. Whether you’re venturing into software development for the first time or an experienced coder seeking an all-encompassing IDE, Visual Studio offers tools and features that cater to all.

The post Visual Studio IDE appeared first on TheTechnologyVault.com.

C++ is a statically-typed, general-purpose programming language known for its flexibility and efficiency. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming, making it highly versatile for a wide range of applications.

History and Development of the C++ Language

C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs between 1979 and 1983. It started as an extension of the C programming language, initially named “C with Classes”, indicating its expanded support for object-oriented programming. The language was later renamed C++, with the “++” signifying the increment operator in C, representing the evolution of the C language.

Main Features and Strengths of C++

C++ is recognized for its high performance and control over system resources. Some of its key features include:

1. Object-Oriented Programming: C++ provides support for object-oriented programming, which includes concepts such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.
2. Direct Control Over Hardware: C++ allows direct manipulation of hardware resources, granting developers a high degree of control over CPU and memory usage.
3. Memory Management: In C++, developers have direct control over memory management. This means they can manually manage the memory lifecycle, leading to efficient use of resources.
4. Performance and Efficiency: Due to its low-level capabilities and direct hardware control, C++ is known for its performance and efficiency. This makes it a popular choice for applications where performance is critical, such as game development or operating systems.
5. Large Community and Rich Library Support: C++ has a large global community and a rich set of libraries, providing solutions for a wide range of needs – from GUI programming to interacting with databases, making it highly versatile for different kinds of projects.

Why Choose C++ For Your Development Project?

C++ is one of many different languages that you might consider for a development project. Alternatives to C++ include Python, Java, Rust, Go, Swift, and several others. However, there are important reasons why C++ is chosen to be used in a tech stack. We’ll consider those reasons here.

Specific Advantages of C++ Over Other Languages

C++ offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice over other languages. Here are a few:

1. Performance: Due to its low-level capabilities, C++ provides a high degree of control over system resources, which can lead to optimized performance.
2. Control Over System Hardware: C++ allows for direct manipulation of hardware and memory, making it an excellent choice for system software, game engines, and real-time systems.
3. Object-Oriented and Generic Programming: C++ supports both object-oriented and generic programming. This flexibility allows developers to choose the paradigm that best suits their needs for a particular problem.

Examples of Unique Features of C++

Some unique features of C++ include:

1. RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization): This is a programming idiom used in C++ where resources are tied to object lifetimes. This makes resource management (like memory or file handlers) more automatic and exception-safe.
2. Templates: C++ supports generic programming through templates, which allow developers to write code that handles any type, making it highly reusable.

Situations and Projects Where C++ Excels

C++ is often chosen for projects that require direct control over hardware or memory, or that need to optimize for speed or performance. It’s a go-to language for system software, game development, embedded systems, and real-time systems. Moreover, because of its performance characteristics, it’s also frequently used in sectors like finance for high-frequency trading systems.

Getting Started with C++

If you’re interested in trying out C++, here are some detailed instructions on how to try out the language, including setting up a development environment and writing your first lines of C++ code.

Getting started with C++ involves setting up a development environment on your computer. While the specific steps may vary depending on your operating system, they generally involve the following:

1. Installing a C++ Compiler: A compiler is required to convert C++ code into executable programs. Some popular options include GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) for Linux, Clang for macOS, and MSVC (Microsoft Visual C++) for Windows.
2. Setting up an Integrated Development Environment (IDE): While not strictly necessary, an IDE can greatly simplify the process of writing, compiling, and debugging C++ code. Some popular options include Visual Studio, CLion, and Code::Blocks.

“Hello, World!” Example in C++

The most basic start to any programming language is writing a program that simply outputs some text.

Here’s a simple C++ program that prints “Hello, World!” to the console:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

So, what is happening in this simple “Hello, World!” code block? Here’s a quick overview.

In this code:

• #include <iostream> tells the compiler to include the iostream standard library, which allows for input/output operations.
• int main() is the entry point of the program. Execution begins from this function.
• std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl; prints “Hello, World!” followed by a newline to the console.
• return 0; indicates that the program has ended successfully.

C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Tools

There are numerous IDEs and tools available to aid in C++ development. These offer features like code highlighting, auto-completion, debugging tools, and more. Some popular options are:

1. Visual Studio: A fully-featured IDE from Microsoft. It offers a rich set of tools for developing applications on Windows.
2. CLion: A cross-platform IDE from JetBrains. It provides a smart editor, integrated debugger, and supports multiple build systems.
3. Eclipse: An open-source IDE that supports multiple languages, including C++. It offers a wide range of tools and plugins.
4. Code::Blocks: A free and open-source cross-platform IDE that supports multiple compilers, including GCC, Clang, and Visual C++.

Remember, the best IDE or tool often depends on your specific needs and workflow. Often, the IDE you use will be heavily influenced or determined by your employer and/or co-workers as you work on a team of developers.

Language Basics of C++

To help you get more familiar with the C++ language, we’ll cover some of the basics of how C++ works, including

C++ Syntax

C++ has a syntax similar to the C language, but with additional features for object-oriented and generic programming. A simple C++ program includes a main function where the execution of the program starts.

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, World!";
    return 0;
}

C++ Data Types and Variables

C++ supports several built-in data types, including:

• Integer types (int, short, long, long long)
• Floating-point types (float, double)
• Character type (char)
• Boolean type (bool)

Variables are defined with a specific data type, and they can store values of that type.

int myNumber = 5; // Integer
double myFloatNum = 5.99; // Floating point number
char myLetter = 'D'; // Character
bool myBoolean = true; // Boolean

C++ Operators and Expressions

C++ includes arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /, %), comparison operators (==, !=, <, >, <=, >=), logical operators (&&, ||, !), and more. Expressions are combinations of variables, literals, operators, and function calls.

C++ Control Structures

• Conditional Statements: C++ supports if, else if, and else for conditional logic, and switch for multiple choices based on a single variable.

if (condition) {
    // do something
} else if (otherCondition) {
    // do something else
} else {
    // do a different thing
}

• Loops: for, while, and do-while loops are available for repeated execution of code.

for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
    // this code will execute 10 times
}

C++ Functions and Methods

Functions are blocks of code designed to perform specific tasks. In C++, functions are declared with a name, return type, and any parameters they take.

C++ supports error handling through the mechanism of exceptions. This allows the program to throw an exception when an error occurs, then catch it and continue execution.

try {
    // code that might throw an exception
} catch (int e) {
    std::cout << "An exception occurred. Exception Nr. " << e << '\n';
}

Advanced Concepts in C++

Now that we’ve had a look at some of the fundamentals of the C++ language, we can dig more into some of the more advanced concepts associated with developing software with C++.

Object-Oriented Programming

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a design paradigm that revolves around the concept of “objects”. These objects are instances of classes, which can include both data (attributes) and functions (methods). C++ is one of the main programming languages that utilize OOP principles, which include:

• Classes and Objects: A class is a blueprint for creating objects. An object is an instance of a class.

class MyClass {       // The class
  public:             // Access specifier
    int myNum;        // Attribute (int variable)
    string myString;  // Attribute (string variable)
};

int main() {
  MyClass myObj;  // Create an object of MyClass

  // Access attributes and set values
  myObj.myNum = 15; 
  myObj.myString = "Some text";

  // Print attribute values
  cout << myObj.myNum << "\n";
  cout << myObj.myString;
  return 0;
}

• Inheritance: Inheritance is the process by which one class takes on the attributes and methods of another. Newly formed classes are called derived classes, and the classes that the derived classes are based on are called base classes.

class Vehicle {          // Base class (parent)
  public: 
    string brand = "Ford";
    void honk() { 
        cout << "Tuut, tuut! \n" ;
    }
};

class Car: public Vehicle {   // Derived class (child)
  public: 
    string model = "Mustang";
};

int main() {
  Car myCar;
  myCar.honk();
  cout << myCar.brand + " " + myCar.model;
  return 0;
}

• Polymorphism: Polymorphism means “many shapes” in Greek, which in programming is expressed as functions or objects that can take on different forms.

class Animal {
  public:
    void animalSound() {
      cout << "The animal makes a sound \n" ;
    }
};

class Pig : public Animal {
  public:
    void animalSound() {
      cout << "The pig says: wee wee \n" ;
    }
};

class Dog : public Animal {
  public:
    void animalSound() {
      cout << "The dog says: bow wow \n" ;
    }
};

• Encapsulation: Encapsulation is the packing of data and functions into a single component. It allows the data to be hidden from outside view and accessed through methods.

class Employee {
  private: 
    int salary;

  public:
    void setSalary(int s) {
      salary = s;
    }
    int getSalary() {
      return salary;
    }
};

Functional Programming

While C++ is primarily an object-oriented language, it also supports elements of functional programming. This includes functions as first-class objects, lambda expressions, and more.

Concurrency and Parallelism

C++ provides several tools for managing concurrency and parallelism, critical for improving performance in multicore and distributed systems. This includes threads, locks, and condition variables. As of C++11, the language has built-in support for multithreading.

#include <iostream>
#include <thread>

void foo() {
    std::cout << "Hello from another thread\n";
}

int main() {
    std::thread t(foo);
    t.join();
    return 0;
}

This simple program creates a new thread that executes the foo function, printing a message to the console. The main function waits for this thread to finish execution before continuing.

Note: Concurrency and parallelism are complex topics that require careful consideration of synchronization and data sharing issues. They should be used judiciously and with a good understanding of the underlying principles.

In summary, C++ offers various powerful tools to handle advanced programming concepts. Its hybrid nature, supporting both procedural and object-oriented paradigms, coupled with its direct access to hardware and memory, make it a versatile choice for a wide range of software development projects.

Libraries and Frameworks in C++

As with other languages, C++ has many libraries and frameworks associated with it that make the language easier to use. Instead of having to code everything from scratch, most C++ developers make use of libraries and frameworks that have already been developed and published to be used by the C++ development community.

Popular C++ Libraries and Their Use Cases

1. Standard Template Library (STL): Part of C++ Standard Library, STL provides several generic classes and functions, which includes lists, stacks, arrays, etc.
2. Boost: Boost is a set of libraries that extends the functionality of C++. It provides support for tasks such as linear algebra, image processing, and unit testing.
3. OpenGL: A popular library for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.
4. OpenCV: A library of programming functions mainly aimed at real-time computer vision.

Popular C++ Frameworks and Their Use Cases

1. Qt: A free and open-source widget toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces.
2. Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) Library: A collection of classes that simplifies the process of developing desktop applications for Windows.
3. JUCE: An extensive cross-platform C++ application framework for desktop and mobile applications, including VST/AU/RTAS audio plugins.

How to Create and Use Custom Libraries

Creating a library in C++ involves creating a header file (.h) with declarations of functions and variables, and then a source file (.cpp) with the actual definitions. These are then compiled into a static or dynamic library file (.a or .so/.dll), which can be linked to other C++ programs.

Using a library involves including the appropriate header file with #include, and then linking the library file when compiling the program.

Remember, libraries and frameworks are key tools that can help you avoid “reinventing the wheel” by reusing code that has already been written and tested. They can greatly enhance your productivity and the capabilities of your C++ applications.

Best Practices in C++

As with other programming languages, there are some accepted best practices that should be followed to ensure that code is being written as efficiently as possible. We will now take a look at some of those best practices generally accepted for the C++ language.

Code Organization and Structure

1. Modularization: Write modular code by dividing large programs into smaller, manageable functions and classes.
2. File Organization: Organize related classes and functions into different files and use appropriate naming conventions.

Coding Conventions and Style Guides

1. Naming Conventions: Use clear and descriptive names for variables, functions, and classes. Many C++ developers follow the camelCase or PascalCase convention.
2. Indentation and Spacing: Use consistent indentation (typically 4 spaces) and spacing to improve readability.
3. Comments: Use comments judiciously to explain the purpose and functionality of your code.

Testing and Debugging

1. Write Test Cases: Use a testing framework like Google Test to write unit tests that ensure your code behaves as expected.
2. Use a Debugger: A debugger can help you step through your code, examine variables, and understand the flow of execution.

Performance Optimization

1. Efficient Use of Data Structures and Algorithms: The choice of the right data structure and algorithm can significantly impact the performance of your program.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Memory Allocation: Dynamic memory allocation can be costly in C++. Avoid unnecessary allocation and deallocation.

Security Considerations

1. Avoid Buffer Overflow: Be careful when dealing with arrays and pointers to avoid buffer overflow, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
2. Handle Exceptions: Use try/catch blocks to handle exceptions and avoid unexpected program behavior.

These are some general best practices to follow while coding in C++. However, the specifics might vary depending on the project or organization you’re working with. Always be ready to adapt to different coding styles and conventions.

How to Learn C++

If you’re interested in learning how to code in C++, we’ll show you how to get started. There are so many resources out there for those who are interested in learning C++ that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. We’ve organized a list of resources here that have proven over the years to be effective for teaching C++ to thousands of developers.

Recommended Prerequisites for Learning C++

1. Basic knowledge of programming concepts such as variables, loops, and functions is beneficial before diving into C++.
2. Familiarity with the concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) can be helpful, as C++ is primarily an OOP language.

Online C++ Tutorials and Courses

1. Codecademy’s Learn C++ Course: A great interactive resource for beginners.
2. Coursera’s C++ For C Programmers, Part A: A course by the University of California, Santa Cruz.
3. Pluralsight’s C++ Path: Comprehensive set of courses covering beginner to advanced topics.

C++ Books and Publications

1. “C++ Primer” by Stanley B. Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo: A comprehensive introduction with a practical approach.
2. “Effective Modern C++” by Scott Meyers: A must-read for understanding the newer features of C++11, C++14, and C++17.

C++ Practice Projects and Coding Exercises

1. Project Euler: A collection of challenging mathematical/computational problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve.
2. LeetCode: LeetCode has a collection of coding problems, many of which can be solved using C++. It’s excellent practice for technical interviews.

Tips for Learning C++ Effectively

1. Practice Regularly: The key to mastering C++ (or any programming language) is regular practice.
2. Work on Real Projects: Try to build real-world projects. This will not only help you understand how different concepts work together but also make learning more fun and engaging.

As you move through the learning process, understand that it will be a a step by step process assimilating all that there is with C++, and that it can take time to become an expert developer. It can be easy to become overwhelmed unless you consciously allow yourself to take the language one step at a time. Over time you will realize that you’ve mastered the language.

Career Outlook for C++ Developers

Job Market Trends

1. The demand for C++ developers remains steady, particularly in industries such as game development, real-time systems, and high-performance computing.
2. With the rise of data science and machine learning, there’s an increased demand for C++ developers in these domains.

Job Titles and Roles

1. C++ Developer: Develops and maintains applications written in C++.
2. Game Developer: Uses C++ to create video games, often using popular game engines that support C++, such as Unreal Engine.
3. Embedded Systems Developer: Writes efficient and performance-critical code for embedded systems.

Salary Expectations

According to Payscale, as of 2023, the average salary for a C++ developer in the United States is around $76,526 per year. However, this can significantly vary depending on experience, skills, and location.

Industries and Sectors

C++ developers can find opportunities in various sectors including finance (for high-frequency trading platforms), automotive industry (for embedded systems), game industry, and more.

Freelance and Remote Work Opportunities

1. C++ developers are in high demand as freelancers, often drumming up work on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
2. With the continuing rise of remote work, many companies are open to hiring remote C++ developers.

Despite the rise of higher-level languages, C++ continues to be a crucial language for many industries. Its blend of performance and versatility makes it a valuable skill for any programmer.

Popular Apps Written in C++ and Tech Stack Integration

For those who are considering furthering their pursuit of C++, it is helpful to know what kinds of apps are written in C++, and how C++ code tends to integrate with different tech stacks. We’ll show you some examples to demonstrate what C++ can do and to give you a sense of how it integrates with other technologies.

Popular Apps Written in C++

1. Microsoft Windows: The Windows Operating System is partially written in C++.
2. Adobe Systems: Many of Adobe’s applications, including Photoshop and Illustrator, are developed in C++.
3. Google Chrome: The rendering engine of Chrome, called Blink, is written in C++.

Benefits of C++ in the Tech Stack

1. Performance: C++ provides closer access to the hardware level, enabling the creation of more efficient and faster executables.
2. Control: With features like manual memory management, C++ gives developers a high degree of control over system resources.
3. Portability: C++ applications can be easily ported to multiple platforms.

How C++ Interacts with Other Technologies

1. C++ can interact with other languages via Foreign Function Interface (FFI). For example, C++ can be used in combination with Python for computationally intensive tasks to improve performance.
2. C++ can be used to write native modules for high-level platforms. For instance, Node.js supports C++ addons, which allows developers to write high-performance components.

Common Tech Stack Combinations with C++

1. C++ and Python: Python for rapid development and prototyping, and C++ for parts of the software that require intensive computation.
2. C++ and JavaScript: JavaScript for the front-end user interface, and C++ for the back-end server processes.

Despite being a low-level language, C++ has found a place in modern tech stacks thanks to its performance benefits and interoperability with other languages.

The post C++ Programming Language appeared first on TheTechnologyVault.com.

C++ is a powerful object oriented programming (OOP) language that is used to create and maintain some of the world’s most popular software apps, including:

• YouTube
• The Windows operating system
• Amazon.com
• Adobo Photoshop
• MySQL

C++ is a proven, powerful language, especially for applications that must optimize hardware resources. It also commonly serves as the software infrastructure, the quarterback if you will, for sophisticated applications.

Learning C++ is a good idea for lots of reasons. Besides being a very productive and popular programming language, consistently in the top 5 of the TIOBE index of most popular programming languages, programmers who are adept at C++ earn an average salary of over $100,000 annually (currently $108,820/year nationally according to ZipRecuiter).

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you don’t need any more convincing that it’s worth learning how to code in C++. Let’s get on to the best way to learn C++ in 2022.

Options for Learning to Code in C++

Because of how lucrative software development has become in the 21st century, a ton of content and curriculum has been built around teaching the most popular languages, including C++. There are lots of different ways you could try out to learn C++, including:

• Software boot camps that teach C++
• Local C++ meetups
• Online degree programs
• Online learning platforms
• Online tutorials
• On the job training

Which of these options is the best for learning C++ for you specifically depends upon your learning style.

The stereotypical programmer persona is someone who likes to learn self-serve style, setting his own pace and customizing the learning schedule. If you’re that kind of learner, then you should be able to lean more towards less expensive options for learning C++, including YouTube playlists and online tutorials.

Before you determine which of these methods for learning C++ is going to work best for you, it’s a good idea to assess how you learn, including asking these questions:

• Do you comprehend complicated concepts naturally, without needing a structure, schedule, or one-on-one help?
• Are you able to focus and get work done if you don’t have regular accountability?
• Are you capable of piecing together various pieces of training and information on your own to obtain a thorough understanding of how things work?

C++ Bootcamps

In-person and online bootcamps, designed to quickly teach technical skills to people interested in careers in software development, databases, web programming, and similar topics, have proliferated over the past couple decades. There are many of them that focus on C++ in their firehose courses intended to get you ready for an entry level job in the industry.

For instance, Deep Dive publishes a course called Internet of Things and Rapid Prototyping that teaches how to code smart devices using C++.

Going to a coding bootcamp to learn C++ will likely cost you around $10,000. In the graphic below, you can see a graphical representation of findings by RTI Press depicting the length of time and cost for coding bootcamps in the United States and Canada.

Learn C++ as a Self Taught Programmer?

If you’re planning to go the self taught route, I recommend spending 15 minutes watching this video from the Dorian Develops channel about why self taught programmers fail. His evaluation, coming from someone who is a self taught programmer, should help you understand whether you should go the self taught, unstructured route to learn C++.

Are You New to Programming?

If you haven’t done programming, consider this: it’s not for everyone.

If you’re new to programming entirely, before you determine what is the best way to learn C++, I strongly suggest that you test the waters with some introductory exposure to programming before you jump into an expensive program. Boot camps, online degree programs, and other ways of learning C++ that require a longer commitment can give you buyer’s remorse if you jump into the course and then realize in the first 10-20 hours worth of getting started that you really don’t like programming.

Learn C++ on YouTube

YouTube is a great place to learn almost anything. Learning C++ is no exception. There are thousands of well-produced videos on YouTube that you can follow along to learn the language.

Here is an hour-plus long video from freeCodeCamp.org free that walks beginners through the fundamentals of C++. Understanding the concepts taught in this video will likely require you to stop the video and back up once in awhile, but the training is solid and available for free.

For those who are good at piecing together their education without needing help from curriculum creators, YouTube videos that teach the hundreds of concepts associated with C++ are readily available.

Learn C++ At Meetup Groups

There are over 200 groups on Meetup.com alone that are dedicated to helping people learn C++. Most of them are local groups, but some meet online, making them accessible to anyone who has an internet connection. Having a community of fellow developers, many of them great mentors, can be a great motivation to learning, especially as you interact with them, learn about projects they’re involved in, and network with the potential of honing your C++ education towards a specific opportunity that you find through social interactions with people who are already doing C++ programming.

Online Degree Programs

Online degree programs tend to be a little heavier on the theory side, and are not as efficient at getting you directly to the nitty gritty like other methods of learning to code in C++. However, there are reasons why a person would want to spend 2-4 years learning C++ along with a lot of other technical details that are included with an accredited degree program, including how databases and filesystems work, networking principles, and other classes that provide a good foundation for whatever you’re going to do with your new C++ skills.

In addition to the longer degree programs that take years to complete, many innovative education companies have put together smaller versions of what’s offered with the accredited college degrees available.

Udacity, for example, has a “nanodegree” program for learning C++. Their program is estimated to take four months to complete working 10 hours per week on it. The course does have a prerequisite that students know how to do intermediate programming in at least one programming language. The course is self-paced, so that you can complete around your existing work schedule. The course provides mentors who guide your learning and interact with you often enough to help you continue moving forward.

For many people hoping to learn a course like this from Udemy is a good candidate for being the best way to learn C++. One of the advantages of an online degree program like this one is that you earn a certificate of completion that is highly regarded by employers. Many technical hiring managers trust the curriculum and candidate output of these abbreviated degree programs, especially companies with which Udemy has established a relationship.

This particular class is billed at a rate of $399 per month or $1,356 for four-month access. With pricing like that, it’s clearly a course designed for peopel who are serious about learning C++ quickly.

Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms have course that teach tens of thousands of different subjects. With many of these online learning platforms, you can find highly technical instruction, including in C++.

The screenshot below shows some of the results from a search for “C++ programming” on Udemy.com. There are thousand of classes related to C++ available, but the three most popular and highly recommended are highlighted. You can take many of these classes for less than $50. Once you’ve enrolled in the class, you have access to the content perpetually.

Most of these learning management platforms have a way of tracking which lessons you’ve passed off, and they can be configured to send you notifications to remind you to make progress on the course. However, since there isn’t any sort of nagging motivation to finish the course, the majority of people who start taking a course through one of these self-paced, inexpensive learning platforms don’t get through most of the coursework.

If you are disciplined enough to set aside the time consistently to finish these courses, the online learning platform is a good option.

Online Tutorials

Online tutorials are good ways to learn C++ for people who are self-motivated, or who just want to know enough about C++ and how it works to accomplish a specific task. Going through some quick tutorials on C++ can also be a smart way to determine whether you’re really that interested in learning the language.

There are lots of websites dedicated to teaching C++ to audiences that include beginners up to advanced programmers. Here are some of the most popular places to get started learning to program with C++.

• cplusplus.com – This website walks learners through the fundamentals associated with C++ up through advanced C++ concepts.
• cppreference.com – C++ Reference is structured as more of a help yourself buffet of tutorials explaining and demonstrating C++ programming.

On the Job Training

On the job training is often available to people working for larger companies, especially in ones that are in a technical industry. When I worked for Micron, a semi-conductor memory chip manufacturer, I took several on-the-job programming and database classes available as part of Micron’s commitment to helping its workforce be more educated.

If you work for a company that offers educational benefits, it’s likely that a C++ course is among those offered.

There are some companies who will hire employees based upon their propensity to learn technical skills. If you can find a potential employer that does this, you may be able to learn C++ as part of your work assignment. Having the expectation that you’ll quickly learn the language so that you can contribute to a team you’re already working with makes it more compelling to learn the language quickly.

C++ Internships

Another version of on the job training is an internship. Companies that offer internships for people who know a little bit of C++ give rookies in the language a chance to do real-life programming alongside people who are more seasoned. Internships also normally offer a chance to move up in the company as you develop your C++ skills. Promotions and a higher salary are great motivations for staying focused on improving your C++ abilities.

Conclusion

I hope these suggestions about the best ways to learn C++ have been helpful for you. My own introduction into the world of computers came through a C++ programming course I took as a new college student more than two decades ago. I’ve blown away with all of the opportunities, many of them free or inexpensive, that are available now to people who are interested in learning C++ or any of the thousands of other technical disciplines that run our modern world.

Good luck in your quest to learn one of the most useful languages out there.

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