C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup.
A related programming language, Java, is based on C++ but optimized for the distribution of program objects in a network such as the internet. Java is somewhat simpler and easier to learn than C++ and has characteristics that give it other advantages over C++. However, both languages require a considerable amount of study.
C++ allows software developers to define their own data types and manipulate them using functions and methods. It also allows low-level programming and provides access to memory, enabling fast and efficient execution of code. It also supports generic programming using templates, which let code be written in a generic form and reused for different data types.
Source: www.techtarget.com
When writing code in C++, the following are some basic functions:
C++ code. One of the easiest codes for beginners is the "Hello World!" code which uses the iostream library and the std namespace:
#include <iostream>
Int main(){
std::cout<<"Hello, World! <<std:endl;
return 0
}
In this example, the line #include <iostream> enables input/output functionality. Additionally, using std::cout lets the output be printed to the console. The std::endlline provides a line break. The return 0 statement indicates a successful program execution.
Arrays and memory allocation. C++ allows developers to work with arrays, which are collections of elements of the same data type. Here's an example of initializing and accessing elements in an array:
#include <iostream>
int main() {
int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
std::cout << numbers[i] << " ";
}
return 0;
}
In this instance, developers declare an array numbers of size 5 and initialize its elements using curly braces {}. The for loop allows users to iterate over the array and print each element using std::cout.
C++ classes and constructors. C++ supports OOP with the use of classes. Here's an example of a simple class with a constructor and member functions:
#include <iostream>
class Rectangle {
private:
int length;
int width;
public:
Rectangle(int l, int w) {
length = l;
width = w;
}
int calculateArea() {
return length * width;
}
};
int main() {
Rectangle myRectangle(5, 3);
int area = myRectangle.calculateArea();
std::cout << "Area: " << area << std::endl;
return 0;
}
Developers can define a class called Rectangle with private data members length and width. The constructor Rectangle(int l, int w) initializes the object's attributes, while the member function calculateArea () calculates and returns the area of the rectangle.
Polymorphism and C++ standard library. C++ supports polymorphism, allowing objects to be treated as instances of their base or derived classes interchangeably. Additionally, the C++ standard library provides a rich set of functionalities. The following is an example:
#include <iostream>
class Shape {
public:
virtual void display() {
std::cout << "Shape" << std::endl;
}
};
class Circle : public Shape {
public:
void display() {
std::cout << "Circle" << std::endl;
}
};
int main() {
Shape* shape = new Circle();
shape->display(); // Polymorphism
delete shape; // Memory deallocation
return 0;
}
A base class Shape and a derived class Circle are defined. The display () function is marked as virtual in the base class, enabling polymorphism. By creating a Circle object and assigning it to a Shape pointer, a developer can invoke the derived class's display()function.
Source: www.techtarget.com