Introduction to Programming and Coding | C++ Basics for Non-Developers

Course Objectives

Students are introduced to the application development cycle, structure of programs, and specific language syntax. The course introduces important algorithmic constructs, string and character manipulation, dynamic memory allocation, standard I/O, and fundamental object-oriented programming concepts. The course explains the use of inheritance and polymorphism early on so the students can practice extensively in the hands-on labs. Structured programming techniques and error handling are emphasized. The course includes the processing of command line arguments and environment variables, so students will be able to write flexible, user-friendly programs.  Students will leave this course armed with the required skills to begin their journey as a programmer using modern coding skills and technologies. 

Course Prerequisites

This course is intended for anyone who is new to software development and wants, or needs, to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of coding and basics of C++ and object-oriented programming concepts. This course is for Non-Developers, or anyone who wants to have a basic understanding of and learn how to code C++ applications and syntax

Attendees might include:

• Anyone who wants exposure to basic coding skills, or who wants to begin the process of becoming an OO application developer
• Technical team members from non-development roles, re-skilling to move into software and application development roles within an organization
• Recent college graduates looking to apply their college experience to programming skills in a professional environment, or perhaps needing to learn the best practices and standards for programming within their new organization
• Technical managers tasked with overseeing programming teams, or development projects, where basic coding knowledge and exposure will be useful in project oversight or communications needs

NOTE: Students new to coding, but coming from an IT background, or who have some familiarity with scripting, programming or development, should consider the TTCP2000 C++ Programming for Non-Developers as an alternative. It moves at a slightly quicker pace.

Pre-Requisites

Before attending this course, students must have:

• Ability to use computers to start programs, open and save files, navigate application menus and interfaces
• Ability to understand logical concepts such as comparisons
• Understand number theory
• Ability to create, understand, and follow structured directions or step-by-step procedures
• Ability to understand and apply abstract concepts to concrete examples

Please see the Related Courses tab for specific Pre-Requisite courses, Related Courses that offer similar skills or topics, and next-step Learning Path recommendations.

Course Agenda

Please note that this list of topics is based on our standard course offering, evolved from typical industry uses and trends. We’ll work with you to tune this course and level of coverage to target the skills you need most.

Fundamentals of the Program Development Cycle

• Computer Architecture
• The Notion of Algorithms
• Source Code vs. Machine Code
• Compile-Time vs. Run-Time
• Software Program Architecture
• Standalone
• Client/Server
• Distributed
• Web-Enabled
• IDE (Interactive Development Environment) Concepts

Application Development Fundamentals

• Structure of a C++ Program
• Memory Concepts
• Fundamental Data Type Declarations
• Fundamental I/O Concepts
• Fundamental Operators
• Arithmetic Operators
• Logical Operators
• Precedence and Associativity
• Building and Deploying a C++ Program

Introduction to Classes and Objects

• Classes, Objects and Methods
• Object Instances
• Declaring and Instantiating a C++ Object
• Declaring Methods
• set and get Methods
• Initiating Objects with Constructors
• Primitive Types vs. Reference Types

Flow Control

• Conditional Constructs
• Looping Constructs
• Counter-Controlled Repetition
• Sentinel-Controlled Repetition
• Nested Control Constructs
• break and continue Statements
• Structured Programming Best Practices

Writing Methods (Functions)

• Static vs. Dynamic Allocation
• Declaring Methods
• Declaring Methods with Multiple Parameters
• Method-Call Stack
• Scope of Declarations
• Argument Promotion and Casting
• Designing Methods for Reusability
• Method Overloading

Arrays

• Purpose of Arrays
• Declaring and Instantiating Arrays
• Passing Arrays to Methods
• Multidimensional Arrays
• Variable-Length Argument Lists
• Using Command-Line Arguments
• Using Environment Variables

Deeper Into Classes and Objects

• Controlling Access to Class Members
• Referencing the Current Object Using this
• Overloading Constructors
• Default and No-Argument Constructors
• Composition of Classes
• Garbage Collection and Destructors
• The finalize Method
• Static Class Members

Defining Classes Using Inheritance

• Superclasses and Subclasses
• Advantages of Using Inheritance
• protected Class Members
• Constructors in Subclasses

Increasing Convenience by Using Polymorphism

• Purpose of Polymorphic Behavior
• The Concept of a Signature
• Abstract Classes and Methods
• final Methods and Classes
• Purpose of Interfaces
• Using and Creating Interfaces
• Common Interfaces of the C++ API

Files and Streams

• Concept of a Stream
• Class File
• Sequential Access
• Object Serialization to/from Sequential Access Files

Fundamental Searching and Sorting

• Introduction to Searching Algorithms
• Linear Search
• Binary Search
• Introduction to Sorting Algorithms
• Selection Sort
• Insertion Sort
• Merge Sort

Fundamental Data Structures

• Dynamic Memory Allocation
• Linked Lists
• Stacks
• Queues
• Trees

Exception Handling

• Types of Exceptions
• Exception Handling Overview
• Exception Class Hierarchy
• Extending Exception Classes
• When to Throw or Assert Exceptions

Formatted Output

• printf Syntax
• Conversion Characters
• Specifying Field Width and Precision
• Using Flags to Alter Appearance
• Printing Literals and Escape Sequences
• Formatting Output with Class Formatter

Strings, Characters and Regular Expressions

• Fundamentals of Characters and Strings
• String Class
• String Operations
• StringBuilder Class
• Character Class
• StringTokenizer Class
• Regular Expressions
• Regular Expression Syntax
• Pattern Class
• Matcher Class

Fundamental GUI Programming Concepts

• Overview of Swing Components
• Displaying Text and Graphics in a Window
• Event Handling with Nested Classes
• GUI Event Types and Listener Interfaces
• Mouse Event Handling
• Layout Managers

Course Materials

Student Materials: Each participant will receive a Student Guide with course notes, code samples, software tutorials, step-by-step written lab instructions, diagrams and related reference materials and resource links. Students will also receive the project files (or code, if applicable) and solutions required for the hands-on work.

Hands-On Setup Made Simple! Our dedicated tech team will work with you to ensure our ‘easy-access’ cloud-based course environment is accessible, fully-tested and verified as ready to go well in advance of the course start date, ensuring a smooth start to class and effective learning experience for all participants. Please inquire for details and options.