Even after the advent of several fascinating programming languages on the market, C++ still hasn’t lost its demand. In today’s world, C++ still exerts a huge positive impact on the software development world. 

It is considered to be a highly in-demand language by several IT firms and is one of the easiest languages to master. Unlike its predecessor, the C language, C++ also supports features like exception handling, object-oriented programming, etc. 

If you’re strongly considering giving C++ programming a try, then here are a few things for you to keep in mind before jumping to the basics of C++. 

1. C++ Basics Introduction 

Before you start learning the basics of C++, you will need to understand the fundamentals of the programming language and get a brief about how it came into existence. Bjarne Stroustrup developed the C++ programming language and is one of the few multi-purpose languages available today. You will also need to pay attention to how to set up an environment in C++ and how to run your compilations. 

2. Data Types, Operators, and Variables 

The next step is to throw some light on the foundation of the C++ programming - data types, operators, and variables. You will need to understand how to declare and initialise variables, how to use the operators in C++, and what are the different types of linear and non-linear data structures. 

Taking these steps will help you to get familiarised with the basic syntax of the C++ programming language and try your hands on its basic structure. If you have time on your hands, you can consider learning topics such as operator overloading, reference variables, optional parameters, etc. 

3. Control and Conditional Statements 

If you’re a veteran Java programmer and understand the Java basics completely, then you must be aware of the subject of control and conditional statements. Control flow statements are the order in which certain statements, instructions, and functions are evaluated or called when the program is up and running. 

To learn the basics of C++, you must be familiar with the loop statements, decision-making statements, etc. Furthermore, you will also need to read up about the Jump Statements, types of Loop statements such as Do While Loop, For Loop, etc. 

4. Arrays, Pointers, and Strings 

Once the above topics are done and dusted from your side, you need to understand the concept of arrays, strings, and pointers. Arrays are nothing but a collection of similar types of data elements that are stored by the programmer in an adjoining memory location. Pointers, like the name suggests, are a type of variable that points in the direction of a value. Strings are a sequence of a variety of characters. 

5. OOPS in C++ 

The most crucial part of learning the basics of C++ is understanding the concept of object-oriented programming. Here, you’ll need to understand the topic of functions which are an array of statements designed to perform a specific task. Also, function overloading, function declaration, and other topics related to functions also need to be read up. Also, the fundamental pillars of object-oriented programming like inheritance, abstraction, polymorphism, encapsulation, class, and objects.  

6. Dynamic Memory, Learn I/O Streams, STL 

The above six steps will help you cover the most important basics of C++, you will need to dive deeper into the programming language. In C++, dynamic memory allocation refers to allocating memory manually by the programmer. 

You will also need to understand the concept of Standard Template Library which is one of the most renowned features of the language. Standard Template Library is nothing but a set of template classes in C++ that showcase the data structures such as arrays, stacks, linked lists, etc. 

7. Multithreading, Signal Handling, and Exception Handling 

Learning advanced topics such as Multithreading, Signal Handling, and Exception Handling can make you a C++ coding pro in no time. Exception Handling typically deals with the parts of the code that throws an error. 

Signal Handling, on the other hand, is concerned with the signals that force an operating system to halt its tasks in progress. The operating system then address the exceptional tasks for which the signals have been sent. 

The above-mentioned 7 steps will help you cover each and every concept of C++ while trying to learn the basics of C++. Using these concepts you can create a timeline of your learning journey. Apart from this, we’ve also come up with a few C++ learning tips that will help make this journey smoother for you. 

Tips for Learning C++ 

Here are some time management tips for you to learn the basics of C++ programming language effortlessly: 

=> Waking up early has several psychological benefits. It will help you to learn more concepts till noon and also imbibe a disciplined life. 

=> It is challenging to learn C++, but if you have other things on priority as well, then it’s best to finish them off early in the morning. This will help you allocate the rest of your day to coding exercises. 

=> Always remember to plan out your day well in advance to ensure that you don’t waste any time. Also, it is best to include the concepts of C++ that you’d like to cover on that day in your plan. 

=> If you’re planning to become a full-time coder, then you’ll have to cut down on the entertainment. There isn’t any shortcut to learn C++ and if you want to move ahead of your game quickly then you have to make some unwanted sacrifices. 

=> Weekends are one of the best times to fully dedicate your day to learning the programming language. They can be your best asset when it comes to solving multiple coding problems and do whiteboard practice of all the concepts that you’ve learnt throughout the week. 

Conclusion 

If learning the basics of C++ is your goal, then staying consistent and dedicated is the only way to go. Remember all the points that we’ve listed in the above article. You can use them as your guide in covering important topics of C++.