156.  C++ Programming for C Programmers

Rev. 8.0

 

This course is a comprehensive hands-on introduction to object oriented programming in C++ for C programmers. Emphasis is placed on the features of C++ that support effective modeling of the problem domain and reuse of code. The course consists of two modules.

 

In the first module object oriented concepts are introduced. The C++ class construct is introduced and its key features elaborated step-by-step, providing full implementation of abstract data types. C++ memory management is discussed. Function and operator overloading and the use of references are covered. The scope and access control mechanisms of C++ are described. Inheritance is introduced. The use of virtual functions to implement polymorphism is discussed.

 

The second module presents intermediate topics. The ANSI C++ Standard Library is covered, including namespaces, the new header files and basic string class. Templates are covered, including an introduction to the Standard Template Library (STL). There is a chapter on I/O streams, including formatting and file I/O. Practical issues of C++ programming, such as reliability, testing, efficiency and interfacing to C, are discussed. The course introduces newer features of C++ such as exceptions, runtime type information (RTTI), and the new C++ cast syntax.

 

Extensive programming examples and exercises are provided. The course is designed so that it can be taught in any environment with an ANSI C++ compiler.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 

·         Learn object oriented concepts.

·         Acquire a thorough working knowledge of C++ programming.

·         Gain an understanding of the issues involved in effective class design

·         Learn how to program with templates and become introduced to STL

·         Become introduced to newer features of C++, including the ASNI standard library, exception handling and RTTI

 

Course Duration:  5 days

 

Prerequisites:  This course assumes a good knowledge of C programming. Students without a strong background in C should consider instead the course “C++ Programming for Non-C Programmers”.

 

Module 1. Object Oriented C++ Programming Fundamentals

 

1.      Concepts of Object Oriented Programming

Objects

Information Hiding and Encapsulation

Abstract Data Types

Methods and Messages

Classes

Class Inheritance

Polymorphism

 

2.      Classes in C++

Data Encapsulation in C and C++

Definition of C++ Classes

Member Data and Functions

this Pointer

Abstract Data Types

Organizing Code for Classes

 

3.      Functions in C++

Function Prototypes and Type Checking

Conversion of Parameters

Default Arguments

Inline Functions

Function Overloading

 

4.      Constructors and Destructors

Constructors and Initializations

Object Creation and Destruction

Destructors

Multiple Constructors in a Class

Hidden Constructors

 

5.      Memory Management in C++

Static, Automatic and Heap Memory

New and Delete

Handling Memory Allocation Errors

Hiding Details of Memory Management in a Class

Implementing a Dynamic String Class

 

6.      References and Argument Passing in C++

Call by Value

Reference Declarations

Reference Arguments

Copy Constructor

Constant Arguments and Functions

 

7.      Operator Overloading, Initialization, and Assignment

Operator Overloading

Semantics of Assignment

Initialization vs. Assignment

Overloading Assignment

Type Conversions

 

8.      Scope and Access Control

Scope in C++

Friend Functions

Const and Enumeration Types

Static Members

 

9.      Introduction to Inheritance

Inheritance for Modeling and Reuse

Class Derivation

Access Control

Base Class Initialization

Composition

Initializing Class Type Members

 

10. Polymorphism and Virtual Functions

Virtual Functions and Dynamic Binding

Polymorphism in C++

Pointer Conversion

Virtual Destructors

Abstract Classes and Pure Virtual Functions

 

Module 2. Intermediate C++ Programming

 

1.      ANSI C++ Library

New Header Files

Namespaces in the Standard Library

ANSI C++ String Classes

Templates in the Standard Library

 

2.      Templates

C++ Template Mechanism

Function Templates

Class Templates

Generic Programming

Implementing a General Array Class

Standard Template Library

 

3.      Input/Output in C++

Streams I/O Library

Formatted Stream I/O

File I/O

I/O in User Defined Classes

 

4.      Practical Aspects of C++ Programming

Interfacing C and C++

Namespaces

Reliability in C++ Programs

Testing Considerations

Efficiency Considerations

 

5.      Exceptions

C++ Exception Mechanism

Exceptions Compared to Other Error Handling Techniques

throw, try and catch

Exception Context and Stack Unwinding

Uncaught Exceptions

Automatic Cleanup in Exception Handling

 

6.      Runtime Type Information

Runtime Type Information (RTTI) Mechanism

type_info Class and typeid Operator

Type Safe Pointer Conversion

New C++ Cast Syntax

 

Appendix A. Reading List

 

System Requirements

 

The course is designed to be delivered in any environment supporting an ANSI C++ compiler. An optional version of the lab file contains project files for Visual C++ 2005.