How to get started with C++ Programming?

Manoj Eluri
2 min readMar 31, 2023

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Image Source: Wikipedia

Learning C++ can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Install a C++ compiler: To start with C++, you’ll need a compiler to translate your code into machine language. There are many C++ compilers available, including GCC, Clang, and Visual Studio. Some popular IDEs for C++ include Code::Blocks, Visual Studio Code, and CLion.
  2. Learn the basics of C++ syntax: C++ is a complex language with many features and rules. It’s important to start with the basics, such as data types (integers, characters, etc.), variables, operators, and control structures (if/else statements, loops, etc.). You can find tutorials and examples online or in books to help you learn the syntax.
  3. Write simple programs: Once you have a basic understanding of C++ syntax, start writing simple programs. For example, you could write a program that asks the user to enter two numbers, adds them together, and prints the result. As you write more programs, you’ll become more comfortable with the language and its features.
  4. Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts: C++ is an object-oriented programming language, so it’s essential to learn OOP concepts such as: Classes and objects, Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction.
  5. Learn about Standard Template Library (STL): The STL is a powerful library in C++ that provides various containers, algorithms, and iterators. Familiarize yourself with the common containers like vector, deque, list, map, and set, as well as algorithms such as sort, find, and reverse.
  6. Join a community: There are many online communities of C++ programmers who can help you learn and answer your questions. You can join forums, chat groups, or even attend local programming meetups to meet other students and professionals who share your interest.

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Manoj Eluri

I write about Augmented Reality, Game Development, iOS Development, Optics, HMDs Design, and anything else that I find interesting.