C++ Programming

This course will provide an introduction to the C++ programming language and its usage.

After attending this course you will have acquired the basic skills in programming in C++ and an understanding of the ideas of object oriented programming.

Topics covered in this course include:

• an introduction to classes and objects
• class variables
• constructors and functions
• overloaded constructors and functions
• public and private access to variables and functions
• arithmetic operators
• simple input and output, comparison operators and the use of conditional and iterative control statements
• formatting of output
• use of library functions and the creation of user defined functions
• introduction to pointers
• introduction to arrays
• accessing arrays using both subscripts and pointers
• using classes containing static functions and static variables
• introduction to inheritance by creating a derived class from a base class
• inherited and overridden functions in the derived class
• use of the new and delete operators to dynamically allocate and release memory
• use of the fstream library functions to access files and use of user defined classes to write object-oriented programs.

No prior knowledge of C++ is required.

This course is ideal for the student who wants a good general introduction to object oriented programming.

Learning and teaching

This module includes a mix of traditional lectures and laboratory sessions. Each meeting starts with a lecture and finishes with a laboratory session.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects. During the course, students will be given assignments to be submitted to the course tutor. At the end of the course, there will be a class test.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

The syllabus covers:

• data types
• introduction to classes and objects
• the difference between public and private access to functions and data
• introduction to constructors
• overloaded constructors
• numeric and relational operators
• use of conditional and iterative control statements
• accessing arrays using subscripts and pointers
• formatting of output
• use of string functions
• use of static functions and static variables within a class
• use of new operator to dynamically allocate memory and use of delete operator to release memory
• handling memory allocation errors
• use of iostream library functions to get input from the keyboard
• introduction to inheritance by creating a derived class from a base class
• inherited and overridden functions in the derived class
• calling a specific base class constructor from the derived class
• base class access control
• command line argument processing
• writing and reading files using the fstream library functions
• using user defined classes to write object-oriented programs.

Reading suggestions

• Schildt, H. (2003) C++ from the Ground Up. Osborne McGraw-Hill.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.