There are a few things that aren’t really covered in the Overland text related to functions – at least not in chapter 5 – that are very important to understand.

As a note, I very (very very very) frequently use different terminology for the variables that are part of the function header vs. function call.  Here’s my explanation of the two:

• function parameters:  the “things” listed in the function header or function prototype.  They accept values from the function call. You may see these referred to as “formal parameters”.
• function argument:  these are the values that are listed in a function call, sometimes literal values, sometimes variables. You may occasionally see these referred to as “actual parameters”.

What Happens When you Call a Function

So, functions are important in C++.   [Read more…]

In many ways, functions are the basic unit of work in a c++ program.  Every program that we write will have at least one function – the main function.  From Chapter 5, you can skip (or skim) the following stuff:

• Section 5.6 – Variable-length args.  These can be cool and useful at times, but don’t show up very much for us.
• Section 5.7 – Lambdas.  Lambdas are awesome.  But, they can be confusing, so in this shortened class, we’ll probably bypass them.  Read them if you’d like.
• Section 5.8 – constexpr functions.  Cool, but not immediately important for us.

Prototypes

In Java, the relationship between a function call and where the function is implemented (within a particular class) is nonexistent.   [Read more…]

Control structures are at the core of programming.  As the name implies, they are the basic building blocks of controlling the computer.  By control structures, we typically include conditional constructs and looping or iteration constructs.  One plus here is that the control structures in C++ are nearly identical to the control structures in Java.

Section 4.1 contains a great Cheat Sheet related to control structures.  Of course, as you probably know from Java or other languages, some of the most popular are:

• if
• for
• while

You’ll see that section 4.1 also lists the goto command.  Don’t ever use this.  It create “spaghetti” code.  Spaghetti is a yummy dinner option, not an appropriate adjective for code.

Section 4.7 covers Range-based For loops.  These are new to C++11.  So depending on exactly which version of the G++ compiler you may have running, they may or may not compile in your code.

Make sure you read through and understand the example Number Guessing Game in section 4.11.  Post questions to Piazza if you have any.

Peace, love, c++!

Some important take-aways from Overland: Chapter 2

• Some of the c++ features that are covered in chapter 2 are part of the new C++ 11 standard.  Note that if you don’t have the most up-to-date compiler installed, some of the examples may not work on your computer.  If you’re having trouble, but not sure, slap a question on Piazza.
• Read, but don’t obsess over, section 2.5.3.
• Read, and obsess over, section 2.6.  Understanding the difference between single quoted characters and anything in double quotes will save you much pain and tears later.
• Characters are stored as ascii codes, literally, integers.
• Section 2.7, you can skip constexpr, extern, register, thread_local, and volatile modifiers.
• Read, but don’t obsess over, section 2.9.

Some important take aways from Overland: Chapter 3

• Just read it and enjoy it.

Intro to C++

C++ shares quite a few similarities with Java and other languages such as Python. It is a complex language with a very robust set of standard libraries.  But, we’ll start small and easy.

C++ is a general-purpose programming language emphasizing the design and use of type-rich, lightweight abstractions…C++ is a language for someone who takes the task of programming seriously.  Our civilization depends critically on software; it had better be quality software.” ~B. Stroustrup, Original Designer of C++, “The C++ Programming Language, Fourth Edition”, Addison- Wesley, 2013.

Important take aways from Overland: Chapter 1

I’ll use the same sample program that he introduces in section 1.1 to point out some important things in addition to Overland.

[Read more…]

Before Monday’s Class (6/2), please do the following:

1. Set up your Development Environment
   • Make sure you’ve purchased your subscription to O’Reilly Safari.  See the Syllabus for more information.  You need to add the two books listed on the syllabus to your bookshelf on Safari.  They are:
     • Brian Overland. C++ for the Impatient. AddisonWesley Professional, 2013.
     • Ray Rischpater. Application Development with Qt Creator. Packt, 2013.
   • Read Preface & Chapter 1 of Rischpater. You can skip the sections on “Hello World using the Qt GUI Library” and “Hello World using Qt Quick”.
   • Download and install the Qt 5.2 or 5.3 SDK, Qt Creator, and associated software.  Follow the Rischpater book.
     • If you’re on a PC, make sure you choose the Qt option that includes the min-gw compiler.
     • If you’re on a Mac, you’ll need to download and install XCode and the command line tools first.  If you need help, see this tutorial: http://www.codeproject.com/Tips/740041/Installing-Qt-on-Mac-OS-X
2. Accept the invitation to Piazza.  Our link to the Piazza course is:  piazza.com/smu/summer2014/cse1342/home.  Bookmark it!
3. Read Chapter 1 of the Overland text.
   1. Note that we’ll NOT be using Microsoft products for coding in this class.  The Overland text refers to Microsoft at times, and some of the coding stuff is particular to Visual Studio.  If you see Microsoft or Visual Studio, just skip it.
   2. In particular, you can skip section 1.2 and 1.3 of the book.
4. Enjoy your weekend!