C++ Crash Course
C++ is the language of performance. From operating systems and game engines to high-frequency trading and AI infrastructure, C++ powers the world’s most critical systems.This crash course is designed to take you from the basics to advanced modern C++ (C++17/20) concepts quickly but deeply. We focus on modern best practices, memory safety, and performance.
Why C++?
Despite being over 40 years old, C++ remains dominant. Why?Unmatched Performance
Direct hardware access and zero-cost abstractions allow you to write code that runs as fast as the machine allows.
Control
Precise control over memory management, system resources, and hardware integration.
Portability
Write once, compile anywhere. C++ runs on everything from microcontrollers to supercomputers.
Modern Features
Modern C++ (C++11 through C++23) introduces features like smart pointers, lambdas, and coroutines that make code safer and more expressive.
Course Roadmap
This course is structured to build your mental model of how C++ works under the hood.1
Fundamentals
Understand the compilation process, syntax, types, and control flow.
Start Learning
2
Memory Mastery
The heart of C++. Pointers, references, stack vs. heap, and RAII.
Go Deep
3
Object-Oriented Design
Classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Explore OOP
4
The STL
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Master vectors, maps, algorithms, and iterators.
Master STL
5
Modern C++
Level up with C++17/20 features: smart pointers, lambdas, concepts, and ranges.
Go Modern
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of programming concepts (variables, loops, functions).
- A C++ compiler (GCC, Clang, or MSVC).
- A code editor (VS Code, CLion, or Visual Studio).
The “Zero-Overhead” Principle
One of the guiding principles of C++ is the Zero-Overhead Principle:- What you don’t use, you don’t pay for. (No hidden costs).
- What you do use, you couldn’t hand-code any better. (Abstractions are efficient).