Description

C/C++ programming is often thought of as inaccessible, but these languages form the basis for many other programming languages and paradigms, and as such are vital, necessary skills for any IT professional to learn. Just Enough C/C++ Programming provides an intelligent layperson's guide to programming. The book does not assume you are dimwitted, like so many other beginning programming texts do, but it doesn't assume you are an engineer either. It simply gives you enough C/C++ language knowledge to be able to complete practical, industry-related, programming projects without becoming sidetracked. In short, it teaches you everything you need to know to be a successful programmer, without overloading you on the details. The book begins by explaining the tools you'll need, providing a concise introduction to the world of programming, and explaining the basic structure of a C program. Algorithm design for common programming problems, use of compilers and pre-processors, and the standard ANSI C libraries are all covered in enough detail so that you can pick up and apply the knowledge immediately. Next, the book covers the most relevant differences between C and C++, including C++ Standard Libraries, templates, and STL. The companion web site includes usable sample code for download and key pointers on how the code can be adapted for real-world use. Perfect for any aspiring software developer, Just Enough C/C++ Programming offers both a comfortable read, and practical, applicable, ready-to-use knowledge. 



   

Table of Contents

1 Introduction
Conventions
Before You Begin : Getting the Right Tools
Editor
Compiler & Linker

2 Programming Recap
What is Programming?
Procedural Programming
Program Flow
Data Storage
Compiling & Linking
Executable File Format
External Files (Header Files)

3 C Program Structure
The Entry Point
Declaring Variables
Containing Code Blocks
Variable Scoping
Comments
Defining Functions
Simple Skeleton Application
Building the Application
If the Application Fails to Build
Recap

4 Data Types & Variables
Basic Types
Sizes & Ranges
Complex Data Types
Casting
Arrays
Enumerated Types
Data Types & Variables
Recap

5 Decision Making
The C if Statement
The else Keyword
Using else if
Nesting
The switch Statement
Recap

6 Console I/O
Formatted Output
Using printf
Using sprintf
Formatted Input
Using scanf
Using sscanf
Non-formatted I/O
Recap

7 Standard Libraries
Standard I/O : stdio.h
String Handling : string.h
Math Functions : math.h
Memory Handling : malloc.h
The Standard Library : stdlib.h
The Time Library : time.h

8 Loops
The for Loop
The while Loop
More do and while
Using break and continue
Nesting Loops
Scoping revisited
Recap

9 Command Line Processing
The argv and argc Variables
Processing the Command Line
Conditional Execution
Recap

10 User Defined Functions
Declaring Functions
Prototyping
Function Parameter Lists
Pass by Value
Pass by Reference
Recursion
Recap

11 File I/O
Formatted I/O Revisited
Using fprintf
Using fscanf
Using fprintf & fscanf together
Binary Input and Output
Using fread and fwrite
Recap

12 Complex Data Types
The struct Keyword
Accessing Data
File Processing with Complex Data Types
Recap

13 Pointers
Strings Revisited
Pointers and References
Dereferencing
Pointers and Memory
Example : A Linked List of Command Line Arguments
Recap

14 Pre-Processor Directives
The Pre-Processor Concept
The #include Directive
The #define Directive
Avoiding Multiple Includes
C Style Macros
Recap

*[ 15 From C to C++
Object Oriented Design
Object Oriented Programming
Prototyping Revisited
Classes
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Example : A Linked List of Command Line Arguments (revisited)
Recap

16 C++ in Practice
Defining Classes
Constructors
Destructors
Operators
Example : Linked List Self-Management
Overloading
Recap ]

17 Where Next?

18 Web References