book

Learn C++ by Example

by Frances Buontempo

March 2024

Beginner

248 pages

7h 12m

English

Manning Publications

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forewordprefaceacknowledgmentsabout this bookWho should read this bookHow this book is organized: A road mapAbout the codeliveBook discussion forumOther resourcesabout the authorabout the cover illustration
1.1 Why does C++ matter?1.2 When should you use C++?1.3 Why read this book?1.4 How does this book teach C++?1.4.1 Who this book is for1.4.2 Hello, again, C++!1.4.3 What you’ll learn from reading this book1.5 Some pro tipsSummary
2.1 Creating and displaying a vector2.2 Creating and displaying Pascal’s triangle2.2.1 A reminder of Pascal’s triangle2.2.2 Coding Pascal’s triangle2.2.3 Move semantics and perfect forwarding2.2.4 Using ranges to display the vector2.2.5 Using format to display output2.3 Properties of the triangle2.3.1 Checking the first and last elements of each row2.3.2 Checking the number of elements in each row2.3.3 Checking the sum of the elements in a row2.3.4 How many rows can we generate correctly?2.3.5 Checking whether each row is symmetric2.3.6 Highlighting odd numbers in a rowSummary
3.1 Guessing a predetermined number3.1.1 Accepting user input the hard way3.1.2 Accepting optional numeric input3.1.3 Validation and feedback using std::function and lambdas3.2 Guessing a random number3.2.1 Setting up a random number generator3.2.2 Using the random number generator3.3 Guessing a prime number3.3.1 Checking whether the number is prime3.3.2 Checking properties with static_assert3.3.3 Generating a random prime number3.3.4 Deciding which digits are correct3.3.5 Providing different clues using std::functionSummary
4.1 How long until the last day of the year?4.2 Understanding durations in detail4.2.1 Ratios4.2.2 Durations4.2.3 Literal suffixes and operator / for readable code4.2.4 Requirements and concepts4.2.5 How many days until the last day of the year?4.2.6 Using last to find how long to payday4.2.7 Writing testable code4.3 Input, output, and formatting4.3.1 Parsing a date4.3.2 Formatting time points and durations4.4 Time zonesSummary

5.1 Creating a deck of playing cards5.1.1 Defining a card type using a scoped enum for the suit5.1.2 Defining a card type using a strong type for the face value5.1.3 Constructors and default values5.1.4 Displaying playing cards5.1.5 Using an array to make a deck of cards5.1.6 Using generate to fill the array5.1.7 Comparison operators and defaults5.2 Higher-or-lower card game5.2.1 Shuffling the deck5.2.2 Building the game5.2.3 Using std::variant to support cards or jokers5.2.4 Building the game with an extended deck of cardsSummary
6.1 A class hierarchy6.1.1 An abstract base class6.1.2 A concrete class6.1.3 Warming up for a race6.1.4 Using type traits to check for special member functions6.2 Writing and using derived classes in a vector6.2.1 A blob moving randomly6.2.2 Smart pointers6.2.3 Race!6.2.4 Some design considerationsSummary
7.1 Hardcoded answer smash7.1.1 Creating and using an std::map7.1.2 Pairs, tuples, and structured bindings7.1.3 A simple answer smash game7.2 Associative containers7.2.1 The map type in more detail7.2.2 Using lower and upper bound to find a key more efficiently7.2.3 Multimaps7.3 File-based answer smash7.3.1 Loading data from a file7.3.2 Picking a word randomly using std::sample7.3.3 Answer smashSummary
8.1 Randomly generated matching pennies8.2 Matching pennies using an unordered_map8.2.1 Unordered containers and std::hash8.2.2 Using an unordered_map to make a prediction8.2.3 The mind reader game8.3 Coroutines8.3.1 How to make a coroutine8.3.2 A coroutine function8.3.3 The coroutine’s return object8.3.4 RAII and the rule of zero8.3.5 Filling in the promise_type8.3.6 Filling in the Task type8.3.7 A coroutine mind readerSummary
9.1 The triangle numbers9.1.1 Testing our triangle numbers with algorithms9.1.2 Execution policies for algorithms9.1.3 Mutable lambdas9.1.4 More properties of the triangle numbers9.2 A simple slot machine9.2.1 Revision of constexpr and std::format9.2.2 Using std::rotate to spin the reels9.2.3 The simple slot machine9.3 A better slot machine9.3.1 Parameter packs and fold expressions9.3.2 Using a parameter pack to find frequencies9.3.3 A fairer payout9.3.4 Allowing holds, nudges, or spins9.3.5 Spinning reels with std::visit and std::views::zipSummary

Overview

Learn the latest features of modern C++ by coding eight engaging projects.

Don’t let the multitude of C++ updates intimidate you! Learn C++ by Example takes you through the major language changes since C++ 11, with each new feature demonstrated with a fun project or minigame. It’s perfect for beginners who know C++ basics, coders coming back to the language, or current C++ developers missing out on everything the language has to offer.

Inside Learn C++ by Example you’ll find important skills such as:

Utilizing the new C++ features from C++ 11 to 23
Effectively testing your C++ code
What happens “under the hood” of C++ code
Picking efficient algorithms and data structures
std::format, STL algorithms, ranges, and coroutines

Learn C++ by Example rapidly gets up to speed with C++’s updates and changes, and ensures you’ll stay ahead as the language continues to change and grow. You’ll learn about vectors and ranges by generating Pascal’s triangle, create a racing game with new special member functions, build a slot machine with parameter packs, and more.

About the Technology
C++ delivers the flexibility and performance you need for everything from low-level systems programming to secure financial applications and AAA game development. First introduced in 1985, the language is still evolving, with exciting changes in every new version. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a veteran coder adding to your toolbox, the eight hands-on projects in this book will get you up to speed on modern C++ features and practices.

About the Book
Learn C++ by Example is a fun and practical way to start writing modern C++ code. It guides you through entertaining challenges, emphasizing features and techniques made possible by C++ 17, 20, and 23. You’ll learn about objects and arrays by creating a deck of playing cards, master the C++ random library for a number guess game, use the chrono library to create a countdown timer, and much more. Along the way you’ll also pick up valuable tips for testing, project organization, and other productivity skills.

What's Inside

New C++ features from C++ 11 to 23
Effectively test your C++ code
What happens “under the hood”
Efficient algorithms and data structures

About the Reader
Requires beginner to intermediate C++ skills.

About the Author
Frances Buontempo is an experienced C++ developer and the editor of ACCU’s Overload magazine.

The technical editor on this book was Timothy Jaap van Deurzen.

Quotes
Familiarity, and then mastery, sneak up on you as you work your way through. Suddenly you find yourself to be proficient!
- Guy Davidson, BSI Chair of Programming Languages

Breaks down new C++ features in a friendly and approachable way—something even experienced C++ developers can benefit from! Very enjoyable.
- Nina Dinka Ranns, C++ committee secretary

The hands-on approach and mini-projects will bring you both joy and insight.
- Sy Brand, Microsoft

A tour de force of modern C++!
- Silas S Brown, Oracle

A great book! The examples show you the most modern code possible.
- Andreas Fertig Unique Code GmbH