Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cpp-chengxu-sheji
For those looking to elevate their programming skills beyond C, Peking University’s “C++程序设计” (C++ Programming Design) course on Coursera is an exceptional choice. This course is meticulously designed to guide learners through the core concepts and syntax of C++, empowering them to write large-scale, maintainable, and extensible programs using an object-oriented approach. The prerequisite of familiarity with C and basic programming is well-justified, as the course builds upon this foundation to introduce advanced features.
The syllabus is a testament to the course’s structured and progressive nature. It begins with a crucial recap of advanced C concepts like function pointers, command-line arguments, bitwise operations, and dynamic memory allocation. This is followed by an introduction to C++’s enhancements, including references, the `const` keyword, inline functions, function overloading, and default arguments. This initial phase ensures a smooth transition from C to C++.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the pillars of object-oriented programming (OOP). Learners will delve deep into the concepts of ‘classes’ and ‘objects,’ understanding their fundamental role in C++. The curriculum then expertly covers constructor and destructor functions, providing essential tools for object initialization and cleanup. Operator overloading is explained with practical examples, demonstrating how to imbue operators with new functionalities for intuitive object manipulation.
Furthermore, the course tackles the vital principles of inheritance and polymorphism. The concept of code reuse through inheritance is illustrated with relatable scenarios, showing how to derive new classes from existing ones to avoid redundancy. Polymorphism, particularly through virtual functions, is presented as a key feature for enhancing program flexibility and allowing objects of different classes to respond to the same message in unique ways.
Beyond OOP, the course also explores file operations, enabling students to manage data effectively through file input/output. The introduction to templates and generic programming is particularly noteworthy, showcasing how to write code that can operate on various data types without modification. This leads seamlessly into the comprehensive coverage of the Standard Template Library (STL), a powerful collection of data structures and algorithms that significantly boosts development efficiency.
The course concludes with a review of advanced C++ topics and C++11 new features, offering an optional but highly recommended exploration of modern C++ capabilities. The final exam, consisting of original Peking University test questions, provides a robust assessment of the learned material.
Overall, “C++程序设计” is a highly recommended course for anyone serious about mastering C++. It offers a rigorous yet accessible learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle complex programming challenges and build sophisticated software.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cpp-chengxu-sheji