Comprehensive Summary: C++ Programming Essentials (Lectures 1-11)

Phase 1: Foundations & Structure (L1 - L2)

• Intro to C++: A high-level, general-purpose, compiled language with object-oriented features.
• Basic Structure:
  • Requires #include <iostream> for I/O operations.
  • using namespace std; allows direct use of standard names like cout and cin.
  • int main() is the mandatory entry point where execution begins.
• Data Types:
  • int: Whole numbers.
  • double (14 digits) vs. float (7 digits): Fractional numbers with different precision.
  • string: Text sequences in double quotes " ".
  • char: Single characters in single quotes ' '.
  • bool: Logic values true (1) or false (0).
• I/O Operations:
  • cout <<: Output data; uses \n or endl for new lines and \t for horizontal tabs.
  • cin >>: Captures keyboard input.
  • Math: Integer division truncates decimals (e.g., 5/2 = 2). Modulus % returns the remainder (e.g., 10%3 = 1).

Phase 2: Operations & Control Flow (L3 - L4)

• Increment/Decrement:
  • Postfix (x++): Uses the current value first, then increments.
  • Prefix (++x): Increments first, then uses the new value.
• Logical Operators: && (AND), || (OR), and ! (NOT) are used to combine Boolean conditions.
• Selection Structures:
  • if, else if, else: Decision branching based on conditions.
  • switch: Multi-way branch for constant values; requires break to prevent falling through cases.
• Repetition (Loops):
  • for: Ideal for a known number of iterations.
  • while: Condition is checked before entering the loop (pre-test).
  • do-while: Executes at least once before checking the condition (post-test).

Phase 3: Memory & Data Structures (L5 - L8)

• 1D Arrays: A collection of variables of the same type stored side-by-side (contiguous memory).
  • Indices start from 0 to size-1.
  • Traversed using a single for loop.
• 2D Arrays: A matrix structure with rows and columns.
  • Declared as int arr[rows][cols];.
  • Processed using nested loops (Outer for rows, Inner for columns).
• Pointers: Variables that store the memory address of another variable.
  • & (Address-of): Retrieves the location of a variable.
  • * (Dereference): Accesses or changes the value at the address held by the pointer.

Phase 4: Modularity & Advanced Logic (L9 - L11)

• Functions: Small blocks of reusable code that perform specific tasks.
  • Prototypes: Declared before main() to inform the compiler.
  • Parameters: Placeholders in the header; Arguments: Real values passed during the call.
  • Default Parameters: Values assigned in the header (e.g., void f(int x=10)) used when an argument is missing.
  • Arrays in Functions: Arrays are passed as pointers (address of the first element).
• Recursion: A technique where a function calls itself to solve smaller versions of a problem until it reaches a base case.
• Synthesis (L11): The final phase involves integrating all concepts—I/O, logic, loops, arrays, and pointers—to build complex, modular programs.