Introduction to C/C++ Programming

Author: Beijing Jinhong'en Computer Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Tianjin Electronic Publishing House
Publication Date: 2004-02-01
Features: The knowledge points are arranged according to the characteristics of beginners, with simple language and examples interspersed in the explanations. Learn C and C++ in the VC environment, and improve practical skills through post-chapter exercises.
Preface: If you have chosen this textbook, you must be aiming to become an excellent programmer or a computer expert—or at least hope to use it to make a living in the future. The purpose of launching the "Way of Programming" series textbooks is to help aspiring individuals like you turn their dreams into reality. "The way of programming is long." Those who have some understanding of computers probably know that the technology in this industry is evolving rapidly, and "I might be left behind by the new technologies of this industry if I take a few more naps." Is it only the exceptionally intelligent who can strike it rich in this profitable industry? In fact, as long as you grasp the "way," you can boldly strike it rich. So, where is the "way"? Let us calm down and clarify the following points:
1. Programming is just a tool for implementation. Reading articles about the history of computers, we can clearly see that the invention of computers by mathematicians did not mean they all knew how to program. Today, we still see similar phenomena, where many master-level computer technology researchers are not proficient in programming. Meanwhile, media hype and the attractive treatment in reality often mystify programming. Computer technology includes aspects such as information management, multimedia, computer networks, artificial intelligence, and computer-aided design. Programming is merely the process of expressing algorithms in theoretical research or practical implementation of these specific technologies. Programmers may not have a deep understanding of computer technology, but to become a programming expert, they must solidly master a wealth of computer technology. Therefore, the first thing to understand is that programming is just a tool for implementation, while the methods and thinking for solving problems are more important.
2. When learning programming, don’t forget the basics. If you want to become an excellent programmer, it is recommended that you, in addition to learning programming languages and development tools, also solidly study foundational courses such as: assembly language, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, and operating system principles. You can also supplement your learning with courses on computer networks and database principles. Mastering these basic knowledge will make your path in programming broader and smoother. Of course, this only lists a few basic courses.
3. Don’t chase trends, focus on mastering the fundamentals. Don’t be misled by trendy new technologies and buzzwords, or you’ll end up like a bear shelling corn—only to find that you’ve gained nothing. Technologies like .NET and XML are indeed tempting, offering a sense of satisfaction in a short time. However, if your foundation is not solid, you’ll be like walking in a thick fog—only able to see what’s in front of you and unable to see further. These "well-packaged" foreign imports hide many underlying principles. To truly learn technology without falling into obscurity, you must first solidly master C, C++, and the foundational knowledge mentioned earlier. Although this is a tough process (don’t dream of learning it in 221 days—unless you were born to work in computer science). With this foundation, learning these trendy things will only take a week or so.
4. Programming is not difficult! The way lies in the fundamentals. Compared to learning English, the difficulty of learning programming is actually very low. After all, a programming language has only a few dozen "words" and not many grammatical rules. What takes time is learning the basic computer knowledge, but since the "way" is within it, it naturally requires learning. The "Way of Programming" series textbooks are designed for those who seek to master the "way of programming technology." We hope that while studying this series, you can also study the foundational courses mentioned earlier or even take them in advance. The "Way of Programming" series textbooks are divided into two categories: beginner and advanced. Each level covers a series of widely used programming languages and development tools. The beginner level is designed for those without programming experience or with only a little foundation, covering basic syntax to basic applications with more attention to detail. The advanced level is designed for those with programming experience, aiming to improve programming skills and in-depth application of development tools in a specific professional direction. The content includes databases, networks, the Internet, multimedia, and more.
Welcome to the team of learning C and C++ programming. C and C++ are very popular programming languages today, favored by. This textbook starts with simple examples, learning by doing, and focuses on problem-solving approaches. Each chapter’s examples are carefully designed, explained in depth from simple to complex. Each chapter also includes related exercises to help readers consolidate their knowledge. The first nine chapters introduce C language, laying a solid foundation for future programming. This part includes: C language basics, logical operations, control statements, arrays, functions, compilation preprocessing, pointers, and structures. The last ten chapters introduce C++, adding bricks to future practical applications. This part includes: new features of C++, classes and objects, static members, friends, operator overloading, inheritance, polymorphism and virtual functions, streams, and templates. Additionally, all the examples in this textbook have been tested and verified in Visual C++ 6.0, and readers can also learn how to write console programs in Visual C++ 6.0 while studying this textbook.
This textbook is suitable for beginners in programming, those with a preliminary understanding of programming, or readers who want to learn C and C++ languages. This textbook is accompanied by a multimedia teaching CD-ROM, which presents the difficult-to-understand theoretical content in a vivid and visual multimedia form, making learning easier.