Starting out with C++

This chapter gets the student started in C++ by introducing the basic parts of a C++ program,

data types, variable definitions, assignment statements, constants, comments, program output,

and simple arithmetic operations. The C++ string class is presented and string objects are used

from this point on in the book as the primary method of handling strings. Programming style

conventions are introduced and good programming style is modeled here, as it is throughout

the text. An optional section explains the difference between ANSI standard and prestandard

C++ programs. The new Tying It All Togethersection lets the student play with simple textbased graphics.

In this chapter the student learns to write programs that input and handle numeric, character,

and string data. The use of arithmetic operators and the creation of mathematical expressions

are covered, with emphasis on operator precedence. Debugging is introduced, with a section

on hand tracing a program. Sections are also included on using random numbers, on reading

and writing sequential files, on simple output formatting, on data type conversion and type

casting, and on using library functions that work with numbers. For those who wish to

cover them, there is also a section on C-strings. The new Tying It All Togethersection

shows students how to create a simple interactive word game.

Here the student learns about relational expressions and how to control the flow of a

program with the if, if/else, and if/else ifstatements. Logical operators, the

conditional operator, and the switchstatement are also covered. Applications of these

constructs, such as menu-driven programs, are illustrated. This chapter also continues

the theme of debugging with a section on validating output results. The new Tying It

All Togethersection uses random numbers and branching statements to create a fortune telling game.

This chapter covers C++’s repetitive control mechanisms. The whileloop, do-whileloop,

and forloop are taught, along with a variety of methods to control them. These include

using counters, user input, end sentinels, and end-of-file testing. Applications utilizing

loops, such as keeping a running total and performing data validation, are covered. The

emphasis on testing and debugging continues, with a section on creating good test data.

The new Tying It All Togethersection introduces students to Windows commands to create colorful output and uses a loop to create a multi-colored display.