Object-Oriented Programming in C++ Specialization

Overview

This repository contains resources, notes, and project examples for the Object-Oriented Programming in C++ Specialization offered by the University of London on Coursera. This specialization teaches the fundamentals of C++ programming and object-oriented design through a practical approach, culminating in a simplified cryptocurrency trading platform project.

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Specialization Structure

The specialization consists of 5 courses, each building on the previous one to develop a comprehensive understanding of C++ programming and object-oriented principles.

1. Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in C++

• Description:
  Learn the basics of programming in C++ and start your journey toward building a cryptocurrency trading platform.
• What You'll Learn:
  • Write, compile, and run a C++ program that takes user input and prints messages to the console.
  • Use loops and if statements to create an interactive menu system.
  • Develop a simplified cryptocurrency trading platform (early stages).
• Skills:
  • Syntax
  • Iteration
  • Compiler usage
  • Exception handling

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2. C++ Programming: Classes and Data

• Description:
  Dive deeper into C++ by understanding how to model real-world entities using classes and manage data effectively.
• What You'll Learn:
  • Design and implement classes to model objects.
  • Understand and apply encapsulation.
  • Work with constructors, destructors, and memory management.
• Skills:
  • Object-oriented design
  • Encapsulation
  • Memory management

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3. Object-Oriented Programming in C++: Functions

• Description:
  Explore advanced function features in C++, including overloading, templates, and lambda functions.
• What You'll Learn:
  • Create reusable, generic code using function templates.
  • Implement operator overloading for custom classes.
  • Understand the role of member functions in object-oriented design.
• Skills:
  • Function templates
  • Operator overloading
  • Lambda functions

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4. Working with Objects in C++

• Description:
  Focus on building and manipulating objects effectively, ensuring clean and reusable code.
• What You'll Learn:
  • Work with complex object interactions and relationships.
  • Implement inheritance and polymorphism in your classes.
  • Apply object-oriented programming principles to design modular systems.
• Skills:
  • Inheritance
  • Polymorphism
  • Modular programming

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5. Use C++ to Build a Crypto Trading Platform: Final System

• Description:
  Bring together everything you’ve learned in the specialization to design and implement a fully functional cryptocurrency trading platform.
• What You'll Learn:
  • Integrate classes, functions, and data structures into a cohesive project.
  • Handle user input, manage transactions, and simulate market data.
  • Optimize your code for performance and maintainability.
• Skills:
  • Project integration
  • Performance optimization
  • Full-stack development (C++)

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Project: Cryptocurrency Trading Platform

This specialization revolves around designing a simplified cryptocurrency trading platform. By the end of the program, you will have built a fully functional system capable of:

• Handling user input via an interactive menu.
• Managing bids, asks, and transactions.
• Displaying market statistics and simulating a trading environment.

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Learning Outcomes

By completing this specialization, you will:

1. Understand the core principles of C++ programming and object-oriented design.
2. Be proficient in writing modular, reusable, and maintainable code.
3. Gain experience with data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
4. Develop a portfolio-worthy capstone project.

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Why C++?

• High Performance: C++ is widely used in systems programming, game development, and high-performance applications.
• Versatility: It supports procedural, object-oriented, and generic programming paradigms.
• Industry Relevance: Many legacy and modern systems are built on C++.

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Resources

• Specialization Page: Coursera: Object-Oriented Programming in C++
• C++ Reference: cppreference.com
• University of London: Official Website

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Repository Structure (Yet to be done)

This repository is organized into directories for each course:

• Course_1_Introduction: Beginner-level concepts, menu systems, and initial trading platform code.
• Course_2_Classes_and_Data: Class design, data encapsulation, and memory management.
• Course_3_Functions: Advanced function implementations like templates and operator overloading.
• Course_4_Objects: Inheritance, polymorphism, and modular programming examples.
• Course_5_Final_Project: The complete cryptocurrency trading platform code.

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Installation and Usage

Prerequisites

• C++ Compiler (e.g., GCC, Clang, or MSVC)
• CMake (optional, for build automation)

Build Instructions

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your-repo/MerkelMain.git
   cd MerkelMain