C++ Learning Modules (00 - 04)

This repository contains a series of projects designed to introduce the fundamentals of C++ programming. Each module builds on the previous one, gradually covering more advanced concepts in C++ to give a strong foundation in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). The C++ modules in this repository are designed to help you transition from C to C++ by focusing on the unique features and capabilities of the language.

Module Overview

Module 00

Objective: Understand the basic syntax and features of C++ in comparison to C.

• Key Concepts:
  • Introduction to C++ syntax.
  • Basic I/O using iostream.
  • Understanding namespace and the std namespace.
  • Introduction to classes and objects.
  • Simple OOP concepts: encapsulation, constructors, and destructors.

Project Focus:

• Implement a simple class with private attributes and public methods.
• Create multiple instances of the class and manipulate their data.

Module 01

Objective: Learn about memory allocation, references, pointers to members, and the use of the switch statement in C++.

• Key Concepts:
  • Dynamic memory allocation using new and delete.
  • References vs. pointers.
  • Pointers to members and member function pointers.
  • The switch statement in C++.

Project Focus:

• Create a class with dynamic attributes managed using pointers.
• Use pointers to members and member functions.
• Implement a menu system using the switch statement.

Module 02

Objective: Explore ad-hoc polymorphism, function overloading, and the orthodox canonical form in C++.

• Key Concepts:
  • Function and operator overloading.
  • Ad-hoc polymorphism using overloading.
  • The orthodox canonical form: constructors, copy constructor, assignment operator, and destructor.

Project Focus:

• Create a class that overloads operators like +, -, <<, and >>.
• Implement a class using the orthodox canonical form to manage resources safely.

Module 03

Objective: Understand the principles of inheritance and how it applies to OOP in C++.

• Key Concepts:
  • Basic inheritance: base and derived classes.
  • Access specifiers: public, protected, and private.
  • Constructors and destructors in inheritance.
  • Function overriding and the virtual keyword.

Project Focus:

• Create a base class and derive multiple classes from it.
• Override base class methods in derived classes.
• Use polymorphism to manipulate derived class objects through base class pointers.

Module 04

Objective: Delve into subtype polymorphism, abstract classes, and interfaces in C++.

• Key Concepts:
  • Subtype polymorphism using virtual functions and base class pointers.
  • Abstract classes and pure virtual functions.
  • Interfaces in C++ and how to implement them using abstract classes.
  • Understanding the dynamic_cast operator.

Project Focus:

• Implement a class hierarchy with at least one abstract base class and multiple derived classes.
• Use pure virtual functions to enforce a contract on derived classes.
• Demonstrate polymorphic behavior by using base class pointers to interact with derived class objects.

How to run

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/mjorgecruz/42_cpp_00-04.git
   cd 42_cpp_00-04

2. Each module contains its own set of projects and makefiles. Navigate to the desired module directory and compile the project:

   cd cpp00
   cd ex00
   make

3. Run the compiled executable in the corresponding module directory:

   ./program_name