C++ Programming Basics

C++ is often characterized in the Scientific Community as being too bloated, slow, and complicated to be useful. In fact, quite the opposite is true. A number of high-powered, modern, extensible numerical software libraries now utilize C++; having some knowledge of the language is therefore beneficial now and for the foreseeable future. In this combined lecture and lab session, we will discuss basics of C++ usage including I/O, vectors, objects, and their relation to the same concepts in C. Special attention will be devoted to important topics like memory management, references vs. pointers, and the STL, which we feel are essential to effective use of the language by beginners, but which are typically relegated to more advanced courses.

 Registration for this class will be available on approximately February 1, 2010.