Get Started! : Standard C++ (2024)

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Get Started!

1. Get a Compiler

There are good free C++ compilers available for all major OS platforms. Download one that suits your platform:

Gnu Compiler Collection: Includes g++, a popular C++ compiler. A build for Windows is available here, builds for other platforms are likely available via your platform's package manager, or you can build it yourself using instructions here.

Clang: A new open-source C++ compiler for various platforms.

Visual C++ 2017 Community: A free Windows C++ compiler by Microsoft.
Embarcadero:A free Clang-based C++ compiler by Embarcadero.

Oracle Solaris Studio C++ Compiler: A C++ compiler for Solaris and some distributions of Linux, free for all commercial and non-commercial use.

IBM XL C/C++ Compiler: A Clang-based Community Edition is available for Linux on Power, free for production use.

Or try one of these online compiler pages, which offer a range of compilers including the latest from Clang, GCC, Intel, and Microsoft. Some are compile-only to let you check whether your code is legal, and some let you also run your test programs to see their output.

godbolt.org(Clang, GCC, Intel ICC, VC++)
Wandbox (Clang, gcc -- includes Boost)
Online Visual Studio Compiler (VC++)
Stacked-Crooked (GCC)
Rextester (Clang, GCC, VC++)
ideone.com (GCC, Clang)

2. Take a Tour

Stroustrup's authoritative "Tour of C++"is a great "lap around C++" by the creator himself, Bjarne Stroustrup. This four-part Tour is drawn from from near-final drafts of Stroustrup's upcoming The C++ Programming Language, 4th Edition, and was published on this site in four installments. (Free.)

3. Web Resources

C++ Reference:A site with its main focus on a complete Standard Template Library reference, the Technical Specifications, and a list of selected non-ANSI/ISO libraries. An offline archiveis available.
cplusplus.com:A site with general information about the C++ language, a reference, tutorial, and an articles section.

4. Learn More

Finally, here are four great books for learning C++ -- whether you know C++ already or not, and whether you even know how to program in any language or not, you'll find the book that's right for you.

Are you completely new to programming? If you've never programmed before, why not learn in modern C++?

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++, 2nd Ed.is an introduction to programming written by the creator of C++, Bjarne Stroustrup. Thousands of college freshmen taking Stroustrup's hugely popular Introduction to Programming class at Texas A&M University, and innumerable readers around the world,have learned programming and launched their careers using this book -- and modern C++.

Are you looking for "the" one-stop overview of C++?

The new conciseA Tour of C++by Bjarne Stroustrup is thego-to book to answer "what is the book of what you should assume everyone knows about C++?"

Through a modern tour of the language and library, its contents answer the question: What is the basic knowledge that we should be able to assume from a competent C++ programmer?

One could subtitle it:"Around the C++ world in 180 pages."

Are you new to C++?

The bestselling C++ Primer is one of the most popular books ever for learning C++, written by close colleagues of Bjarne Stroustrup who participated in the development of C++ since its early days.

This authoritative and comprehensive introduction to C++ will help you to learn the language fast, and to use it in modern, highly effective ways. Highlighting today’s best practices, the authors show how to use both the core language and its standard library to write efficient, readable, and powerful code.

Looking for "the" authoritative C++ reference?

The all-time best-selling C++ book on the planet is Bjarne Stroustroup's The C++ Programming Language.This book is primarily a reference, not a tutorial, but it also contains extensive explanations and many valuable insights and guidelines from the creator of C++ himself.

Looking for the authoritative tutorial and reference for the C++ standard library?

The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference by renowned ISO C++ member Nicolai Josuttis is the most respected book for learning and studying the standard library. It provides comprehensive documentation of each library component, including an introduction to its purpose and design; clearly written explanations of complex concepts; the practical programming details needed for effective use; traps and pitfalls; the exact signature and definition of the most important classes and functions; and numerous examples of working code. You'll find it all here -- everything fromconcurrency and clocks, to the new hash-based containers and regular expressions, to high-quality guidance on how to use key language features like lambdas with it all.

FAQs

Is C++ too hard for beginners? ›

C++ is somewhat difficult to learn, especially if you have never programmed before or you have never used a low-level programming language before. If you are a beginner with no programming experience, you should expect it to take at least three months to learn the basics.

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Can I learn C++ in 2 days? ›

Definitely not a wannabe! Before you jump into learning c++ programming please understand “c++” as a language is way different than “programming” as a concept. Well yes you can learn any language in 2 days or 2 hours, but to learn the effective usage of this language can take you ages! that's the beauty of programming.

Can a beginner start with C++? ›

Both Python and C++ are popular, beginner-friendly programming languages. For some, choosing which of these general-purpose languages to learn first is a matter of personal preference. For others, one may be more beneficial to learn for a specific project.

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How long does it take to perfect C++? ›

Is C++ hard to learn?

Programming level	Time it'll take
Absolute beginner	At least 3 months
Already a programmer	1 - 3 months
Building mastery in C++	2 years - forever

Feb 8, 2021

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Is C++ harder than Python? ›

Naturally, for beginners in programming, Python is the language of choice due to its ease of learning. However, C++ programmers find it easier to switch to programming languages such as Java or C#. While Python is easier, its programmers may find even a jump to JavaScript difficult.

Is C++ outdated? ›

C++ is a primary language for game development, and the gaming industry continues to grow. Learning C++ is valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. Embedded Systems: C is commonly used in embedded systems programming, where resources are constrained.

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Should I start with Python or C++? ›

Python's syntax is a lot closer to English and so it is easier to read and write, making it the simplest type of code to learn how to write and develop with. The readability of C++ code is weak in comparison and it is known as being a language that is a lot harder to get to grips with.

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What is the hardest part of learning C++? ›

What Makes Learning C++ Difficult? C++ is often cited as one of the most difficult programming languages to learn. This can be attributed to several factors, including its complex syntax, low-level memory management, and object-oriented programming concepts.

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Why is C++ difficult to learn? ›

C++ is one of the hardest programming languages to learn due to its wide range of paradigms. To learn C++ with less difficulty, you might first get familiar with other programming languages. This previous experience can help you understand its advanced syntax and scale through. C++ is very versatile.

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What is the most efficient way to learn C++? ›

Books are a great way to learn about programming languages in great detail. With a lot of explanations about how intricate functionalities of a programming language work, knowledge from a good book on C or C++ can give you the upper hand while using these languages for your projects.

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Is C++ a hard first language? ›

Tips for learning C++ C++ isn't the easiest programming language to pick up, but you're well on your way! With the right mindset and tools at your disposal, learning C++ can be fun and enriching for any developer.

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Do I need to be good at math to learn C++? ›

C++ offers a wide range of functions that can be implemented using logic and for that, you certainly need to have a basic concept of maths. Besides this, the majority of the functions that are being used in C++ have been derived directly from mathematical operations. So, the answer to this is a definitive YES.

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Should a beginner learn C or C++? ›

If you are a beginner, you should start with C and then move on to C++. Learning C first will provide you with a solid foundation in programming concepts and principles. Once you have a solid understanding of C, you can move on to C++ and take advantage of its powerful features.

Is C++ easier to learn than Java? ›

Most experts will tell you that Java is easier to learn. It's a newer language than C++ and isn't as complex in its principles or execution. However, there's more to consider than a language's learning curve. Selecting a programming language comes down to what you want to do with it.