Best C++ Course – a detailed guide for beginners

Whether you’ve been a coder for years or just starting to understand it now, you’ve probably heard of C++. There are so many different programming languages out there and each of them has its own merit. 

But learning a programming language can be pretty challenging, especially if you are new to it. C++ is no exception to this rule. 

However, you should let that dissuade you from trying! Once you start to understand C++ it’s actually a lot easier to learn, and there are plenty of courses out there that can help you along the way. 

We’ve put together a list of some of the best C++ courses out there which you should definitely give a try on your coding journey. 

What Is C++? 

Before we even get into the courses, some of you may be scratching your head trying to work out what the heck C++ even is. Well, we’re going to tell you! 

C++ is a computer programming language. It is specifically good to use for creating large-scale applications, and you can use it to develop operating systems, browsers, games, and much more. 

C++ is a lot similar to the Java programming language because Java is actually based on C++. However, Java is a lot more simple to learn than C++. 

Lots of people have said that C++ is quite a challenging language to learn because it has a more complex syntax than some of the other programming languages. If you know some of the Java programming languages, this can help you a little bit when it comes to learning C++. 

Is it Worth Learning C++?

If you are feeling a bit discouraged by the difficulty of C++, don’t be! It’s incredibly worth learning C++. If you are committed and dedicated to learning C++, you will find that lots of job opportunities will become available to you.

This is especially true when you learn more advanced parts of the language. 

It might be one of the older programming languages, but it’s still incredibly popular and you will find it on most operating systems. You just need to stay focused when you’re learning and take your time. 

C++ cannot be learned in a couple of weeks, it is going to take you a while to truly understand. But once you do, you’ll definitely see that the time is taken to learn it was worth it. 

The Best C++ Courses

So, let’s take a look at some of the best courses out there that will teach you C++! Each of these courses has its own benefits and advantages, but each one will teach you the basics and information that you actually need, depending on your current skill level.

These courses are designed to help you progress in your C++ knowledge, and they are laid out in a way that stops you from getting lost and confused. So let’s take a look!

Beginning C++ Programming – From Beginner to Beyond (Udemy)

Kicking off the list we have this C++ course brought to you by Udemy. This course is incredibly detailed in what it will teach you, and it’s perfect for beginners who have no prior knowledge of C++ before diving in. 

Some of the best things you will learn in this course include how to use functions and pointers, classes, constructors, how to manage memory, and much more. 

The instructor of this course is Frank Mitropolous and he is a C++ expert who has over 2 decades of experience within the computer programming industry. He’s also taught university-level education, so you can be sure that as your instructor on the course, he is of the highest quality. 

The best thing about this course is that you don’t have to have a single bit of experience before you start. This is why it’s a great course for beginners or anyone who has an interest in learning C++. 

Course Highlights:

• Lifetime access to 40 hours of videos that include lectures, articles, downloadable resources, and coding exercises. 
• Learn the most modern and relevant iteration of C++ rather than wasting time on an obsolete and dated version. 
• Interactive learning, including puzzles, live coding exercises, assignments, and much more. 

C++ Nanodegree Certification for Programmers (Udacity)

This particular course is better suited for intermediate-level programmers who have some C++ knowledge, so if you’re a beginner, you may want to complete one of the other courses on this list before you commit to this one. 

If you think you’re at an intermediate level with your C++ studies, then you should know that this course will need you to be familiar with basic concepts of functions and classes.

You’ll be learning things like advanced skills in fields like object-oriented programming, memory management, and concurrency in this course. 

This course is a bit more educational in its format and very project-driven. You will be building a portfolio of your course projects that will show potential employers that you are ready to work in C++ professionally. 

On top of this, you will have consistent support from Udacity in the form of the Udacity reviewer network. They will review all of your projects and they will also give you feedback on them too, so you will know where your strengths are and what you need to work on. 

If you’re curious about what the courses are, here is a list: 

1. C++ Foundations
2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
3. Memory Management
4. Concurrency
5. Capstone Project

Remember, this course does require intermediate knowledge of any of the programming languages that are listed as a prerequisite in this particular course, so if you don’t have any of this intermediate knowledge, you will have to try another course first. 

Course Highlights:

• Lots of interactive activities including quizzes, videos, and programming exercises. 
• A number of projects can be completed at your own pace and in whatever order suits you. 
• Numerous tips from industry experts and you will learn the best industry practices.
• Access to project reviews, help from mentors, a student network community, and career services. 

C++ Tutorial: From Beginner to Expert (Udemy)

Here’s another course that is brought to you by Udemy. As the title would suggest, this course is great for beginners and it will help you progress to an expert level in C++. 

This course will teach you how to program using C++ and it will do so in a fast and efficient manner. This course isn’t all theory-based either, you’ll have plenty of chances to apply your newfound knowledge practically.

There are over 51 video lessons in this course that span the duration of 15 hours, so there is plenty of material for you to sink your teeth into. 

Once you have completed the course, you will have knowledge of the semantics of C++, and be able to use advanced components of C++, and you’ll know all the basics to be able to create whatever you want to create with the programming language. 

Your instructor will be Arkadiusz Włodarczyk, who is an expert programmer and teacher. Arkadiusz Włodarczyk also has created over 27 popular courses about programming and web development in his career. 

Course Highlights:

• You will receive a Certificate of Completion once you have completed the course. 
• There are over 100 downloadable exercises available to help you practice C++ concepts. 
• The course is presented and laid out in a way that will help you actually understand the code itself. 
• The teaching method of the instructor is very straightforward and instructional. 

C++ For C Programmers by University of California (Coursera)

This course is designed for people who have a lot of experience in C++ programming, but really want to sharpen their skills. It’s also a great course for anyone who knows an earlier iteration of C++ but they want to upgrade their knowledge to the most recent version. 

If you don’t have a basic understanding and knowledge of C++, algorithms, or object-orientated software, you’re going to struggle to keep up with this course. 

This course is actually broken down into 4 modules and then you will take a final exam once those modules are complete. Here’s a very brief overview of each module: 

• Module 1 – This module will teach you how to convert an existing C program to C++. It will also go over the usage of type-safe input and/or output. 
• Module 2 – This module goes over Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm, C++ Functions and Generics, C++ classes, and OO.
• Module 3 – In this module, default constructor and initializing syntax, list and dynamic memory allocation, and deep copy will be covered. 
• Module 4 – The final module will cover basic Container Classes, Tripod-Container, Iterator, and Algorithms. 

Course Highlights:

• Interactive learning in the form of quizzes and programming assignments.
• You can enroll for free in this course, the only fee you have to pay is small and for the Certificate of Completion. 
• You will learn about things to do with memory allocation and algorithms, as well as lots of other complex concepts. 
• You will learn Prim’s and Kruskal’s algorithms too. 

Unreal Engine C++ Developer: Learn C++ and Make Video Games (Udemy)

Most of you probably know what Unreal Engine is already, but for those who don’t, it is a free-to-use game development engine that is used by plenty of developers across the world. 

This is a great course for anyone who wants to learn C++ and wants to go into the video game industry for themselves. It will teach you how to make games with C++ and it is broken down into detailed steps, so even if it seems complicated at first, you will find it easier to absorb the information. 

This is another course that uses a project-based approach to its learning, so it is extremely practical rather than just in a lecture format. This is especially good for anyone who learns better by engaging in practical learning. 

There are over 50 hours of course material in this course, which range from lectures to articles, to downloadable resources. 

Even if you have no prior knowledge or experience in C++ or Unreal Engine, this course is perfect for beginners. If you have an interest in both coding and developing games, this is a perfect course for you to take. 

Course Highlights:

• This course will teach you how to make games that are compatible with Windows, consoles, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Web from a single source. 
• Plenty of support is offered in this course from both instructors and other students. 
• You will learn Artificial Intelligence behavior programming, Blackboard, and Behaviour Tree for customizable AI. 
• On top of basic coding and understanding of the Unreal Engine, you will also learn how to add sound effects and audio to your games. 

Learn C++ Programming – Beginner to Advance – Deep Dive in C++ (Udemy)

And finally, we have this C++ course that is also brought to you by Udemy. This particular course will cover all the concepts of C++ in a very structured and detailed manner.

This course goes over everything you need to know, regardless of if you have any prior experience and knowledge, and will teach you how to create any type of application. 

You will begin this course learning the basics of C++ and progressively get more advanced in the topics you cover. The process is gradual enough that it won’t feel like you’re jumping ahead too quickly. 

This course will allow you to write out and test code for yourself and there are lots of practical demonstrations throughout that will help you understand exactly what you are doing as you are doing it. 

There are over 200 lectures in this course, as well as 88 downloadable resources and 48 coding exercises.

Course Highlights:

• This course will teach you how to develop applications in C++.
• The course ends with a Student Project that will allow you to show off your skills and newfound knowledge. 
• This course will teach you exception handling and STL. 
• There are plenty of practical sessions and every topic of the course is covered on a whiteboard, making the practical sessions easier to grasp. 
• At the end of each section, you will be able to take part in quizzes and practice exercises so you can make sure that you have understood everything so far. 

Can I Learn C++ In A Month? 

If you’re wondering if you can learn C++ in a month then the answer is no. Whereas you can learn the basics of the programming language in about 30–45 days, there is still a lot of extra information and knowledge regarding C++ that you wouldn’t have touched on yet. 

Regardless of how much C++ you do learn in a month, just make sure that you go at your own pace and truly get to grips with each aspect before you move on to the next. 

Is C++ Harder To Learn Than Python? 

Python is another computer programming language that a lot of people, especially those who are considered beginners find to be quite hard to pick up and learn. But it might surprise you to know that C++ is actually quite a bit harder to learn than Python. 

The reason it is harder to learn than Python is because has a more complex syntax to work with and involves more memory management than Python.

Python is widely considered to be a better beginner programming language of the two, but if you’re adamant about learning C++ just keep in mind that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication. 

Can You Get A Job If You Know C++?

Finding a job if you know C++ is a lot easier than if you don’t. The more knowledge and experience you have with C++ will mean that there are more job opportunities out there for you. 

You’ll want to know a bit more than just the basics, and it’s in your best interest to keep a portfolio of your work so you can present it to potential employers. 

How Do You Become An Expert in C++?

The best way you can become an expert in the C++ programming language is to read, practice, study, and research. Because of the difficult nature of C++, there is no quick way to become an expert. 

Look at people who are already experts in this programming language and learn from them as best as you can. As you spend more time with this language and you put in enough daily hours, you will start to see your knowledge increase at a decent rate. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of C++ courses out there that are perfect for any level. There are more courses you can find for yourself, but we really recommended the ones we have listed here. They are some of the best you will find. 

C++ is one of the more challenging programming languages to learn, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to learn either. 

You simply have to stay committed and dedicated to your studies and take it slow, making sure you understand every element of the language before you progress any further.