Introduction to C++

What is C++, and is it a good first language?
Is it good for game hacking?

1. Its a low level language (which means it gets down and dirty and talks directly with the system) that is used in many AAA games.
2. As a first language, yes and no. Yes because if you master it you will be able to easily learn any language and no because the syntax of the language wont really make sense if your slow to comprehend.
3. Definitely.

Ok, so how do I write C++ ?

You need a compiler, and something to write with. I recommend Visual C++ or Code::Blocks (I am not allowed to post links)
I heavily recommend NOT using Notepad. The reason behind that is because of the lack of syntax highlighting. Instead, I recommend Notepad++

Ok, so let's get started. Open up Notepad++ and type the following (I will explain when after this):

Code:

use <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    cout << "Hello world!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

At first, this may seem like jibberish to you, but it's quite simple actually.

Code:

use <iostream>

--> Here we use a module. A module is something you import into the program that you use for commands. Think of it like a set of phone books. One for airports, one for restaurants, etc. A module contains the commands we need to use (I'll get to them later).

Code:

using namespace std;

--> This says that we will be using a PART of the module, known as a namespace. In our case, we will be using the standard namespace (hence the std). You will understand these more when you get more into C++

Code:

int main(){

--> This needs quite a lengthy explanation. Main is a function we defined. Functions are made to.. well.. do something!
we give the function instructions (we will get to them after this) that it carries out. In this case, the main function is the part where good stuff happen (unless your coding malware, which is not pretty). We use

Code:

int

to let the program know that main() will be returning an integer, or a number without decimals (which I will also get into soon).

Code:

cout << "Hello World" << endl;

--> This uses the cout command to display output (cout / Command OutPut / C-OUT) to your monitor. We use the "funnel" << to tell the program we want to type some text. "Hello World" is the text to be sent out. Notice the fact that we enclosed the phrase with apostrophes. The apostrophes tell the program that the text we entered is a string. A string is a connection of characters (letters, brah. LETTERS) that the user may input. Notice how it goes AFTER the <<. After the text is typed out, we use another << to tell the program we want to do something else, in our case: end the line. We use endl to achieve this. At the end of EVERY line of code in C++ (well.. almost every line) we HAVE TO leave a semi-colon. This is to tell C++ that we are done typing our statement.

Code:

return 0;

--> This is the last bit. Basically, this returns a value to the program, 0.
when zero is returned, the program knows that no problems were encountered. Notice the fact that the beginning of the main() function had an int before it. This is to signify the fact that we are returning an integer value. 0 is an integer value. Last but not least, we entered the semi-colon needed to tell C++ that we are done with this statement.

Code:

--> This is the curly bracket that ends the first curly bracket that was used right after the main() function. Curly brackets represent blocks of code. When you get into more complex C++ (or if you have general programming experience with other languages) you will know that blocks of code contain values vital to user created functions and generic functions, and have lexically, globally, and locally scoped variables that are only accessible within their own block of code. I'm getting quite ahead of myself at the moment

Ok, MPGH, that is how to type C++ code. If your confused: I don't blame you. To learn C++ you must be able to comprehend things quickly, or have knowledge with other programming languages. To compile the code, use the compiler you downloaded. I will not be providing a tutorial on compiling as I think you should have the skill needed to click and read.

I'm not allowed to post links!

Thanks!

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Rxdial

Introduction to C++

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