0112 min
Your First C++ Program
Write, build, and run a simple console program in Visual Studio 2026.
Open lesson →
Free C++ Learning Path
Learn C++ through 20 practical, step-by-step lessons
Start with your first console program and progress through functions, object-oriented programming, memory safety, STL algorithms, file handling, debugging, and a complete Student Record Manager project.
20 lessons4 learning phases1 final project
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout << "Start learning C++";
return 0;
}Beginner-friendlyClear explanations and focused examples
Visual Studio workflowDesigned for console projects in Visual Studio 2026
Practice-ledEvery lesson includes a task or extension
Course overview
A complete path from fundamentals to a working project
The course is organised into four phases so readers can see what they are learning and why it matters. Each lesson builds on earlier topics without overwhelming beginners.
- Short lessons with runnable C++ examples
- Reader-facing explanations instead of internal publishing notes
- Consistent previous and next navigation across all 20 lessons
- A final project that combines the main course skills
Phase 1
Getting Started
Learn the language structure, input, calculations, and program decisions.
0215 min
Variables and Data Types
Store text, whole numbers, decimal values, characters, and Boolean values.
Open lesson →0315 min
Input and Output
Read user input with cin and getline, then display clear output with cout.
Open lesson →0418 min
Operators and Expressions
Perform calculations, comparisons, assignments, and logical tests.
Open lesson →0520 min
Decision Making with if and switch
Control program behaviour with conditions and menu-style choices.
Open lesson →Phase 2
Core Programming
Build reusable logic and work with collections, objects, and modern syntax.
0620 min
Loops in C++
Repeat tasks using for, while, and do-while loops.
Open lesson →0720 min
Functions
Organise code into reusable functions with parameters and return values.
Open lesson →0822 min
Arrays and Strings
Store groups of values and work with text using arrays and string.
Open lesson →0922 min
Classes and Objects
Create your first class and use objects to combine data with behaviour.
Open lesson →1022 min
STL and Modern C++ Basics
Get started with vector, range-based loops, auto, and safer modern syntax.
Open lesson →Phase 3
Object-Oriented C++
Develop safer, reusable software with memory management and OOP techniques.
1125 min
References and Pointers
Understand addresses, references, pointers, dereferencing, and nullptr.
Open lesson →1225 min
Dynamic Memory and Smart Pointers
Manage dynamically created objects safely with unique_ptr and make_unique.
Open lesson →1325 min
Constructors, Destructors, and Encapsulation
Initialise objects correctly and protect class data with private members.
Open lesson →1428 min
Inheritance and Polymorphism
Reuse class behaviour and call overridden methods through base-class references.
Open lesson →1525 min
Templates and Generic Programming
Write functions and classes that work with more than one data type.
Open lesson →Phase 4
Practical Modern C++
Handle errors and files, use STL algorithms, debug programs, and complete a project.
1622 min
Exception Handling
Respond to runtime problems using try, throw, catch, and standard exceptions.
Open lesson →1725 min
Working with Files
Save and load text data with ofstream, ifstream, and fstream.
Open lesson →1828 min
Algorithms, Iterators, and Lambdas
Use sort, find_if, iterators, and lambda expressions with STL containers.
Open lesson →1925 min
Debugging and Testing in Visual Studio
Use breakpoints, stepping, inspection, assertions, and small test cases.
Open lesson →2040 min
Final Project: Student Record Manager
Combine classes, vectors, functions, validation, files, and algorithms in one project.
Open lesson →Ready to begin?
Begin the course →Write your first C++ program today
Follow the lessons in order, run every example, and complete each practice task before moving forward.