Programming is an essential skill in today’s digital world, and choosing the right language and platform to start with can be crucial for your journey. When it comes to learning programming, C++ holds a special place with its expansive uses and powerful features. That’s where Borland C++ emerges as an appealing tool for both beginners and experienced coders.
Table of contents
What is Borland C++?
Borland C++ is a Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and compiler for the C and C++ programming languages. The Borland name might be a throwback for many programmers, as it was popular during the late 80s and 90s. Despite not being as popular now, it provides a fun and nostalgic way to code.
What is Borland C++ used for?
Equipped with a powerful and flexible compiler, Borland C++ is used to develop console and graphical UI applications. It allows you to dive into C++ programming and game development with a hands-on approach.
Why should you learn Borland C++?
While there are many modern programming environments available, learning Borland C++ imparts a crucial understanding of the basics of programming and software development. Its simple and efficient design makes it less daunting, and its strong focus on C++ makes it a valuable platform to learn and understand the nuances of this powerful language.
Setting up Borland C++
Before we start coding, we need to set up the Borland C++ IDE on our machine. After the installation process, open the Borland C++ program. To write a new program, you would go to File> New.
Writing Your First C++ Program with Borland C++
In Borland C++, you will begin with writing a simple program to display “Hello, World!”. Here is how to write this in Borland C++:
#include
int main()
{
cout << "Hello, World!";
return 0;
}This code includes the standard library “iostream.h” which enables input-output operations. The “main()” is the primary function in C++ where the execution of program begins. “cout” prints the line “Hello, World!”. “return 0” denotes program termination.
Declare Variables and Types
When writing C++ code using Borland C++, you will need to understand how to declare variables and types.
int main(){
int a = 10;
float b = 15.4;
char c ='Z';
cout << endl << "A is: " << a;
cout << endl << "B is: " << b;
cout << endl << "C is: " << c;
return 0;
}In this code snippet, we declare an integer ‘a’, a float ‘b’ and character ‘c’. We then print these values.
Utilizing Loops in C++
Loops are essential in C++ programming as they help you to execute a block of code several times. Let’s look at how to perform a simple loop:
int main(){
for(int i = 0; i < 5; i++){
cout<<"This is iteration "<<i+1<<"\n";
}
return 0;
}This loop executes five times, with the output being the iteration number. It demonstrates the use of a for loop in Borland C++, where we initialize ‘i’ to 0 and keep increasing it till it reaches 5.
Working with Arrays in Borland C++
C++ arrays allow you to store multiple values in a single data structure. Let’s create an array of integers:
int main() {
int numArray[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
cout << "Element at index " << i << " : " << numArray[i] << "\n";
}
return 0;
}In this sample code, we define an array ‘numArray’ with 5 elements. Then, within a for loop, we access each element of the array using its index and print it.
Using Functions in C++
Functions are a way to break our code into reusable blocks. Here’s how to declare a simple function that takes two integer arguments and returns their sum:
int add(int a, int b){
return a + b;
}
int main() {
int sum = add(5, 10);
cout << "The sum is : " << sum << "\n";
return 0;
}Here, we have defined a “add” function that takes two parameters ‘a’ and ‘b’ and returns their sum. In “main()”, we call this function and display the result.
Conditional Statements in C++
Conditional statements allow your code to make decisions. Here is an example of an if-else statement in C++:
int main() {
int num = 8;
if(num % 2 == 0) {
cout << num << " is even.\n";
}
else {
cout << num << " is odd.\n";
}
return 0;
}This piece of code divides a number by 2 and checks if the remainder is zero. If it is zero, it prints that the number is even, otherwise it’s odd.
Handling Strings in Borland C++
Lastly, let’s look at how to manipulate strings in C++:
#include
int main() {
char str[] = "Hello, Zenva!";
int len = strlen(str);
cout << "String Length: " << len << "\n";
return 0;
}This piece of code includes the string.h library to use the strlen() function, which returns the length of the string “Hello, Zenva!”. The length is then printed to the console.
These are just some of the basics you can do with Borland C++. Once you get the hang of the language, you can proceed to create more complex and practical applications.
Creating and Accessing Pointers in C++
Pointers are variables that store the memory address of another variable. Here’s how you can declare and use pointers:
int main() {
int num = 10;
int* pNum = #
cout << "Value of num is: " << num << "\n";
cout << "Address of num is: " << &num << "\n";
cout << "Value of pNum (address of num) is: " << pNum << "\n";
cout << "Value at address stored in pNum is: " << *pNum << "\n";
return 0;
}This code declares an integer variable ‘num’ and a pointer ‘pNum’ which stores the address of ‘num’. We then print the value of ‘num’, address of ‘num’, value of ‘pNum’ (same as address of ‘num’), and value at the address stored in ‘pNum’ (same as value of ‘num’).
Creating User-Defined Functions
Functions promote code reusability and make the code clean and easy to understand. Here’s how to define your own function:
int multiply(int a, int b){
return a * b;
}
int main() {
int product = multiply(5, 10);
cout << "The product is : " << product << "\n";
return 0;
}In the given code, we have defined a function “multiply” that multiplies two numbers and returns the result. In “main()”, we call this function and display the product.
Using Classes and Objects in C++
C++ is an object-oriented programming language which relies heavily on classes and objects. Here is a simple example:
class Rectangle {
int width, height;
public:
void set_values (int x, int y) {
width = x;
height = y;
}
int area() {return width*height;}
};
int main() {
Rectangle rect;
rect.set_values (5, 3);
cout << "area: " << rect.area();
return 0;
}This code defines a ‘Rectangle’ class with two private members, width and height, and two public methods to set the dimensions and compute the area of the rectangle. The ‘main’ function demonstrates how to use this class.
Using Constructors and Destructors
Constructors and Destructors play a crucial role in C++ programming, helping us to allocate and deallocate resources. Here’s a brief demonstration:
class MyClass {
public:
MyClass() {
cout << "Constructor called!\n";
}
~MyClass() {
cout << "Destructor called!\n";
}
};
int main() {
MyClass obj;
return 0;
}The MyClass class includes a constructor, which is called when an object of the class is instantiated, and a destructor, called when the object is destroyed. When we create the ‘obj’ object in ‘main()’, we can observe the constructor and destructor being called.
By understanding these fundamental aspects and practicing with Borland C++, you can tap into the power of C++ and become a proficient programmer in no time.
How to continue your C++ journey
Wrapping up our tutorial, you shouldn’t stop here. This is just the start of your coding journey with C++. With practice and exploration, you can master the depth of C++ and its wide array of uses, from system software to game development.
The best way to bolster your C++ knowledge is to get hands-on with the language. That’s where the C++ Programming Academy comes into play. This comprehensive program is designed to teach you C++ programming, from basics to advanced topics. Throughout the course, you’ll have opportunities to build real projects and create your own games. This industry-aligned curriculum not only enables you to understand the core concepts but also allows you to apply these in practical scenarios, making learning more effective.
Looking for more content? Check out our extensive catalogue of C++ courses to find something that suits your interests and learning pace. Remember, programming is a journey, not a destination. Continue learning, practicing, and expanding your horizons with Zenva Academy. Your consistent efforts will reward you with a satisfying and successful career in the realm of C++ programming.
Conclusion
Embarking on your C++ journey, with Borland C++ as an excellent starting point, opens the door to a world of opportunities. Learning the core C++ concepts and enhancing your understanding through real-world projects prepares you for a fulfilling career in programming, game development, and beyond.
Are you ready to take your C++ skills to the next level? Zenva Academy’s comprehensive C++ Programming Bundle is the perfect platform for avid learners like you. Join us as we guide you through an immersive learning experience filled with exciting projects and hands-on exercises. Happy learning!
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