Introduction FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains exclusively generic Questions and Answers relative to the C++ language. If you are looking for questions and answers about concrete programming problems go to our forum section.

· What is C++?

C++ is a programming language. Literally it means "increased C", since it derives from the C language. Go to the C++ description for more descriptive information.

· Is it necessary to have learned another language previously to be able to program in C++?

No. C++ is a simple and clear language in its expressions. It is true that a piece of code written with C++ may be seen by a stranger of programming a bit more cryptic than other languages due to the intensive use of special characters ({}[]*&!|...), but once known the meaning of such characters it can be even more schematic and clear than other languages.
Also, the simplification of the input/output interface of C++ in comparison with C for simple tasks, makes the communication in a program written in C++ does not to have anything to envy to the simplicity of other languages, without losing for that the power that offers this language.

· How can I learn C++?

There are many ways, depending on the time you have and your capabilities and preferences, you can go to courses or try to learn by yourself with help of tutorials or books. The section documentation of this Website contains information to help you in the task of learning of this language.

· What is the POO: Object-oriented programming?

It is a programming model that pretends to treat programming from a perspective where each component is considered like an object, with its own characteristics, replacing or complementing the criteria of structured programming where the object concept does not exist, only procedures and variables that interact.

· What is ANSI-C++?

ANSI-C++ is the name by it is known the international ANSI/ISO standard for the C++ language. To program adjusting to this standard means that your programs will enjoy a greater portability to other systems or interfaces that also support it.

· How may I know if my compiler supports ANSI-C++?

So that a compiler fully supports the ANSI-C++ standard must, by logic, be newer than the publication of it, in November of 1997. Anyway many older compilers adjust to almost all the well-known criteria of the standard.
If you have doubts check if your compiler supports the bool, using namespace and template keywords. You can use a program like the following one to do so:

# include <iostream>
using namespace std;
template <class T>
bool ansisupported (T x) { return true; }
int main() {
if (ansisupported(1)) cout << " ANSI OK ";
return 0;
}

· How I can make programs for Windows?

You need a C++ compiler that can link code for Windows and the libraries and include files necessary to develop applications for this environment.

· What is Visual C++? And what means Visual programming?

Visual C++ is the name of a C++ compiler with an integrated environment from Microsoft. This one includes special tools that simplify the development of great applications, as well as specific libraries. Its use is known as visual programming. There are other similar environments with their own tools and libraries developed by other manufacturers, like Borland C++, Visual Age, etc...

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