Learning a programming language, at both high and low levels, requires focus and patience. C++ is a high-level programming language used by experienced developers. It can be difficult to learn and get used to programming.
Learning the basics of this programming language could take about 2-3 weeks. This guide gives you a complete idea about C++ and how long it takes to learn it.
Let’s get started!
📌 Table of Contents
- What is C++?
- Is this a good career option?
- How long does it take to learn C++?
- How to learn C++ from scratch?
- Top C++ skills you need to learn
What is C++?
It is a multiplatform programming language that gives developers an upper hand on system resources and memory. Bjarne Stroustrup developed the powerful language to be a sort of extension to the “C” programming, differentiating itself by supporting classes and objects.
It is a general-purpose programming language with imperative features that runs on massive platforms like Google, Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.
Is C++ Developer A Good Career?
A C++ developer is a quality software solution provider that uses this language. The big sharks like Microsoft, various google applications, and browsers like Mozilla Firefox use C++ for software solutions and development.
Hence, it gives one certain assurance about their career, success, and future.
Here are some stats that help to determine the scope of a C++ developer:
- According to Glassdoor, the national average salary of C++ developers is $89,736 yearly and it’s an accurate insight from Glassdoor based on 1,91,708 salaries.
- According to Linkedin, there are nearly one million jobs available for C++ Developers.
- According to the StackOverflow Survey, C++ is the 10th most popular programming language.
How long does it take to learn C++?
For someone starting from scratch, it should take about 2-3 months of hard work and complete focus to become an expert in the basics of C++. Suppose one increases the difficulty level – 6 months minimum to learn about the intermediate level functions of the program. To make a rough estimate of expertise in the language, it would take no less than a year to call oneself a master of coding in C++.
Certain factors that affect how long it takes to learn C++:
- The time surely varies if someone already has experience in other basic programming languages like Python or JavaScript.
- It also depends on the platform chosen to learn the program – a programmer that passed out with a college degree and one that learned from a Bootcamp would have very different tricks to run code.
- Regular practice is a big factor that separates an expert from a beginner.
- The amount of time dedicated is also a major factor of differentiation; full-time students would, for a fact, learn way faster than a part-time learner or anyone who fails to give C++ more than 5 hours of their every day.
📌 Further reading:
How to learn C++ from scratch?
There are certain things they need to keep in mind before they start their journey into C++:
1. Download a C++ compiler
It is vital to install a compiler compatible with your computer system for the actual source code to be compiled into a file to run on your device. “IDE-Integrated Development Environment” is a two-in-one code editor AND compiler recommended for beginners.
2. Select your preferred platform and format
In today’s day and age, there are several ways to grab knowledge. One can go for online courses according to their needs and specialization level, boot camps to skill themselves according to corporate requirements, or if they want mastery in the program, they can enroll themselves into degree colleges, etc.
3. Start with the basics
Learning C++ demands a slow pace, caution, and patience. Mastering the fundamentals of the language is the only way one should move forward to navigate through the program correctly.
Under basics comes writing functions, repeating actions in loops, being able to store information, declaring variables, etc.
4. Do projects
After learning a certain level of C++, it is time to put your knowledge into practice. Taking on internships and freelancing jobs helps you enhance your skills and gives you a taste of professionalism and notable experience in the field.
📌 Relevant read: Guide to become a software engineer after class 12
Top C++ Skills you Need to Learn
For programmers looking for a job, one needs to have a certain set of fundamental skills that will be essential in working your code. Expertise in the following skills should help you get around your work without having to ask for help over and over:
1. Source Code
Source code control is vital. It will help as a tool to keep track of multiple versions of files, and source code would track changes made to the code. If by chance, one is allotted to work in a team of developers, they need to track changes made to the code from time to time to avoid errors in your presentation or when the code is run. It would also ensure efficiency and reduce double work and save time that would be used to check and confirm every comma; semicolon added or removed.
2. MySQL
Ensure your database’s security before running code or handing over files. Trusted by applications with a monopoly in their industry like Instagram and Meta, it is widely recommended for data security.
3. NoSQL
Knowing NoSQL is a must. Coders need to know about storage mechanisms and data retrieval; hence NoSQL is the answer. MongoDB Atlas is a great starter for a beginner still exploring coding and C++; another recommendation would be Cassandra.
4. RDBMS database
It is good for presentations due to its visual data representations and helps retrieve important information and search for values. It is useful for adding and updating data.
5. Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Experienced coders highly recommend it. The software helps check for program bugs and even debug the application. It increases productivity and speed of development tasks to keep the coders updated.
In a world rapidly advancing in technology, programming is a necessity. C++, though complicated, is a much-needed language that can give us a helping hand in progressing and exploring and discovering more than what one would only be a fragment of imagination.
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