Build your C++ programming skills from the ground up — learn the foundations of one of the most powerful and versatile programming languages used in finance, security, networking, and gaming.
C++ is a powerful programming language essential across finance, security, networking, game development, and more. C++ Essentials 1 introduces the fundamentals of programming and the C++ language — covering the compilation process, variables, data types, operators, and flow control basics before advancing to data conversions, loops, pointers, functions, and memory management. Later modules explore advanced data handling including arrays, vectors, multidimensional arrays, sorting, strings, namespaces, and exception handling. Developed in collaboration with the OpenEDG C++ Institute, this course prepares learners for the CPE – C++ Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification exam. This is part of the C++ Learning Collection.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. Intro to Programming and Basics of C++
- 2. Control Structures and Data Types in C++
- 3. Functions, Pointers, and Memory Management
- 4. Advanced Data Handling and Exception Handling in C++
Skills You Will Learn
Explain the compilation process and fundamentals of the C++ programming language. Work with variables, data types, integer literals, and comments in C++. Apply arithmetic and logic operators in C++ programs. Use I/O operations to interact with users. Apply conditional instructions and flow control structures including if-else and switch statements. Implement loops for repetitive program execution. Perform data type conversions. Define and call functions with parameters and return values. Declare and use pointers and understand pointer arithmetic. Manage memory on demand using dynamic memory allocation. Work with arrays, multidimensional arrays, arrays of pointers, and vectors. Sort data using sorting algorithms. Work with characters, strings, and namespaces in C++. Handle errors using exception handling mechanisms.
Technologies Used
C++ programming language
C++ compiler and development environment
Hands-on programming labs and exercises
Course Details
Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 42 Hours
Modules: 4
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites
None. No prior programming experience required.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course prepares learners for the CPE – C++ Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification exam from the OpenEDG C++ Institute. Continuing with C++ Essentials 2 and C++ Advanced further develops skills toward more advanced certifications. C++ skills unlock careers in finance, security, networking, game development, systems programming, and embedded software.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Learners can also pursue the optional CPE – C++ Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification exam. Share your verified achievements on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the C++ Essentials 1 course. The holder of this credential has foundational C++ programming skills including working with data types, operators, control structures, functions, pointers, memory management, arrays, vectors, strings, namespaces, and exception handling, with hands-on experience building C++ programs from scratch.
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