C++ Programming

A Hands-On Lab Tutorial

Created by Dr. Bashar Alrjoub

February 17, 2025

Welcome to this introductory C++ programming tutorial. This guide covers fundamental programming concepts through practical examples and hands-on exercises.

Data Types in C++

C++ Data Type Categories:

Primitive Types

int - Integers
char - Characters
float - Floating point
double - Double precision

Derived Types

arrays - Collections
pointers - Memory addresses
functions - Code blocks

User-Defined

class - Custom types
structure - Data grouping
union - Shared memory
enum - Constants

Working with ASCII Values

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    // Character variables
    char letter1 = 'd';    // Direct character
    char letter2 = 100;    // ASCII value
    
    // Display both character and ASCII values
    cout << "letter1 (char): " << letter1 << endl;
    cout << "letter1 (ASCII): " << (int)letter1 << endl;
    cout << "letter2 (char): " << letter2 << endl;
    cout << "letter2 (ASCII): " << (int)letter2 << endl;
    
    return 0;
}

Output:

letter1 (char): d
letter1 (ASCII): 100
letter2 (char): d
letter2 (ASCII): 100

Simple Data Type Examples

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    // Integer type
    int age = 20;
    
    // Floating-point type
    float height = 1.75;
    
    // Character type
    char grade = 'A';
    
    // Double type
    double pi = 3.14159;
    
    // Display values and sizes
    cout << "Age: " << age << " (Size: " << sizeof(age) << " bytes)" << endl;
    cout << "Height: " << height << " (Size: " << sizeof(height) << " bytes)" << endl;
    cout << "Grade: " << grade << " (Size: " << sizeof(grade) << " byte)" << endl;
    cout << "Pi: " << pi << " (Size: " << sizeof(pi) << " bytes)" << endl;
    
    return 0;
}

Output:

Age: 20 (Size: 4 bytes)
Height: 1.75 (Size: 4 bytes)
Grade: A (Size: 1 byte)
Pi: 3.14159 (Size: 8 bytes)

Temperature Converter Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    // Declare variables
    int celsius;      // Integer for Celsius temperature
    float fahrenheit; // Float for Fahrenheit temperature
    
    // Get temperature in Celsius
    cout << "Enter temperature in Celsius: ";
    cin >> celsius;
    
    // Convert to Fahrenheit
    fahrenheit = (celsius * 9.0/5.0) + 32;
    
    // Display results
    cout << celsius << " degrees Celsius = ";
    cout << fahrenheit << " degrees Fahrenheit" << endl;
    
    return 0;
}

Example Output:

Enter temperature in Celsius: 25
25 degrees Celsius = 77 degrees Fahrenheit

Student Information Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    // Declare variables of different types
    char section = 'A';           // Character for class section
    int studentId = 12345;     // Integer for student ID
    float gpa = 3.75;         // Float for GPA
    bool isActive = true;     // Boolean for student status
    
    // Display student information
    cout << "Student Information:" << endl;
    cout << "Section: " << section << endl;
    cout << "ID: " << studentId << endl;
    cout << "GPA: " << gpa << endl;
    cout << "Active Student: " << (isActive ? "Yes" : "No") << endl;
    
    return 0;
}

Additional Practice Exercises

Write a program that:
- Declares variables for a student's quiz scores (integer)
- Calculates the average score (float)
- Shows the difference between integer and float division
Create a program that:
- Stores a letter grade as a char
- Converts it to its ASCII value
- Shows if it's a passing grade (boolean)

Practice Exercise

Write a program that:

Declares variables using different data types
Assigns values to these variables
Displays both the values and their sizes using sizeof()
Converts a character to its ASCII value and back

📚 Additional Study Materials

Week 1 (S1, E1) ECT 124
Introduction to fundamental C++ programming concepts including variable declarations, basic data types, and memory allocation. The module covers the implementation of primitive data structures, understanding of memory management principles, and proper syntax for variable initialization. Additionally, it encompasses the setup and configuration of the development environment, compiler installation, and basic command line operations for program compilation and execution.