C++ Programming for Game Developers - Module I

	Level: Beginner Instructor(s): Frank Luna Time Blocks: 10 weeks Credits: Undergraduate / College Credit : 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) : 3 Professional Developer Hours (PDHs) : 30 Tuition: $135.00 -

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You may also like to consider some of our related course and event offerings: C++ for Game Developers Module II 3D Engine Programming Module I 3D Engine Programming Module II

General Course Series Description

The C++ Programming for Game Developers series of courses has been designed to satisfy three major goals. First and foremost, the key goal is to enable you to understand, and be able to apply (by writing programs), the fundamental components of the C++ programming language. The second goal of this series is to prepare you for the other courses at Game Institute, which require an intermediate level of proficiency with the C++ programming language. And finally, the last goal of the series is to introduce you to game programming related topics in an easier to comprehend 2D environment, which will serve as a stepping-stone to 3D game programming. This last goal is met by building up the tools needed to program a 2D game in the Windows environment.

Module I Description

In this first C++ course, an introduction to C++ programming basics, you will become proficient with core C++ topics such as variables, console input and output, functions, loops, programming logic, pointers, strings, classes, and object oriented design and methodologies. In addition, you will study more complex C++ subject matter, such as operator overloading, file input and output, inheritance, and polymorphism. When practical to do so, game related examples are used to motivate the discussions. Quizzes, a midterm, and a final will make up your grade.

Topics covered in Module I, Beginning C++ Game Programming:

• How to Create a C++ Program, Console Input and Output, Variables, and the Arithmetic Operators
• Logical Operators, Controlling Program Flow, Repetition, and Arrays
• Functions
• References and Pointers
• Classes and Object Oriented Programming Design
• Strings
• Operator Overloading
• File Input and Output
• Inheritance and Polymorphism

In the second C++ course in the C++ Programming for Game Developers series, we will spend a few chapters finishing up our study of C++ by examining templates, exception handling, bit operations, and the Standard Template Library (STL). Then we will begin to move away from pure C++ applications, and you will begin to examine Windows programming, where your goal will be to develop a fully functional 2D game, complete with menus, dialog boxes, graphics, physics, artificial intelligence, and user input via the mouse.

NB:	For more detailed information on the topics covered by this course offering, please download and review the CPP1 Lesson Plan. (To view this PDF, you will need to ensure that you have installed the free Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above.)

Who should take this course?

There are three primary audiences who would benefit from this course:

1. Beginners with little to no programming experience that would like to begin their training for game development at Game Institute.
2. Programmers experienced with a language other than C++ (e.g., Visual Basic, Java) who would like to learn C++.
3. Programmers that have programmed with C++ in the past, but would like a refresher course to re-familiarize them with the language before taking other Game Institute courses.

What are the course prerequisites?

The only prerequisite for this class is that you are comfortable with the basics of general computer usage. You need to know how to work with your operating system and compiler. Some background in High School Algebra is useful, such as the understanding of variables, functions, and the ability to solve basic algebraic equations.

What materials do I need in order to take this course?

You will need a C++ compiler. Technically, for students taking this course, almost any reputable C++ compiler will do. However, for students who plan on taking Module II in this series, and for other Game Institute courses, you will need a Windows compiler. Therefore, it is probably best to settle on your choice of compiler sooner rather than later. We recommend Visual C++ 7.0 and above. A standard edition of the latest Visual C++ application can be purchased from various outlets for around $100 USD.