C++ is a powerful and versatile programming language that’s widely used in game development, system programming, and high-performance applications.
Learning C++ can equip you with the skills to create complex software, optimize performance, and understand the underlying workings of modern systems.
It opens doors to exciting career opportunities in various technical fields.
Finding the right C++ course on Coursera can be a challenge, with so many options available.
You want a program that’s comprehensive, engaging, and taught by experts, but also fits your learning style and goals.
For the best C++ course overall on Coursera, we recommend “Programming in C++: A Hands-on Introduction Specialization” offered by Codio.
This specialization provides a practical and engaging journey into the world of C++, starting with the basics and progressing to advanced concepts like object-oriented programming.
It’s an ideal choice for beginners with little to no coding experience, as it focuses on hands-on learning through interactive exercises and immediate feedback.
While this is our top pick, there are other fantastic C++ courses available on Coursera.
Keep reading to discover more options, tailored to different learning levels and specific interests, like game development or advanced programming techniques.
Programming in C++: A Hands-on Introduction Specialization
Provider: Codio
This series is a practical, step-by-step journey into the world of C++, tailored for those with little to no coding background.
Start with “C++ Basics: Selection and Iteration,” where you’ll swiftly code your first C++ program, bypassing any setup hassles.
This course lays the groundwork, teaching you to manipulate data with variables and operators, automate tasks with selection statements, and efficiently repeat processes using loops.
It’s a foundational course that equips you with essential skills and a strong understanding of basic computer science concepts.
Progress to “C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files,” which builds on your newfound knowledge.
Here, you’ll learn to manage collections of data using vectors, navigate through your code with pointers, handle textual data with strings, and perform file operations.
This course ensures you’re comfortable with more complex data structures, setting you up for success in advanced programming tasks.
As you advance, “C++ Object Basics: Functions, Recursion, and Objects” introduces you to the power of functions for modular code, recursion for complex problem-solving, and objects for organizing your code.
This course is like the toolkit that helps you refine your coding approach, making your programs more efficient and your coding style more sophisticated.
The final course, “Object-Oriented C++: Inheritance and Encapsulation,” takes you into the realm of object-oriented programming.
You’ll learn to design robust programs using inheritance to share functionality and encapsulation to protect data integrity.
This course is the capstone of your learning experience, where you apply principles that are fundamental to professional C++ development.
Each course in this specialization is interactive and self-paced, featuring a video-free format that emphasizes hands-on learning.
You’ll engage with the material through immediate feedback on exercises, ranging from quick quizzes to coding tasks.
This approach ensures a deeper understanding of the material, as you’re actively involved in the learning process.
It’s designed to take you from beginner to proficient, with a focus on practical skills that are applicable across various programming languages.
C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development Specialization
If you’re searching for top-notch C++ programming courses with a focus on game development, this specialization is for you.
This series of courses is tailored for individuals with some programming know-how who are eager to master C++ within the context of the Unreal Engine.
The journey begins with “Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal,” where you’ll craft your initial C++ console application and dip your toes into Unreal scripting.
It’s a solid foundation, covering data storage, object-oriented programming, and the basics of the Unreal Engine.
Progressing to “More C++ Programming and Unreal,” you’ll delve into decision-making logic, player input, loops, and data management with arrays and Unreal’s TArray container.
This course builds on your initial knowledge, setting you up for more complex programming tasks.
In “C++ Class Development,” the focus shifts to software abstraction, function mechanics, and class design.
You’ll integrate Unreal classes into games and tackle pointers, enhancing your understanding of game mechanics and sound implementation.
The final course, “Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming for Unreal Games,” polishes your skills.
You’ll manage file input/output, leverage inheritance and polymorphism, and implement event handling.
The course culminates in the development of a complete Unreal game, solidifying your learning experience.
Each course in this Specialization is designed to be practical and hands-on, moving you from foundational concepts to advanced game development techniques.
By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of skills and projects that showcase your ability to use C++ and Unreal Engine effectively.
Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization
Provider: University of California, Santa Cruz
This specialization begins with “C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals,” a course tailored for beginners.
You’ll learn to write, compile, and debug your first programs, gaining a solid foundation in arrays, pointers, and functions.
This course demystifies coding, setting you up for success with no prior experience necessary.
Next, “C for Everyone: Structured Programming” takes your foundational knowledge further.
It’s essential to complete the fundamentals course before diving into this one, as it builds on what you’ve already learned.
You’ll enhance your C skills and get an introductory peek at C++, preparing you for more advanced programming concepts.
For those already comfortable with C, “C++ For C Programmers, Part A” transitions you into the world of C++.
This course focuses on converting C programs to C++ and introduces you to essential container classes and Dijkstra’s algorithm, expanding your problem-solving toolkit.
Lastly, “C++ For C Programmers, Part B” rounds out your learning experience.
Here, you’ll delve into the Standard Template Library, explore inheritance logic, and compare game-playing algorithms.
This course is designed to refine your C++ skills and give you a competitive edge.
With a practical, hands-on approach, you’ll acquire skills that are highly sought after across various industries.
By dedicating just ten hours a week, you can transform your understanding of coding with these well-structured and expert-led courses.
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