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Beginner friendly, starts from zero
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C++Start from zero · 1 of 11

What is C++, in one plain sentence?

C++ is a programming language for very fast programs that also lets you organise big code with and ready-made building blocks.

C's speed, with better tools.
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What you will learn

  1. Start from zero

    • What C++ is and why it exists4 cards
    • Key words4 cards
    • Getting ready3 cards

  2. Core basics

    • Building programs2 cards
    • Types and variables3 cards
    • Strings2 cards
    • Control flow and functions3 cards
    • Classes2 cards
    • Standard library containers2 cards
    • Algorithms and errors3 cards

  3. Next steps

    • RAII and smart pointers3 cards
    • Copy and move3 cards
    • Templates2 cards
    • Library types and polymorphism5 cards
    • Tooling and threads3 cards

  4. Go deeper

    • Value categories and lifetime3 cards
    • Undefined behaviour and safety3 cards
    • Performance3 cards
    • Compile-time programming2 cards
    • Concurrency in depth2 cards
    • Modern design4 cards

Final test and certificate

10 questions drawn fresh from the whole topic, about 15 minutes. Sign in, score 80% or more and get a free certificate with your name and a public check link anyone can open, such as an employer or a teacher. Not signed in? Try a practice test from the cards.

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About these cards

  • Reviewed 26 October 2026
  • CoversC++23C++26 (approved March 2026)GCC 15Clang 21
How these cards are made

C++ at a glance

C++ is a fast programming language that adds classes, safe resource handling and a large standard library on top of C, used where speed really matters.

Like a professional kitchen: sharp knives and powerful stoves that make great food fast, with rules and tools that keep the cooks safe.

Words you will meet

Compiler
The tool (like g++ or clang++) that turns your code into a program
Variable
A named box that holds a value
Type
The kind of value a box holds, like a whole number or text
Function
A named set of steps that takes inputs and gives back a result
Class
A blueprint for a kind of thing, bundling its data and actions
Object
One real thing made from a class
Reference
Another name for an existing box, so no copy is made
Standard library
Ready-made tools that come with C++, like lists and text

The steps

  1. 1. Start from zero (11 cards): What C++ is, where it runs and the words you need.
  2. 2. Core basics (17 cards): Building, types, strings, functions, classes, containers, algorithms and exceptions.
  3. 3. Next steps (16 cards): RAII, smart pointers, moves, templates, modern library types, polymorphism, CMake and threads.
  4. 4. Go deeper (17 cards): Value categories, undefined behaviour, performance, compile-time code, atomics and C++26.
All 11 cards in Start from zero
What is C++, in one plain sentence?
C++ is a programming language for very fast programs that also lets you organise big code with classes and ready-made building blocks.
Why was C++ created?
In 1979 Bjarne Stroustrup wanted C's speed with a way to model real things, like accounts and shapes, as classes. It started as 'C with Classes' and became C++ in 1983.
Where do you meet C++ in daily life?
Game engines like Unreal, web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, databases such as MySQL, and much of the AI and robotics software stack.
What everyday picture fits C++ well?
A box of Lego Technic. Small parts (types and functions) snap into bigger machines (classes and libraries), and the standard library is a bag of tested parts you do not build yourself.
What are a class and an object?
A class is a blueprint, like the design of a bank account. An object is one real account made from it, with its own balance.
What is a reference, in plain words?
A second name for a box that already exists. Using it is like calling your friend Imran by his nickname: still the same person, no copy.
What is the standard library?
Tools that come with every C++ compiler: text (std::string), growing lists (std::vector), lookups (std::map), sorting and much more. The std:: prefix marks them.
How is C++ related to C?
C++ grew from C and can use most C code, but adds classes, templates, automatic clean-up and a big library. Modern C++ code looks quite different from C.
What do you need before you start?
A free compiler (g++, clang++, or Microsoft Visual Studio Community on Windows) and an editor. Basic comfort with typing commands helps.
What does a first C++ program look like?
It includes <print>, starts in main, and prints with std::println, the modern way since C++23. Older code uses std::cout.
What will you be able to do after this topic?
Write modern, safe and fast C++, read real code in games and systems, answer interview questions on memory and performance, and use the standard library well.
C++ cheatsheet

Build and check

  • g++ -std=c++23 -Wall -Wextra -O2 -o app main.cpp Compile with warnings
  • -fsanitize=address,undefined Catch memory and UB bugs
  • -fsanitize=thread Find data races
  • cmake -B build -G Ninja && cmake --build build Configure and build with CMake
  • ctest --test-dir build Run CMake tests
  • clang-tidy src/*.cpp -- -std=c++23 Static checks

Containers

  • std::vector<T> Default growing array
  • std::array<T, N> Fixed size, on the stack
  • std::unordered_map<K, V> Hash lookup
  • std::map<K, V> Sorted keys
  • std::flat_map<K, V> Sorted, cache friendly (C++23)
  • m.contains(k) Check key without inserting
  • v.reserve(n) Allocate once up front

Ownership

  • std::make_unique<T>(args) Single owner
  • std::make_shared<T>(args) Shared, counted owner
  • std::weak_ptr<T> Observe without owning
  • std::move(x) Allow moving from x
  • const T& Read without copying
  • std::string_view / std::span<T> Non-owning views

Algorithms and ranges

  • std::ranges::sort(v) Sort in place
  • std::ranges::find(v, x) First match
  • std::ranges::count_if(v, pred) Count matches
  • v | std::views::filter(f) | std::views::transform(g) Lazy pipeline
  • std::ranges::to<std::vector>() Collect into a container
  • std::erase_if(v, pred) Remove matching items

Modern helpers

  • std::println("{} {}", a, b) Print with format (C++23)
  • std::optional<T> Maybe a value
  • std::expected<T, E> Value or error (C++23)
  • std::variant<A, B> One of fixed types
  • auto [k, v] = pair; Structured bindings
  • std::jthread t{fn}; Thread that joins itself
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