C++ Tools for Production Software Engineering

Embark on your C++ learning journey with a solid foundation in infrastructure essentials, guided by ChatGPT. This comprehensive course provides the knowledge and skills to effectively set up, manage, and deploy C++ projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience with essential tools and techniques, including compilers, CMake, Git, automated testing, continuous integration and deployment, and deployment alternatives for various scenarios.

Throughout the course, you’ll work with the ChatGPT platform, leveraging its capabilities to enhance your learning process. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of C++ infrastructure essentials and be well-prepared to take on more advanced C++ programming topics.

Choosing the proper development tools is crucial in software engineering for several reasons:

1. Efficiency: The right tools can significantly improve the efficiency of development processes, allowing developers to focus more on writing quality code and less on repetitive tasks.

2. Collaboration: Development tools that facilitate collaboration and communication among team members can help ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

3. Scalability: As software projects grow in size and complexity, the proper development tools can help manage the increasing demands, ensuring the code remains maintainable and scalable.

4. Quality: Development tools that include features such as testing, debugging, and code review can help improve the quality of the code, reducing errors and minimizing the risk of bugs.

5. Innovation: The proper development tools can help developers stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends, allowing for more innovative solutions and better user experiences.

Choosing the correct development tools ensures that software engineering projects are efficient, collaborative, scalable, high-quality, and innovative.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand the difference between C++ language and peripheral tools
2. Learn about the necessities of a production-grade C++ development environment
3. Learn the basics of compilers and the compilation process
4. Build and package C++ applications using CMake
5. Manage your C++ project with Git version control
6. Implement automated testing for your C++ project
7. Set up continuous integration and deployment for C++ projects
8. Explore various deployment alternatives for C++ applications
9. Receive tips for ongoing learning and diving deeper into C++ programming
10. Access additional C++ resources for further study
11. Prompts to use with ChapGPT and self-learn using prompt engineering.

Why the course only provides resources and guidance instead of hours-long screencasts where the instructor does everything, and students get better at watching instead of programming?

Hands-on software engineering projects are essential for gaining real-world experience and developing practical skills. While small code snippets in a browser can help understand the syntax of a programming language or framework, they do not provide the same level of depth and complexity as an actual project.

Working on a project allows you to apply your knowledge in a more realistic setting, with the opportunity to encounter and solve real-world problems that might not be present in a simplified environment. It also helps to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and project management, which are highly valued in the software engineering industry.

Furthermore, working on a project can also help to build a portfolio of work that can be showcased to potential employers or clients, demonstrating your abilities and expertise in a practical setting.

In summary, while small code snippets can help you learn the basics of a language or framework, hands-on software engineering projects are essential for developing practical skills, gaining real-world experience, and building a portfolio of work that can be used to showcase your abilities to potential employers or clients.