C++ Tutorial: Getting Started
Write your first C++ program — understand #include, main(), cout, cin, compilation, and why C++ is the language of speed.
The language that powers everything fast
C++ runs inside every AAA game, every browser's JavaScript engine, every trading system, and NASA's space software. When performance is the priority — not just now, but forever — C++ is the answer.
It's not easy. But nothing worth knowing is. By the end of this track you'll understand why C++ remains irreplaceable — and you'll be able to write it.
What you'll learn in this C++ getting started tutorial
This interactive C++ tutorial has 7 hands-on exercises. Estimated time: 15 minutes.
- Hello, C++ — Every C++ program starts at `main()`. `cout` (console out) prints output. `endl` ends the line.
- Print multiple lines — Chain multiple `<<` operators or use separate `cout` statements:
- \n vs endl — `endl` flushes the output buffer — safe but slightly slower.
- Comments — C++ has two comment styles:
- cin — read user input — `cin` (console in) reads from the keyboard. `>>` is the stream extraction operator:
- Arithmetic operators — C++ arithmetic:
- Write it from scratch — No starter code. Write everything yourself.
C++ Getting Started concepts covered
- The language that powers everything fast