About this course: This course is for experienced C programmers who want to program in C++. The examples and exercises require a basic understanding of algorithms and object-oriented software.
Created by: University of California, Santa Cruz
Taught by: Ira Pohl, Professor
Computer Science
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
STL and the game of Hex
This module looks at the architecture of the Standard Template Library. It is especially important to understand how iterators are used to access container to produce highly efficient generic algorithms. The module also includes the important new style of function object—the lambda expression.
16 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Topics, readings & files
- Video: 1.1 Overview
- Video: 1.2 New in C++11
- Video: 1.3 Standard Template Library
- Video: 1.4 Iterator Categories
- Video: 1.5 Example Poker Probability
- Video: 1.6 Bidirectional Iterator
- Video: 1.7 Random Access Iterator
- Video: 1.8 STL: Overview of Containers
- Video: 1.9 Associative Containers
- Video: 1.10 STL: Algorithms Library
- Video: 1.11 Non-mutating Algorithm
- Video: 1.12 Lambda Expressions: for_each Function
- Video: 1.13 Numerical algorithms
- Video: 1.14 Functional Objects
- Video: 1.15 Defined Function Object Classes: Function Adapters
WEEK 2
Hex as a graph and Inheritance
This module shows how Hex can be played as a game on a graph. This involves its representation as an undirected graph in C++. The module explores the inheritance logic and syntax of C++. A principal example is the base class student and a derived class grad_student.
14 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Topics, homework, readings & files
- Video: 2.2 Homework Basic Hex Program
- Video: 2.3 Basics of Inheritance
- Video: 2.4 Traits and Inheritance
- Video: 2.5 Virtual Member Functions
- Video: 2.6 C++ Feature: 'final'
- Video: 2.7 Topics on Inheritance
- Video: 2.8 Hex Overview
- Video: 2.9 One Style for a 11x11 Hex Graph
- Video: 2.10 The Inheritance Mechanism
- Video: 2.11 A Derived Class: grad_student
- Video: 2.12 Students and Graduate Students
- Video: 2.13 Virtual Function Selection
- Video: 2.14 Confusion with Overloading
Graded: Homework 1: Implement Hex Board
WEEK 3
Hex and the use of AI and C++ Move semantics
This module explains Min-Max and the Alpha-Beta algorithm for game playing. Its programming topics include C++ 11 Move semantics and a detailed example of referential garbage collection.
11 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Topics, readings & files
- Video: 3.2 Some Further Constructors
- Video: 3.3 'Move' Constructor
- Video: 3.4 Lookahead
- Video: 3.5 Plausible Move Generator
- Video: 3.6 alpha-beta Algorithm Preview
- Video: 3.7 alpha-beta Improvement to Min Max
- Video: 3.8 Polish Notation
- Video: 3.9 Referential Garbage Collection
- Video: 3.10 Abstract Base Class = 0 Notation
- Video: 3.11 Tree Constructors
WEEK 4
Monte Carlo Hex Program, Further advanced C++ Topics and Patterns
This module shows how to use Monte Carlo evaluation in complex games such as Hex and Go. This had led top championship level play in both these games. The module discusses C++ assertions and exceptions for error handling and the new C++ 11 feature static asserts. Finally, the last part of the module introduces the idea of “Design Pattern”, a feature of modern OO programming.
16 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Topics, homework, readings & files
- Video: 4.2 Monte Carlo
- Video: 4.3 Basic Monte Carlo Idea
- Video: 4.4 Simple Idea for Generating Board
- Video: 4.5 MC - Go (2006)
- Video: 4.6 Asserts and Exceptions
- Video: 4.7 Static Asserts - New C++11 Feature
- Video: 4.8 Exceptions
- Video: 4.9 C++11 & Design Patterns
- Video: 4.10 C++11 Standard
- Video: 4.11 Thread
- Video: 4.12 <tuple> C++11 New Library
- Video: 4.13 The Bigger Picture
- Video: 4.14 Factory Method
- Video: 4.15 Factory Code; C++ 11 Example
- Video: 4.16 Adapter Pattern
Graded: Implement Monte Carlo Hex move evaluation
WEEK 5
Final Exam
This module contains three practice exams (which you can take as many times as you'd like) and the final exam, which is worth X% of your grade in this course.
3 practice quizzes
- Practice Quiz: Exam Practice 1
- Practice Quiz: Exam Practice 2
- Practice Quiz: Exam Practice 3
Graded: Final Exam
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is an outstanding public research university with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. It’s a place that connects people and programs in unexpected ways while providing unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
The peer-review homework is challenging and I really enjoy doing it. The course provided me a good foundation of C++ knowledge and skills and I think I'm ready to further explore the C++ universe. Thank you professor and thank you my classmates for providing such a good learning experience.
Good course and homework but Forum has been totally abandoned by organizers, a bit of a shame
thank this course is very good
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education,
partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2018 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
DN
Nice course I learned a lot of C++.
Thanks to Professor Pohl.