Learning C++ is not a simple task. As an “intermediate” high-level programming language, C++ is just a few steps up from machine code. That means you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals to get the most out of it. You need the best C++ course for your current skill level to develop those fundamentals.
This list of courses covers a range of skill levels, from beginner classes up to advanced courses for people who already have a good grasp of programming. Each offers something unique that may make it one of the best C++ courses for you.
Best C++ Courses
With so many high-quality courses to choose from, distilling them down to a single-digit list is nearly impossible. The following courses will help you make a more informed choice if you don’t have the budget, platform, and knowledge base requirements.
1. Beginning C++ Programming – From Beginner to Beyond
Available in 13 languages, Beginning C++ Programming – From Beginner to Beyond is an entry-level course that covers the main subjects you’ll need to know to get started with C++. The course contains 305 lectures split into 26 categories, with the lectures having a total run time of about 46 hours.
This structure is one of the things that makes this course suitable for beginners. With Beginning C++ Programming – From Beginner to Beyond, you learn how to get set up so you can start coding in C++ on your machine.
The course then covers the basic structure of a C++ program before moving into the many coding techniques you’ll use to create applications. These include, but aren’t limited to, arrays, vectors, functions, pointers, and exception handling. You even receive some bonus lectures that cover topics like source code and using Visual Studio.
Interactive elements are key to this course’s offering. Along the way, you’ll complete quizzes and take part in live coding challenges, in addition to receiving assignments to complete. All of this information comes from a university professor who’s worked with C++ for over 25 years.
Finally, the course is regularly updated to ensure you’re always working with the most modern C++ standards. Choose this course if you’re brand-new to programming and want to develop your fundamentals or if you have some experience and want to branch out into using C++.
Key Features
- Features 305 lectures that cover the fundamental programming structures that underpin C++
- Regularly updated to account for new installation steps and changes to C++ best practices
- Developed by an experienced university professor with over two decades of experience
- Learn important programming fundamentals that apply to most other languages
- Interactive elements that challenge your skills and help you track progress
2. Learn Advanced C++ Programming
Hosted on Udemy, Learn Advanced C++ Programming is for programmers who have basic experience with C++ and have used a C++ compiler before. It’s a great follow-up to Beginning C++ Programming – From Beginner to Beyond as it allows you to build on the core skills learned in that course.
Offering 105 lectures divided into 11 categories, this course runs for a little over 15 hours. It introduces learners to some of the more complicated topics they’ll encounter in C++, including exceptions, operator overloading, and passing functions to other functions. The course also offers a basic introduction to creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in C++.
Learn Advanced C++ Programming focuses on C++ 11, making it a great choice for those who have experience in older versions of the language and want to modernize their knowledge. It also features several interactive exercises that allow you to put your developing coding skills to the test.
By the time you’ve finished this course and performed some standalone practice, you’ll have a strong enough grasp of C++ to begin applying for junior programming jobs.
Furthermore, your knowledge will be up-to-date with the current version of C++, giving you a head start over people who are more experienced with older versions of the language.
Key Features
- Builds upon basic C++ knowledge to prepare you for a career
- More than 15 hours of lessons delivered over 105 lectures
- Optional exercises that test your programming skills to the limit
- Focuses on C++ 11 to ensure you have up-to-date knowledge
- Uses real-world examples to help you develop your programming skills
3. Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games
If you’ve ever dreamed of developing video games, Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games is the course for you. This in-depth course takes beginners through the many features that Unreal Engine 5 offers.
But it’s more than a primer into a new gaming engine. Along the way, you’ll learn many C++ fundamentals required to make games, many of which you can apply to other software projects.
The practical elements of this course make it stand out. It teaches you how to make five basic games in Unreal Engine 5, including a simple shooter and a small game called Crypt Raider.
Each of these development projects covers essential aspects of making video games, including creating lighting, building characters, and using C++ to manipulate objects within a visual environment.
All told, the course lasts for nearly 30 hours and covers 207 lectures split into eight categories. Along the way, you’ll learn how to create clean code and start to get to grips with more modern applications of C++, such as programming artificial intelligence for characters.
There are some requirements you must meet before you can take advantage of this course. You’ll need a PC with a 64-bit operating system that’s capable of running Unreal Engine 5, or an Apple Mac running the latest version of macOS Big Sur.
Whichever device you choose, it needs the following minimum specifications:
- 8GB of RAM
- A graphics card that’s compatible with Direct X 11, 12, or Metal
- A Quad-Core CPU that’s at least GHz
- At least 50GB of hard disk space
As long as your system meets those specifications, no experience in previous versions of Unreal Engine or C++ is required.
Key Features
- A perfect introduction to the newest version of an engine that is used for hundreds of video games
- Doesn’t require previous knowledge of C++
- Teaches the fundamentals of C++ while showing you how to apply them in a gaming environment
- Develops problem-solving skills that you can use in other applications of C++
- Available in 12 languages
4. C++ for C Programmers, Part A
If you’re already well-versed in using C and want to get to grips with C++, this may be the best C++ course. C++ For C Programmers, Part A is offered by the University of California, Santa Cruz, though you don’t need to enroll in the college to access it.
Instead, the course is completed online and allows you to learn at your own pace. It features flexible deadlines and results in you earning a certificate from the university that you can use when applying for jobs.
Taking about 13 hours to complete, C++ For C Programmers, Part A is available in English with subtitles for a range of other languages. These include Arabic, Spanish, French, and Italian.
The course is split into a 5-week syllabus, with 120 to 165 minutes of video-based teaching for each of the first four weeks. The fifth week features a 30-minute practice session and a final 30-minute exam.
So, what will you learn?
As the name states, this course teaches C programmers to transfer their skills into the object-oriented C++ language. That means you’ll need a solid grounding in C, meaning this course, isn’t a good choice for programming novices.
The course covers the basics of converting an existing C program into C++, before moving into the C++ fundamentals you’ll need to code natively in the language. In the fourth week, you’ll learn about some of the new features introduced in C++ 11, meaning you’ll understand the most up-to-date version of the language.
Though this isn’t the best C++ course for novices, it’s ideal for programmers who want to update their skills.
Key Features
- Offers 46 videos that take you through the basics of what C++ is and how to convert C into the language
- You receive a university-accredited shareable certificate upon completion
- Completely online and doesn’t require full enrollment into the University of California, Santa Cruz
- Includes quizzes and assignments with direct peer feedback
- Financial aid may be available for those who can’t afford the course’s fee
5. C++ Programming From Beginner to Expert 2021
If you’re looking to obtain a beginner’s position working with C++, C++ Programming from Beginner to Expert 2021 may be the best C++ course for you. That’s because this course provides you with a certification you can use when applying for positions.
Available on Skillshare, the course comes with no upfront fees as long as you have a Skillshare membership. If you’re not a Skillshare member, you can sign up for one month of free usage of the platform, allowing you to complete this course without paying a dollar.
The course is offered by a former Amazon developer and includes 144 videos.
As a beginner-level course, C++ Programming from Beginner to Expert introduces you to the basics of C++. Subjects covered include variables, flowcharts, different data types, and class inheritance.
Perhaps most importantly, the course digs into what you need to do certain things in C++, rather than simply showing you how. As such, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to learn about the theory behind programming in addition to its practical applications.
The course requires no prior experience with C++. It also feeds nicely into several other Skillshare courses, all of which you can access at no additional charge as long as you have a Skillshare membership.
Key Features
- Free to access with a Skillshare membership
- Explores why various programming concepts are essential in addition to showing you how to use them
- Provides a Skillshare certification upon completion
- No previous knowledge of C++ is required to take the course
- You receive unlimited access that allows you to learn at your own pace
6. Generic Programming Templates in C++
Modern C++ programming makes heavy use of templates. These powerful tools allow coders to pass data types as parameters, which eliminates the need to repeat the same code multiple times in a program for different data types. With templates, you make your code more efficient and simpler, with the template being expanded when the program is compiled.
If you’re used to older versions of C++, that may not make much sense to you.
That’s where the Generic Programming Templates in C++ course comes in. Designed for people who are already well-versed in C++, this may be the best C++ course for those who need to update their knowledge so they can work with tools that many modern businesses use.
The course is available on Educative and features 91 lessons that place you in a hands-on coding environment where you can learn how to use templates. It covers everything from the basics of function and class templates to more advanced techniques, such as template metaprogramming.
Each subject covered comes with examples, an exercise, and the solution to that exercise, allowing you to learn on your own time.
Unfortunately, the course doesn’t feature videos, which may make it unsuitable for visual learners. But those who align with its text-based approach should find it turns them into more efficient C++ programmers who can create reusable code.
Key Features
- Offers straightforward examples that explain each template type covered in the course
- No set up required as this is a cloud-based course
- Built-in assessments allow you to test your skills as you go
- Comes with a completion certificate
- Ideal for advanced C++ programmers who want to develop their skills
Choose the Best C++ Course for You
The six courses in this article run the gamut from beginner courses to those that help advanced programmers develop their skillsets.
Choosing the best C++ course for you requires you to understand your starting point. Trying to jump into an advanced course when you have no experience won’t get you anywhere. At the same time, experienced programmers gain little from courses focused on beginner-level skills.
Whether you want to build the foundational knowledge in C++ needed for a junior programming job or you want to enhance your existing skillset, one of these courses is sure to meet your needs.
Read also: What Is C++ Used For?
