C++ Basics Study Repository

This repository contains my hands-on work while learning C++ with the JetBrains C++ Basics course in CLion. It is both a study workspace and a running record of my progress as I build small exercises, debug mistakes, and gradually assemble a simple 2D game.

Overview

This project is centered on practical learning rather than a single finished application. The repository is organized as a sequence of lessons and tasks that introduce C++ fundamentals step by step, including:

• core syntax and control flow
• functions, structs, enums, and arrays
• memory layout, pointers, references, and dynamic allocation
• object-oriented programming and ownership semantics
• templates and standard library containers
• testing, debugging, and iterative problem solving in CLion

Status: in progress

Because this is an active learning repo, some tasks may be complete, some may still be under development, and some files may intentionally contain unfinished code while I work through a lesson.

Learning Path

Module	Focus
WarmUp	basic syntax, variables, input/output, functions, loops, structs, enums, arrays, and the first game mechanics
MemoryManagement	pointers, references, memory layout, dynamic allocation, memory errors, type casts, and C-style strings
ObjectOrientedProgramming	classes, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, constructors, destructors, copy/move semantics, and RAII
StandardLibraryEssentials	templates, type deduction, STL containers, iterators, algorithms, and streams

Repository Structure

.
|-- CMakeLists.txt
|-- include/
|-- resources/
|-- WarmUp/
|-- MemoryManagement/
|-- ObjectOrientedProgramming/
|-- StandardLibraryEssentials/
|-- test-framework/
|-- README.md
|-- LICENSE

Key directories

• include/ shared headers used across multiple tasks and game stages
• resources/ textures, fonts, and data files used by the game
• WarmUp/, MemoryManagement/, ObjectOrientedProgramming/, StandardLibraryEssentials/ course modules and lesson content
• */task/ buildable exercise projects for the current stage of a module
• */<Lesson>/task.md lesson statements and instructions
• test-framework/ local GoogleTest setup used by exercise test targets

One useful design detail in this repo is that tasks are added as separate CMake subprojects. That keeps lessons isolated, so a compile error in one task does not break every other task.

Tech Stack

• C++14
• CMake
• CLion
• SFML
• GoogleTest

Running the Project

Recommended workflow: CLion

1. Open the repository in CLion.
2. Let CLion load the CMake project and configure the toolchain.
3. Select a lesson target such as WarmUp-MovingOn-RunningInALoop-run or its corresponding -test target.
4. Build and run the selected configuration from the IDE.

Command line workflow

If cmake is installed on your machine and available on PATH, you can also build from the terminal:

cmake -S . -B build -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug
cmake --build build --target WarmUp-MovingOn-RunningInALoop-run
ctest --test-dir build --output-on-failure

Replace the target name with the lesson you want to build.

Notes on Dependencies

• GoogleTest is fetched during CMake configuration.
• On Linux and macOS, SFML 2.5.x should be installed and discoverable by CMake.
• On Windows, the root CMake setup can build SFML from source when needed.

What This Repository Represents

This is not meant to be a polished production codebase. It is a structured learning repository where I:

• practice writing and reading C++
• fix compiler and logic errors
• build confidence with debugging and testing
• keep a clear record of what I have studied

That also means the commit history and code changes reflect learning progress, not just final answers.

Attribution

This repository is based on the JetBrains C++ Basics course and includes course materials and assets distributed under the MIT license. See LICENSE for the original license text.