Learn to Code with C++ (app review)

“Everybody should learn how to code!” You’ve probably heard this generic phrase at least once without some sort of explanation as to why it’s important or what computer programming entails. The person giving the advice usually has no idea how to program either. Computers are a necessity in our lives. At its core, programming is feeding instructions to a computer so it will perform some sort of function. While you may never need to program anything in your life, I believe it is important to understand how a computer works and the process of thinking logically to solve a problem.

The biggest issue with learning to program is the daunting nature of programming syntax. For a novice, it can look like a foreign language. Fear not! There are great resources to become familiar with the language. Learn to Code with C++ by Sololearn Inc is a fantastic app to dip your toes in the programming water. For those that don’t know, C++ is a popular programming language that is frequently used to teach the basics.

How it works

Learn to Code with C++ is broken down into different categories to make the information easier to digest. The first category is titled “Basic Concepts”, where you’ll learn the foundation of C++ and what you can do with it. Each category is broken down into sections divided by specific topics. Clicking upon a section such as “Printing a Text”, will open up background information about the the topic. It will also show example code to show how that topic is used in a real world setting. Learn to Code C++ tests you on what you’ve learned with fill-in-the-blank questions so that you can practice actual programming syntax. If you are struggling on a certain topic, you can go to the comments to see if your question has been asked before. You can also see advice other people have given to people with similar problems understanding the material. If you get stuck on a certain question, there is a hint button that will guide you in the right direction.

Impressions

You’re probably asking will this teach me how to code? Yes and no. The primary way this app teaches you C++ is by fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice questions. You won’t be able to learn how to program because just because you’re good at answering these questions. It’s like learning a new language and guessing the vocabulary correctly. This doesn’t translate at all to actually speaking a new language. There are other C++ resources that are much better at teaching you to build programs. Learn to Code with C++ is great for users with absolutely no prior experience or knowledge about general programming. It helps to get you familiar with the material without getting bogged down by the seemingly complex nature of syntax. This app does a great job of giving you exposure to all the big topics in C++ without over complicating the information.

Overall

Learn to Code with C++ is an easy way to get yourself exposed to computer programming. You can learn about important C++ topics from the palm of your hand. Sololearn Inc also has apps for all different programming languages such as Python, Ruby, etc. Seriously, anyone can learn how to program and there is a wealth of great resources out there. It just takes time and commitment, just like anything you learn for the first time. If I can learn the basics of C++, so can you!