Beginner workbook · Part I

Build tools.
Understand every step.

First Programs and Command-Line Basics

Learn C++17 by building small local tools, inspecting their results, and extending them with confidence.

Get Part I — $5 Read the free sample

200 pages · 6 runnable programs · 24 practice cases

C++ Automation Lab Part I workbook cover

Inside this volume

Six tools. Four cases each.

Hello Plan

A compiler translates source into an executable. main is the entry point and a zero return status means success. A string literal holds fixed text. Output is a useful first automation because it makes your assumptions visible.

Line Count

Read whole records with getline. The loop stops when input ends. A counter changes once per successful read, including a blank line. Input redirection lets the same executable process different files without source edits.

Budget Total

Represent money as integer cents for this small exercise. Check extraction and a practical input range before calculating. A fixed input contract is easier to test than a program that guesses what a user meant.

Priority

Conditionals select a branch. Order the thresholds from the most restrictive to the least restrictive. This classifier illustrates decisions, not a universal service policy. Input represents fictional waiting minutes.

Sum Values

A function names a reusable calculation. Pass a collection by const reference when you only need to read it. A vector grows as records arrive and a range-based loop visits each stored value.

Echo Args

Command-line arguments let a tool receive paths and options. argc counts the executable name as well. argv contains separate tokens supplied by the shell. Quote paths with spaces in the shell; do not manually split the resulting argument again.

Read, run, debug, extend.

Each eight-page case includes a lesson, fixture setup, complete source, expected output, a debugging task, verification, an extension, and a handoff record.

A hands-on workbook with writing space. The 200 pages include tracing, planning, and reflection areas. Four cases intentionally revisit each program with different input. Download the sample to see the format before buying.

Your purchase includes the PDF and companion ZIP with six C++ source files, case definitions, expected results, and an optional Python test runner. This is a written workbook. Later volumes build on earlier skills. A C++17 compiler is required.

From first build to repeatable workflow

The five-part series

Each volume costs $5 USD and is sold separately.

Try the smallest passing example first.

Windows and VS Code setup guidance. Standard-library tools for trusted local ASCII lab fixtures. No desktop macro recording or browser automation is included.

Get the workbook — $5

Build tools.Understand every step.