C++ Programming for Beginners in Uganda

Course outline and learning expectations

This is a tutor-led course. The outline shows what your tutor will cover; teaching materials and examinations are provided directly to enrolled students.

What you will learn

• By the end of this beginner C++ programming course, the learner will be able to:
• Explain how C++ source code is compiled and run.
• Write, compile and execute valid C++20 console programs.
• Use variables, fundamental data types, operators and console input/output correctly.
• Solve practical problems with conditions, loops and functions.
• Organise data using `std::string`, `std::array`, `std::vector` and simple records.
• Apply references, `const` and basic value semantics without unsafe memory practices.
• Create simple classes that combine data and behaviour.
• Read from and write to local text files.
• Find and fix syntax, runtime and logic errors using a debugger and compiler warnings.
• Build a complete command-line C++ project for a familiar Ugandan or East African use case.

Modules

1. 1

   C++ Setup and First Programs

   What C++ is and where it is used in Uganda, East Africa and AfricaSource code, compiler, executable and the edit–compile–run cycleInstalling and testing a C++20 toolchainProgram structure, `main()`, statements, comments and namespacesConsole output with `std::cout`Compiler errors and useful warning flags**Practice:** Personal introduction and local business receipt programs
2. 2

   Variables, Data Types and User Input

   Integers, floating-point values, characters and booleansVariables, constants, initialisation and meaningful namesArithmetic, comparison and logical operatorsConsole input with `std::cin`Type conversions and common numeric mistakes**Practice:** UGX budget, airtime and produce-price calculators
3. 3

   Decisions and Loops

   `if`, `else if`, `else` and `switch`Input validation`for`, `while` and range-based `for`Counters, totals, minimums and maximumsBreaking a problem into clear steps**Practice:** Mobile-money fee estimator and weekly sales summary
4. 4

   Functions and Program Structure

   Declaring, defining and calling functionsParameters, return values and function overloadingLocal scope and lifetimePass by value, references and `const`Header and source files at an introductory level**Practice:** Reusable SACCO savings and loan-calculation functions
5. 5

   Strings and Standard Containers

   `std::string` operations and safe text input`std::array` for fixed-size collections`std::vector` for growing collectionsIndexing, iteration and bounds-aware accessSearching, counting and basic sorting**Practice:** Student-marks and market-price trackers
6. 6

   Records and Object-Oriented Foundations

   Grouping related data with `struct`Classes, objects, private data and public behaviourConstructors and valid object stateMember functions and `const` correctnessWhen a simple function or record is better than a class**Practice:** Member, product and transaction classes
7. 7

   Files, Errors and Debugging

   Reading and writing local text filesChecking whether input and file operations succeededDefensive input handlingSyntax, linker, runtime and logic errorsBreakpoints, stepping and variable inspectionAssertions and simple test cases**Practice:** Persistent savings or stock records stored in a local file
8. 8

   Capstone: Africa-Focused Console Application

   Plan the data, functions and user flowBuild one project: SACCO savings tracker, farm-produce sales tracker or school-results managerValidate inputs and preserve records in a text fileTest normal, boundary and invalid casesImprove naming, structure and user instructionsDemonstrate the finished application and explain key decisions