Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introductionprogrammingunreal

Introduction

**Course Review: Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal** Are you passionate about game development and looking to dive into the exciting world of C++ programming and Unreal Engine? If so, "Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal" on Coursera is the perfect course for you. Aimed at individuals with prior programming experience in another language, this course demystifies the complexities of C++ and the powerful Unreal Engine, providing you with a solid foundation to start creating your own video games. ### Overview The course begins with the essential groundwork laid out for you, starting with the setup of your development environment on either Windows or Mac. With an emphasis on both C++ fundamentals and the Unreal Engine's features, it seeks to equip you with practical skills that can be implemented in real-world game development scenarios. The course assumes no prior C++ knowledge but requires some programming background, making it ideal for those transitioning into game development. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Starting to Program** - This initial module sets the stage for your learning journey. You will not only get the Unreal Engine installed but also write your first C++ console application. This module is crucial as it introduces you to the course structure and familiarizes you with your development environment. 2. **Data Types, Variables, and Constants** - Understanding how data is stored and manipulated is key in any programming language. In this section, you will delve into the various data types in C++ and learn how to represent numbers and perform operations on them. This module also emphasizes documentation and debugging—two critical skills every programmer should master. 3. **Classes and Objects** - As game development is heavily reliant on the Object-Oriented paradigm, this module is vital. You'll discover how to structure your code using classes and objects, lending your games a more robust and modular architecture. The concepts learned here will greatly enhance your ability to create more complex game systems. 4. **Unreal Engine Basics** - Familiarizing yourself with Unreal Engine is where the course really shines. Here, you’ll explore importing models, setting up cameras and lights, and becoming adept at creating reusable assets known as blueprints. This module encourages hands-on learning, allowing you to experiment and create various game elements in the Unreal environment. ### Recommendations The "Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal" course is highly recommended for individuals keen on transforming their programming knowledge into practical game development experience. The course's structured approach, combined with its engaging hands-on exercises, makes it both accessible and rewarding. **Pros:** - Structured learning that builds from novice to more complex concepts. - Comprehensive coverage of both C++ and Unreal Engine basics. - Hands-on projects that solidify your understanding through practice. **Cons:** - May be challenging for absolute beginners with no programming background. - Requires commitment and time to fully absorb the content and practice the skills learned. ### Conclusion If you are looking to jumpstart your journey in game development, this course on Coursera serves as an excellent entry point into C++ and Unreal Engine. With the right balance of theory and practice, it prepares you not only to understand programming concepts but also to apply them in creating actual games. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your creative ideas into interactive experiences. Enroll today and unleash your potential as a game developer!

Syllabus

Starting to Program

In this module, you'll learn about the course and get Unreal installed and configured. You'll write your first C++ console application and your first C++ script in Unreal.

In this module, you'll learn how information is stored in the computer using binary and you'll learn how data types tell us how to interpret the bits and memory and what operations we can perform on those bits. You'll also learn about the most commonly-used numeric types in C++, you'll get some practice reading documentation (which programmers do all the time!), and you'll learn how to use the debugger to find and fix bugs in your code.

In this module, you'll learn the foundational concepts in the Object-Oriented (OO) paradigm. This paradigm is incredibly useful in game development, because it models our software system as a set of software objects that interact with each other. Those concepts map nicely to games, which typically include lots of game entities that interact with each other. You'll learn how to actually use classes and objects in your code as well.

In this module, you'll start learning how to use Unreal Engine. We'll explore how to import models into our games, how to set up the orthographic camera and light source for a "2D" game, how to create reusable assets (blueprints) you can add to the game either in the editor or from scripts, and how to use the physics system. You'll finally do more in Unreal than just write scripts!