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Questions and Answers

Q: Why do game companies use C++?

A: C++ combines speed, low-level hardware access, and high-level constructs better than just about any other language. In addition, most games companies have a lot invested in C++ resources (both in reusable code and programming experience).

Q: How is C++ different than C?

A: C++ is the next iteration of the C programming language. To gain acceptance, C++ essentially retained all of C. However, C++ defines new ways to do things that can replace some of the traditional C mechanisms. In addition, C++ adds the ability to write object-oriented programs.

Q How should I use comments?

A: To explain code that is unusual or unclear. You should not comment the obvious.

Q. What's a programming block?

A: One or more statements surrounded by curly braces that form a single unit.

Q: What's a compiler warning?

A: A message from your compiler stating a potential problem. A warning will not stop the compilation process.

Q: Can I ignore compiler warnings?

A: You can, but you shouldn't. You should address the warning and fix the offending code

Q: What is whitespace?

A: A set of non-printing characters that create space in your source files, including tabs, spaces, and newlines.

Q. What are literals?

A: Elements that represent explicit values. "Game Over!" is a string literal, while '32' and '98.6' are numeric literals.

Q: Why should I always try to initialize a new variable with a value?

A: Because the contents of an uninitialized variable could be any value-even one that doesn't make sense for your program.

Q: Why do programmers sometimes use variable names such as 'myInt' or 'myFloat'?

A: To clearly spell out a variable's type. This convention is used frequently in programming instruction.

Q: What are variables of type 'bool' for?

A: They can represent a condition that is true or false, such as whether a chest is locked or a playing card is face up.

Q: How did the 'bool' type get its name?

A: The type is named in honor of the English mathematician George Boole.

Q: Must the names of constants be in uppercase letters?

A: No. Using uppercase is just an accepted practice — but one you should use because it's what other programmers expect.

Q: How can I store more than one character with a single variable?

A: With a 'string' object.


Discussion Questions

  1. How does having a widely adopted C++ standard help game programmers?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of employing the 'using' directive?
  3. Why might you define a new name for an existing type?
  4. Why are there two versions of the increment operator? What's the difference between them?
  5. How can you use constants to improve your code?