CS 4/59995 Generic Programming and Library Design

Information

Time: Mon & Wed, 12:30 - 1:45

Location: MSB 121

Office: MSB 152

Phone: 330-672-9015

Hours: Tue & Thu, 1pm-2pm

This is a senior/master’s level course that focuses on generic programming using C++ and the design and construction of generic libraries. This course will teach students how to build generic data structures and algorithms using advanced C++ features such as templates, metaprogramming, and concepts. Students will also learn how to work with and construct their own generic libraries. This class will also introduce new features of the next version of C++ such as variadic templates and move semantics. Students will also learn to use common development tools to support their programming including, compilers, build tools, debuggers, profilers, memory checkers, and documentation tools. Specific topics covered will include (in no particular order and preliminary):

Templates
Concepts
Template metaprogramming
Generic programming
Generic design patterns
Library design
The Standard Template Library
The Boost C++ Libraries
Programming tools

Administivia

Books

These are the books required and recommended for the course.

Alexandrescu, "Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied". (required) [Safari]
Abrahams, "C++ Template Metaprogramming: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques". (recommended) [Safari]
Austern, "Generic Programming and the STL: Using and Extending the C++". (recommended)

Homework

Homework 1 - Due Sep 3, 2008
Homework 2 - Due Sep 15, 2008
Homework 3 - Due Oct 1, 2008
Homework 4 - Due Oct 15, 2008

Resources

Because C++ is a well-established and widely used langauge, there are a number of publicly available resources on the Internet. Here are some that I find useful.

Standard C++ Library - This documenation covers the Standard Template Library, most of which was incorporated unchanged into the Standard C++ Library. This provides an excellent reference on most of the basic data structures and algorithms available with most C++ compilers.
Boost C++ Libraries - A collection of companion libraries to the Standard C++ Library. Libraries that become part of Boost sometimes become part of the Standard C++ Library. This code base is actively maintained and still growing in size. Most of the libraries in this collection are header-only, so you don't have to link against anything.
C++ FAQ Lite - An excellent reference for common questions on the C++ syntanx and semantics. This also provides some discussion on design issues. In my opinion, one of the best places to go for C++ information.
The C++ Standards Committee - If you want to know what's going to be in the next version of C++ and its standard library, look here.