Teaching C++

[mjcoss]

I take a slightly different approach. I run a class on C programming before build season starts. I start out by just teaching the language semantics and syntax. Then I work on logic, flow control, how to break down a problem into smaller steps, etc. I feel that it is more important for students to learn how to program than the specific language. C has a fairly simple syntax.

As people have mentioned you're filling in a framework, which is basically C syntax within a C++ function.

As we get closer to the start of build season, I walk students through the framework - we use the IterativeRobot class, and show how to use the various sensors, and other objects required to get the robot up and running. As they become more familiar with the various constructs, we talk about processes, memory management, timing, PID control loops, etc. but only with the students that show real interest. Some times it's only one or two students. This year we had two freshmen that really did a great job, and a hand full of others students who mostly watched them work.