Master the language that powers game engines, AI frameworks, browsers, and real-time systems - and learn how AI tools make you a faster, better C++ developer. C++ Programming with AI is the complete beginner-to-practitioner guide for developers who want to learn modern C++ and apply it in the most performance-critical domains in software engineering. Written for 2026, this book takes you from your very first program all the way to building high-performance AI applications, game engine components, and real-time data processors.
Author Thomas Scott cuts through the complexity of C++ with clarity and precision, covering everything from foundational syntax to advanced modern C++ features - with a dedicated section on how AI tools are transforming the way C++ developers work today.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- C++ fundamentals: variables, data types, operators, input/output, and control flow
- Functions, arrays, strings, vectors, pointers, and references
- Object-oriented programming: classes, constructors, destructors, inheritance, and polymorphism
- Exception handling, file I/O, namespaces, and multi-file projects
- Advanced topics: templates, STL, smart pointers, memory management, and data structures
- Multithreading, concurrency, lambda expressions, and move semantics
- Performance optimization and clean, maintainable C++ code
- Modern C++ standards: C++17, C++20, and C++23 features
- AI-assisted development: using AI tools to write, debug, and optimize C++ code
- Prompt engineering for C++ programming tasks
- Calling AI APIs and integrating AI services into C++ applications
- C++ in machine learning, robotics (ROS2), and AI framework development
- Five complete real-world projects: a command-line task manager, a game engine component, a high-performance data processor, an AI-assisted code analyzer, and a lightweight recommendation engine
WHY THIS BOOK:
C++ is not just still relevant in 2026 - it is more essential than ever. The core of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Unreal Engine, Chrome, and virtually every real-time system on the planet is written in C++. When performance truly matters, C++ is the answer. This book shows you how to wield that power, from first principles to production-grade applications, with AI tools accelerating every step.
Covers C++17 throughout, with selected C++20 and C++23 features where compiler support is mature and practical.
Includes comprehensive appendices covering C++ syntax, STL containers, common algorithms, smart pointers, modern C++ features by standard, compiler flags, a full glossary, common errors and fixes, and recommended learning resources.
Perfect for: beginners with no prior C++ experience, developers from other languages wanting systems-level skills, game developers, robotics engineers, and anyone who needs to write fast, reliable, high-performance software.
