Top 20 Project Ideas in C++ For Beginners [2023]

Summary:

In this article, you will learn the top project ideas in C++. Take a glimpse below

1. Security Systems
2. Car Rental System
3. Dating Applications
4. Employee Management System
5. Trading Software
6. Billing System
7. Intuitive Gadgets
8. Traffic Management System

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C++ Project Ideas

In order to learn any new skill, the best possible way is to practice its implementation through projects, which also contributes to inheriting knowledge through problem-solving and building a strong portfolio at the same time. However, students often struggle to find the best-suited C++ projects to strengthen their resumes. There is a wide range of C++ project for students to choose from, but one has to first decide whether they want C++ projects for beginners or C++ projects for final year. 

There is a constant comparison between C++ and Python where people try to find which is better. Even though Python is considered to be one of the easiest programming languages to learn, C++ is comparatively better, not only in terms of performance but also in the speed and vast area of application. 

What is C++?

C++ is a powerful and versatile programming language widely used to develop a wide range of software applications. It was developed as an extension of the C programming language with added features that support object-oriented programming (OOP) and generic programming. Bjarne Stroustrup originally designed C++ in the early 1980s at Bell Labs, with the language’s first standard, known as C++98, formalized in 1998.

C++ combines the low-level features of C with high-level abstractions found in modern programming languages, making it suitable for systems programming, game development, application software, embedded systems, and more. It is known for its efficiency, performance, and ability to control hardware resources directly when needed.

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Key Features of C++:

1. High-Level Language

C is a mid-level programming language, but C++ is a high-level language. It is closely connected with the human-understandable English language.

2. Machine Independent

C++ is machine-independent but platform-independent. This means that compiled programs executed on Linux will not execute on Windows.  Let’s understand this feature with an example. Suppose a documented piece of code can run on operating systems like Windows/Mac and Linux. So, which makes C++ machine-independent, but the executable file can’t run on other operating systems. 

3. Compiler-Based

This feature helps you to develop beginner C++ projects easily. C++ is a compiler-based language that implies that C++ programs must be compiled, and the corresponding executable file executes it. Hence, C++ is a relatively faster language than Python and Java.

4. Dynamic Memory Allocation

The variables are allocated with the dynamical heap space when C++ runs a program. These variables are allotted in the stack space within the functions. You may not know the amount of memory to keep specific pieces of information in a defined variable. So, the memory size can be mentioned at run time. You must know dynamic memory allocation when working on C++ mini projects.

5. Memory Management

C++ allows us to allocate the memory of an array or variable during the run time. It is called Dynamic Memory Allocation. The compiler automatically manages the memories assigned to variables in other programming languages like Java and Python. However, this doesn’t happen in C++. But in C++, the de-allocated memory must be manually allocated after it is useless. The allocation and deallocation processes on the memory can be performed using the “New” and “Delete” operators, respectively. 

6. Case-sensitive

You must be familiar with this feature when working on any beginner C++ projects. Let’s understand this feature with an example. For instance, cin is used to accept input from the input stream, whereas the “Cin” is a variable name that can’t accept the input stream.

Google Chrome, Youtube, Adobe Photoshop, Doom 3, Bloomberg tradings. Big names, different industries but used fervently by customers all over the world. Besides their pervasive customer base, there is yet another common thread that links all these brands together; their source programming language, C++. So, if you are a beginner, the best thing you can do is work on some real-time C++ project ideas.

We, here at upGrad, believe in a practical approach as theoretical knowledge alone won’t be of help in a real-time work environment. In this article, we will be exploring some interesting C++ project ideas which beginners can work on to put their Python knowledge to test. In this article, you will find 42 top python project ideas for beginners to get hands-on experience on Python

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A programming language, designed from the C prototype has emerged as one of the most sought after and versatile languages and has single handedly integrated more graphical and object-oriented programming into a wide array of web applications. Developed as a free-form language that serves general purposes, C++ encompasses upgraded features of C language which includes a wider host of libraries, increased functions, and data structures.

Advanced software tactics like polymorphism, abstractions, encapsulation, inheritance can be performed by virtue of coding c projects with C++. It is due to this reason, since its inception in 1979, C++ has evolved into one of the most popular software scripting languages. In the contemporary world, where our lives are intricately enmeshed with the digital landscape, one will stumble upon C++’s imprints almost everywhere.

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As hinted by our opening sentence, be it your e-commerce activities, your online entertainment medium, your knowledge hub, your design maneuvers, your gaming activities, your workflow or even your finance management, if you’re using web applications to fulfill one or the other activities, chances are high that you will be using c projects developed in C++. 

This article will include the Top 8 C++ projects for beginners. Along with ideas for C++ projects for final year, candidates can easily do once they are done with the prior mentioned C++ projects. 

Read: Project Ideas in C

Why do developers develop project ideas in C using C++?

Those who work in the domain of embedded systems and systems programming including operating systems and hardware interfaces, seem to prefer C++ over any other programming languages to learn for some very conspicuous reasons. To begin with, similar to C, C++ is an open source programming language which makes it ideal for subsequent adaptations and innovations.

In terms of skills, it is a rather easy coding language to pick up, given that it consists of pure concepts and a comprehensible syntax. C++ is also a very pliable and dynamic language which has facilitated several technological feats in industries such as electronics, automobiles, robotics and several others. This has been possible because developers have found it convenient to integrate C++ within the existing operational frameworks of these industries. Finally, C++ is not only easy to script but also it is highly compatible with a wide array of platforms and systems.

As a result of which, newer technological inputs can be designed using C++. Laden with the goodness of C but with upgraded features, C++ is indeed the coding language of all future technology. 

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Which industries predominantly use C++ projects?

Graphic Designing- Digital art has made its mark in every nook and corner of the world. While some may perceive it as a replacement for canvas based arts, it is more appropriate to look upon it as a complementary industry.

Most artists rely on digital art for their promotion. Besides, in the corporate and marketing industry, from logo designing to presentation templates, graphic designing plays a pivotal role. Given their dependence on graphic user interfaces, C++ becomes the obvious choice for all web developers. Web applications and software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator were developed with C++. 

Animation- Gone are the days of two dimensional cartoon shows that would enthrall us as kids. These days the scope of animation has increased by leaps and bound and is evolving every day. It is essentially the sophistication in the programming language that has spearheaded such fast paced developments. Contemporary animation on both small screens and big screens as well as on web portals include high resolution 3D animation, rendering, modeling and simulation.

In fact, even in regular movies, the use of CGIs have become rampant where these techniques are frequently used. The process behind developing these entail image processing, sensor applications, visual effects in real time. The codes of each of these are typically scripted in C++

Operating Systems and Web Browsers- We have seen how integral C language was to the development of the advanced operating systems. As its upgraded version, C++ may be attributed with the development of most Microsoft based operating systems and some of the Symbian as well as iOs operating systems. On a similar breath, due to its ability to ease out cluster data files, C++ became the chosen medium for developing browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. 

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Media Management- We no longer have to depend upon bulky audio cassettes and CD ROMs in order to listen to our favorite music when we wish to. Through web applications like Spotify, Wynk, or even iTunes, we can simply tune into our favorite tracks from our chosen devices, anytime anywhere. This was made possible by audio and video sharing files coded in C++. The fact that Netflix has become many of our favorite pastimes must be attributed to the same media access files that were coded in C++. 

Database Access- Knowledge is power and in these days of information technology, there really isn’t any dearth of information. Be it a complex philosophical concept or a trivia about your local celebrity, be it a rare food from another part of the world or the latest discoveries of NASA, information about anything, and everything is simply one Google search away.

Here again, these treasuries of data or databases as they are known in the tech parlance, like the open source database like MySQL or software applications like Wikipedia and Youtube, were generated using C++. 

Read more: Web Development Project Ideas

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What are the jobs that actively use C++ programming?

There are a handful of industries that predominantly rely on C++ programming. If one plans to work in the below-mentioned jobs, they must start learning C++ and implementing them on practical C++ projects at the soonest. 

1. Programmer: Programmers have to actively use programming languages, predominantly C++, to write codes. Programmers work within various industries such as gaming, applications, search engines, or web pages. 
2. App Developer:  Application developers design software and programs, usually for mobile devices. The task of developing an app includes a significant amount of code writing, designing updates, and running different tests. Therefore they must know several programming languages. 
3. Animator: Animators are creative personnel who work with a wide range of software daily to execute their tasks. They often require the help of developers to develop design concepts. Therefore, honing a significant section of programming can become a simplified option for them to have complete control over their project. 
4. Game Designer: Game development is a task that requires both artistic ability as well as knowledge of coding. Coding takes up a large portion of their tasks as it helps them to control and alter the game mechanics and function. 
5. Web Page Developer: Web developers primarily help in developing webpage designs and their various functions. The primary means of building the web pages are codes, and they may collaborate with other professionals such as graphic designers or UI/UX designers to make it more appealing. Web page developers also provide services such as troubleshooting and routine maintenance, which requires in-depth knowledge of programming language. 

What are the essential skills required for C++ projects?

Here are the essential skills required for c++ projects ideas: –

1. C++ Programming

A strong grasp of the C++ language is essential. This includes knowledge of syntax, data types, control structures, loops, functions, and memory management concepts.

2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Understanding the principles of OOP is crucial for designing and implementing classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.

3. Data Structures and Algorithms

Proficiency in data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, etc.) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, etc.) is essential for efficient and optimized code.

4. Memory Management

In-depth knowledge of memory allocation, deallocation, pointers, references, and avoiding memory leaks and dangling pointers is necessary.

5. STL (Standard Template Library)

Familiarity with the STL and its containers (vector, map, set, etc.) and algorithms (sort, find, etc.) can significantly speed up development and improve code quality.

6. Design Patterns

Understanding common design patterns (singleton, factory, observer, etc.) helps create maintainable, scalable, modular code.

7. Version Control

Proficiency in using version control systems like Git is crucial for collaborative development, code versioning, and tracking changes.

8. Debugging and Profiling

Skill in using debugging tools and profilers helps identify and fix issues in the code, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

9. Build Systems

Familiarity with build systems (CMake, Makefile, etc.) and the compilation process is essential for managing project dependencies and creating executable files.

10. Cross-Platform Development

Understanding platform-specific considerations and employing cross-platform libraries can be valuable if your project needs to run on different platforms.

11. Performance Optimization

Knowing how to profile and optimize code for speed and memory usage can make a significant difference, especially in resource-intensive applications.

12. Concurrency and Multithreading

Understanding multithreading, synchronization, and thread safety is important if your project requires handling multiple tasks concurrently.

13. File I/O

Skill in working with files and streams is essential for reading and writing data to/from external sources, such as databases or configuration files.

14. Networking

Knowledge of socket programming and network protocols is necessary if your project involves network communication.

15. Testing

Familiarity with testing frameworks and techniques (unit testing, integration testing, etc.) helps ensure the correctness and reliability of your code.

16. Documentation

Writing clear and comprehensive code comments, API documentation, and user guides enhances the maintainability and usability of your project.

17. Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to analyze complex problems, break them down into smaller parts, and develop effective solutions is a fundamental skill for any programming project.

18. Project Management

Basic project management skills, such as task planning, time management, and communication, are important for completing projects on time and within scope.

19. Domain Knowledge

Depending on the project’s nature, having domain-specific knowledge (e.g., game mechanics, financial systems, scientific simulations) can greatly enhance your ability to create relevant and effective solutions.

20. Continuous Learning

The technology landscape evolves rapidly, so a willingness to stay updated with new C++ features, tools, libraries, and best practices is crucial.

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What are some unique C project ideas that can be developed using C++?

This list of C++ project ideas for students is suited for beginners, and those just starting out with programming in general. These C++ project ideas will get you going with all the practicalities you need to succeed in your career as a software developer.

Further, if you’re looking for C++ project ideas for final year, this list should get you going. So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into some C++ project ideas that will strengthen your base and allow you to climb up the ladder.

Now that we have grappled with the history and the overall applicability of C+= and established that as a coding language, C++ provided abundant opportunities for innovation to the developers, let us look at some project prototypes and project ideas in C which C++ can help develop. 

1. Security Systems

Be it airports or corporate offices, Malls, or even entry gates of condominiums, surveillance and security has been tightened everywhere around the world and rightfully so, given the rising rate of terrorism. Webcams and CCTVs play an important role. However, for more advanced security measures, biometric and facial recognition mechanisms are being implemented in different verticals.

C++ can go a long way in improving the existing face recognition systems. C++’s OpenCV libraries are likely to come handy in detecting facial features on either live streams in video cameras or on webcams. These can be helpful for entry regulations and reduce any additional human intervention and checking. 

2. Car Rental System

This falls under C++ projects for beginners. The advent of Uber and Ola cabs applications have infinitely made the lives of smartphone users easy. However, these apps too, have their limitations. Modifying the same principle and taking it a notch higher using C++ codes can be a great C project idea. Developers can consider JSON Format text files in C++ to store the GPS coordinates of the user and the cab services within a certain radius.

C++ libraries make it possible to cover a large perimeter so this application can actually connect the user to broader geography compared to the other available rental services. Thereafter, using login credentials, developers can connect the user with the most appropriate services. This application can keep revising its features in the areas of pricing, security, preferences etc. 

3. Dating Applications

There were days when love used to be in the air. But now, love seems to be in our smartphones, and web applications have conveniently taken over the roles of cupids. C++ algorithms and flexible, object-oriented program support enable it to store and analyze a huge gamut of data.

By integrating dos elements, this application can import and retrieve a large volume of data inputs while at the same time keep the security features sacrosanct. The application can simulate the preferences and personality traits of the users using string functions and come up with the most compatible match based on the two parameters. 

4. Employee Management System

Imagine an e-journal which not only manages your companies day to day activities but will assist you to keep a uniform track of all your employee records. What more is that you may add, delete, or modify the records at your own convenience using C++ source code.

The blocks in the C++ libraries will be a great resource to develop such a management system. Developers can append other open source libraries to enhance the features and functionalities of the system. C++ can be used to develop both a web portal as well as a mobile application. 

5. Trading Software

Trades and stock markets are among the most volatile industries across the globe. It can take a turn for the better or for the worse in seconds. Traditionally, trailers on news channels reflect the updates of stock markets but with C++, coders can develop an application which will be synced to the stock market statistics in real time and can curate the information depending upon the users preferences.

Notifications, advisories and expert comments are additional features that can go a long way in enriching this app and making it a highly desirable tool for finance management. 

News channels continue updating the increment and decrement in the values. You can create a wonderful trading application using the C ++ project. It can be synchronized within a few minutes after which you can perform real-time statistical analysis. You can also add features like an advisory section, comment section, and any other feature that allows customers to express what they feel about existing stats.

Also try: Java Project Ideas

6. Billing System

Many of our utilities that we incur fixed costs on like water bills, electricity bills, maintenance costs follow a particular bill cycle. Often physical bills get lost in transit or are delayed in reaching us. In order to avoid all such hassles, we can yet again rely on C++ to come up with a source code for an e-billing system that syncs our e-wallets or banking accounts to the recipient’s accounts.

Thereon, it can automatically generate the bill into our systems and notify us about the due dates. Users may opt for an auto-debit or alternatively, choose to make manual payments, through that very application. 

7. Intuitive Gadgets

As a programming language which closely engages embedded systems, C++ is not only useful in developing application software but also in coupling the software and hardware elements of the internet of things like smartwatches, smart televisions, home assistants for better compatibility. C++ can program new features and more interactive attributes in these gadgets and make them all the more appealing to the users. 

8. Traffic Management System

In a developing country like ours, where cities are constantly bustling with vehicles and pedestrians, controlling the traffic can get rather challenging. Automating our signals using sensors, with speed limits and additional safety features can essentially make our roads a lot safer and our commute hassle-free.

It also spares those poor traffic controllers the pain of standing under the heat all day to manage a rowdy din. The signals and signs will do the needful and one can remotely control the road traffic. Here again the C++ database will facilitate the necessary coding and hardware embedding. 

Apart from these ideas, some common yet valuable C++ projects for students can elevate the resume of both beginner and final years students. 

9. Library management system:

It is one of the most popular projects among C++ projects for beginners. The features of a library management system include a login facility for students, the facility for adding, deleting, creating, or even assigning books to students, making a visible list for students to refer to, and adding the facility of returning and reissuing. This project implements the linked List data structure under the C programming language. 

10. Sudoku Game: 

Sudoku is a game that one can easily find in any newspaper, but its immense popularity has now turned it extensively digital. The game is to arrange the numbers 1-9 in multiple rows and columns in a 9×9 grid so that they do not repeat. Programming this game uses the concept of backtracking. Initial values are extremely hard-coded in nature; however, equal input can be collected from the users as well. 

11. Credit Card Validator:

Credit card validation is gaining popularity as most e-commerce transactions depend on credit cards these days. It is fairly simple among many C++ projects for students created using Luhn’s algorithm. By using this algorithm, the students can validate the user’s credit cards, and assist them with a smooth shopping experience. This project can work for the majority of the popular cards such as MasterCard, Visa, Amex, etc. Luhn’s algorithm focuses on checking basic validations such as how a card number should start based on its type and then moves towards more complex criteria such as digit-wise calculations. 

Most payment gateways use some type of validation system for credit cards before allowing payment processing. But there is software to perform this validation from the get-go. The validation works uniquely for various cards. Hence, it is not recommended to decide the card type and then assess if the entered number is an authentic credit card number or not.

You can include a menu or drop-down for selecting the type of card. Make sure to do this only if things become difficult from the get-go approach.  This C ++ project is very simplistic from a design perspective but needs some understanding of algorithms.

12. Bank Management System:

The Bank Management system is one of the highly valued projects due to the rise of online banking. The online bank management systems are very intensive and highly thorough, which makes them a great C++ project idea to add credibility to someone’s portfolio. It is also a great C++ project for beginners where one can experiment with functions such as depositing, withdrawing, exit activities, or inquiring. This project is great for gaining knowledge regarding a banking application’s fundamentals and code sourcing methodologies. 

13. Face Detection Application:

This is a popular project where C++ language coding is used to recognise faces on live streams or pre-recorded videos stored in a local machine. Programmes such as OpenCV library and XML use such functions to detect faces in a live stream. The field of applications of this face detection technology includes automobile security, retail industry, educational sector, healthcare industry, and various governmental areas. 

14. Academic Search Engine:

Similar to libraries and colleges, diverse academic institutions prefer having an academic search engine that provides support with academic pieces of information and records. It helps the users to search through various educational content based on the keywords they put. It also includes various filters that help categorise the content based on the year of publication or such other particular information. This can be written with the help of the QT design tool if one uses a Linux platform. Important concepts such as memory management, numerous search options, and project planning are some of the learning outcomes of this C++ project. 

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15. Hotel Booking System:

Creating a hotel booking system follows a centralised database programming method which works as an effortless yet efficient C++ project. This project includes some important features such as reserving hotel rooms, verifying guest information, altering guest information, keeping track of rooms whether they are occupied or not, etc. therefore, this particular project is very useful for understanding two crucial concepts of C that are Classes and File management. 

16. Student Record Management System

It is among those types of C++ beginner projects that impart the fundamentals of the input and output in C#. Its project structure informs you about the file management system. The developed program will correctly store all the students’ information. The data can be any information about the student, their personal details, roll number, academic records, etc. Moreover, this C# project imparts you how to deal with incorrect inputs.

17. Sales Management System

It is one of the most promising C++ beginner projects because it imparts many new things. It contains various subclasses and classes. They support various functions and features about item recording, item entry, billing, etc.

Its main objective is to design a system using which you can organize customer information, stock details, delivery details, etc. This C++ project helps you to understand and practice various functions and attributes. It is very easy to learn and improve your C++ coding skills.

3 key objectives of these C++ coding projects:

• Increase in profits
• Increase in Sales Volume
• Continuous growth

 18. Digital Calculator

You can get started with C++ mini projects with a digital calculator. It is chiefly GUI-driven, so it is easy to implement. Moreover, it is a menu-driven program wherein the user provides the outputs. It reinforces your fundamental concepts of C++, chiefly related to decision-making statements and data types.

The project needs validation for the inputs to make sure calculation only occurs if the inserted data is numerical. It also involves data handling of a specific size. If the number is bigger, you need a bigger data type to handle it. Tackling these types of C++ coding projects helps you to secure a job/ internship in the future.

 19. Digital Piano

This project aims to design a GUI-based project that allows you to play a virtual piano. It may seem to be one of the C++ easy projects but many complex concepts are involved. You may need some time to get familiar with asynchronous functions and dealing with various audio libraries.

It also involves asynchronous code that uses multithreading fundamentals. Learning this C# project strengthens your resume. You can make this project more interesting by creating a function that records the tunes played on the piano. It highlights the importance of the audio functions obtained from creating the project for testing. Also, it simultaneously requires file handling to transfer the recordings to the hard disk.

 20. Address Book

It is one of the C++ easy projects that set your resume apart from the rest and also improve your basics of data structures. You simply need to include functionality like adding, deleting, or editing data from the address book. You must know how to manipulate data and deal with them. Moreover, you can connect the project to a database for acquiring the necessary details.

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Conclusion

In this article, we have covered 7 C++ project ideas. We started with some beginner projects which you can solve with ease. Once you finish with these simple C++ projects, I suggest you go back, learn a few more concepts and then try the intermediate projects. When you feel confident, you can then tackle the advanced projects. If you wish to improve your skills, you need to get your hands on these C++ project ideas.

We hope you will have an excellent learning opportunity in executing these C++ projects. If you are interested to learn more and need mentorship from industry experts, check out upGrad & IIIT Banglore’s  Executive PG Program Full-Stack Software Development.