Add capstone index, hint guides, link checks, and Python checklist parity

Author: lucasbellesi

.github/workflows/cpp-build.yml

@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ jobs:
           sudo apt update
           sudo apt install -y g++
 
+      - name: Check markdown links
+        run: bash ./scripts/check-links.sh
+
       - name: Compile all C++ files
         run: bash ./scripts/build-all.sh
 
@@ -32,6 +35,11 @@ jobs:
           install: >-
             mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-gcc
 
+      - name: Check markdown links
+        shell: msys2 {0}
+        run: |
+          ./scripts/check-links.sh
+
       - name: Compile all C++ files
         shell: msys2 {0}
         run: |

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -24,6 +24,11 @@ You can also validate all C++ files with:
 - `./scripts/build-all.ps1` (PowerShell)
 - `bash ./scripts/build-all.sh` (Bash)
 
+Validate markdown links with:
+
+- `./scripts/check-links.ps1` (PowerShell)
+- `bash ./scripts/check-links.sh` (Bash)
+
 4. Update related README files when behavior or structure changes.
 5. Open a pull request with a clear description of what changed and why.
 

README.md

@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ Python parity starter modules live in `languages/python/01-foundations`:
    - read `README.md`
    - run `example/main.cpp`
    - solve `exercises/01.cpp` and `exercises/02.cpp`
+   - use level `HINTS.md` only when blocked
    - follow the level order from foundations to expert
 4. Mark progress in `languages/cpp/CHECKLIST.md`
 5. Build capstones in `languages/cpp/projects/`
@@ -108,6 +109,20 @@ g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic
 
 CI also validates this on Linux and Windows in `.github/workflows/cpp-build.yml`.
 
+You can validate markdown links with:
+
+PowerShell:
+
+```powershell
+./scripts/check-links.ps1
+```
+
+Bash:
+
+```bash
+bash ./scripts/check-links.sh
+```
+
 ## Contribution Summary
 
 Contributions are welcome. Please:

languages/cpp/01-foundations/HINTS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+# 01 Foundations Hints
+
+Use these hints only after attempting each exercise.
+
+## types-and-io
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Track `sum` while reading values.
+- Initialize `min` and `max` from the first input value, not from `0`.
+- Compute `average` as `sum / n` after the loop.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Read three tokens: `product`, `price`, `quantity`.
+- Multiply `price * quantity` for total.
+
+## operators-and-expressions
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- `hours = totalSeconds / 3600`
+- `minutes = (totalSeconds % 3600) / 60`
+- `seconds = totalSeconds % 60`
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Apply discount before tax.
+- Tax percentage `x` is `x / 100.0`.
+
+## control-flow
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Check multiples of 15 before checking 3 or 5.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Stop when you read `-1`.
+- Only divide by `count` if `count > 0`.
+
+## functions
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Compare values step by step and keep a `currentMax`.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Convert characters with `std::tolower`.
+- Count `a, e, i, o, u`.
+
+## arrays-and-vectors
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Store values in `std::vector<int>`.
+- Print from index `n - 1` down to `0`.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Loop through vector and increment `frequency` on match.
+
+## strings
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Count transitions from whitespace to non-whitespace as new words.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Use two indexes (`left`/`right`) and skip non-letter characters.
+- Compare lowercase versions of letters.
+
+## scope-and-lifetime-basics
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Use a single `grade` variable and assign it in one branch chain.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Keep loop variable scoped inside `for`.
+- Keep `sum` outside loop.
+
+## formatted-output-and-iomanip
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Use `std::setw` for each column.
+- Keep `std::fixed << std::setprecision(2)` for money.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Set precision once before printing final results.
+- Reuse min/max pattern from foundations statistics exercises.

languages/cpp/01-foundations/README.md

@@ -27,4 +27,6 @@ This level builds the beginner mental model for writing small C++ programs.
 - [ ] You can compile each file with `-std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic`.
 - [ ] You completed capstone project `languages/cpp/projects/01-foundations`.
 
+Need guidance while solving? Use [HINTS.md](./HINTS.md).
+
 After finishing this level, continue with [02-core](../02-core/README.md).

languages/cpp/02-core/HINTS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+# 02 Core Hints
+
+Use these hints to debug your approach before reading or writing full solutions.
+
+## input-validation
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Use a `while (true)` loop.
+- On extraction failure: `cin.clear()` + `cin.ignore(...)`.
+- Validate range `[1, 100]` after successful extraction.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Validate count first, then each score.
+- Keep score range checks in the inner loop.
+
+## algorithms-basics
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Initialize `index = -1`.
+- Break loop when first match is found.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Initialize `min`/`max` from first element.
+- Update `evenCount` with `value % 2 == 0`.
+
+## file-io-basics
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Read full lines with `std::getline`.
+- Prefix each line with incremental number.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Loop until EOF.
+- Handle malformed rows by clearing stream and discarding bad line.
+
+## sorting-and-searching
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Selection sort: find smallest element in unsorted tail and swap.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Binary search condition: `left <= right`.
+- Adjust bounds based on `midValue < target`.
+
+## maps-and-frequency-counting
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Initialize counts for digits `0..9`.
+- Increment only if value is in valid range.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- First pass: count each char.
+- Second pass: find first char with count `1`.
+
+## error-handling-and-defensive-programming
+
+### Exercise 01 hints
+
+- Find first and second comma positions.
+- Validate that no field is empty.
+
+### Exercise 02 hints
+
+- Retry on invalid type and zero divisor.
+- Continue loop until one valid division is completed.

languages/cpp/02-core/README.md

@@ -25,4 +25,6 @@ This level focuses on robust input handling, common algorithm patterns, and file
 - [ ] You can explain at least one edge case for every exercise.
 - [ ] You completed capstone project `languages/cpp/projects/02-core`.
 
+Need guidance while solving? Use [HINTS.md](./HINTS.md).
+
 After finishing this level, continue with [03-advanced](../03-advanced/README.md).

languages/cpp/README.md

@@ -73,6 +73,17 @@ module-name/
 5. Mark progress in `CHECKLIST.md`.
 6. Complete level capstone project in `projects/<level>/`.
 
+## Capstone Projects
+
+Use capstones to combine concepts in a realistic task flow:
+
+- [projects/README.md](./projects/README.md)
+
+## Hint Guides
+
+- [01-foundations/HINTS.md](./01-foundations/HINTS.md)
+- [02-core/HINTS.md](./02-core/HINTS.md)
+
 ## Build Command
 
 ```bash

languages/cpp/projects/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+# C++ Capstone Projects
+
+Capstones are level-based projects that combine multiple modules into one practical program.
+
+## Project Order
+
+1. [01-foundations capstone](./01-foundations/README.md)
+2. [02-core capstone](./02-core/README.md)
+3. [03-advanced capstone](./03-advanced/README.md)
+4. [04-expert capstone](./04-expert/README.md)
+
+## How To Use Capstones
+
+1. Complete all concept modules in the matching level first.
+2. Read the capstone README requirements.
+3. Run the provided `main.cpp`.
+4. Extend the project using the extension ideas.
+
+## Build Command
+
+```bash
+g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic main.cpp -o capstone
+```

languages/python/01-foundations/README.md

@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ This level mirrors the first C++ foundations modules for easy comparison.
 2. [control-flow](./control-flow/README.md)
 3. [functions](./functions/README.md)
 
+Track progress in [../CHECKLIST.md](../CHECKLIST.md).
+
 ## Study Tip
 
 Solve the same topic in C++ and Python back to back to compare syntax and design choices.