Implement curriculum expansion, capstones, parity track, and build validation

Author: lucasbellesi

.github/workflows/cpp-build.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+name: C++ Build Matrix
+
+on:
+  push:
+  pull_request:
+
+jobs:
+  build-linux:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Install g++
+        run: |
+          sudo apt update
+          sudo apt install -y g++
+
+      - name: Compile all C++ files
+        run: bash ./scripts/build-all.sh
+
+  build-windows:
+    runs-on: windows-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Setup MSYS2
+        uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
+        with:
+          update: true
+          install: >-
+            mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-gcc
+
+      - name: Compile all C++ files
+        shell: msys2 {0}
+        run: |
+          ./scripts/build-all.sh

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -19,12 +19,18 @@ Thank you for contributing to this repository.
 g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic <file>.cpp -o <output>
 ```
 
+You can also validate all C++ files with:
+
+- `./scripts/build-all.ps1` (PowerShell)
+- `bash ./scripts/build-all.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.
 
 ## Content Expectations
 
 - New concept modules should follow the existing folder layout.
+- Every concept README should include: `Quick Run`, `Topics Covered`, `Common Pitfalls`, `Exercise Focus`, and `Checkpoint`.
 - Every exercise file must contain complete, runnable content.
 - Avoid external dependencies and test frameworks for C++ modules.
 - Keep examples aligned with C++17.

README.md

@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@
 
 An educational repository for learning programming languages through focused concepts, runnable examples, and hands-on exercises.
 
-The first fully implemented track is **C++ (C++17)**, designed for beginners while following solid coding practices.
+The first fully implemented track is **C++ (C++17)**.  
+Content is designed for VS Code-first workflows and cross-platform execution (Windows MSYS2/MinGW + Linux g++).
 
 ## Project Goals
 
@@ -17,35 +18,27 @@ The first fully implemented track is **C++ (C++17)**, designed for beginners whi
 learn-programming-languages-with-examples/
   .vscode/                  # VS Code tasks and recommendations
   templates/                # Reusable concept layout for new modules
+  scripts/                  # Build validation scripts (PowerShell + Bash)
   languages/
     cpp/                    # Active C++ track (implemented)
-    python/                 # Planned track
+    python/                 # Python parity track (foundations started)
     go/                     # Planned track
     csharp/                 # Planned track
+  STUDY_PLAN.md             # 4-week guided learning plan
 ```
 
-Main C++ content lives in `languages/cpp` and is split into numbered modules.
+Main C++ content lives in `languages/cpp` and is split into measurable levels:
 
-Current C++ foundations modules:
+- `01-foundations`
+- `02-core`
+- `03-advanced`
+- `04-expert`
 
-- `types-and-io`
-- `control-flow`
-- `functions`
-- `arrays-and-vectors`
-- `strings`
+Python parity starter modules live in `languages/python/01-foundations`:
 
-Current C++ core modules:
-
-- `02-core/input-validation`
-- `02-core/algorithms-basics`
-
-Current C++ advanced modules:
-
-- `03-advanced/structs-and-classes`
-
-Current C++ expert modules:
-
-- `04-expert/memory-management-and-raii`
+- [`types-and-io`](languages/python/01-foundations/types-and-io/README.md)
+- [`control-flow`](languages/python/01-foundations/control-flow/README.md)
+- [`functions`](languages/python/01-foundations/functions/README.md)
 
 ## Guided Learning Path
 
@@ -55,9 +48,10 @@ Current C++ expert modules:
    - read `README.md`
    - run `example/main.cpp`
    - solve `exercises/01.cpp` and `exercises/02.cpp`
-   - after foundations, continue with `languages/cpp/02-core`, then `languages/cpp/03-advanced`, then `languages/cpp/04-expert`
+   - follow the level order from foundations to expert
 4. Mark progress in `languages/cpp/CHECKLIST.md`
-5. Repeat until all modules are complete
+5. Build capstones in `languages/cpp/projects/`
+6. Follow weekly pacing in `STUDY_PLAN.md`
 
 ## Compile And Run (C++17)
 
@@ -90,6 +84,30 @@ VS Code users can also run the included build task in `.vscode/tasks.json` to co
 3. Run the task `Run active C++ file` from the command palette (`Tasks: Run Task`).
 4. Use `Build and run active C++ file` for one-step iteration while studying exercises.
 
+## Build Validation Scripts
+
+You can compile all C++ examples and exercises with:
+
+PowerShell:
+
+```powershell
+./scripts/build-all.ps1
+```
+
+Bash:
+
+```bash
+bash ./scripts/build-all.sh
+```
+
+Both scripts compile each `*.cpp` file under `languages/cpp` with:
+
+```bash
+g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic
+```
+
+CI also validates this on Linux and Windows in `.github/workflows/cpp-build.yml`.
+
 ## Contribution Summary
 
 Contributions are welcome. Please:

STUDY_PLAN.md

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# 4-Week Study Plan (C++ Track)
+
+This plan assumes 5 study days per week, 60-90 minutes per day.
+
+## Week 1 - Foundations I
+
+- Complete `01-foundations/types-and-io`
+- Complete `01-foundations/operators-and-expressions`
+- Complete `01-foundations/control-flow`
+- Complete `01-foundations/functions`
+
+Deliverables:
+
+- All exercises solved for these modules.
+- Notes on at least 3 common input/control-flow mistakes.
+
+## Week 2 - Foundations II + First Capstone
+
+- Complete `01-foundations/arrays-and-vectors`
+- Complete `01-foundations/strings`
+- Complete `01-foundations/scope-and-lifetime-basics`
+- Complete `01-foundations/formatted-output-and-iomanip`
+- Build `languages/cpp/projects/01-foundations`
+
+Deliverables:
+
+- All exercises solved.
+- Foundations capstone runs from VS Code task flow.
+
+## Week 3 - Core + Core Capstone
+
+- Complete all modules in `02-core`
+- Build `languages/cpp/projects/02-core`
+
+Deliverables:
+
+- Core exercises solved.
+- Core capstone parses file input and writes output report.
+
+## Week 4 - Advanced + Expert Essentials
+
+- Complete all modules in `03-advanced`
+- Complete `04-expert/memory-management-and-raii`
+- Complete `04-expert/smart-pointers-in-depth`
+- Build `languages/cpp/projects/03-advanced` and `languages/cpp/projects/04-expert`
+
+Deliverables:
+
+- Advanced/expert exercises solved.
+- Clear written explanation of ownership and thread safety basics.
+
+## Weekly Review Checklist
+
+- [ ] I can run every module example from terminal and VS Code.
+- [ ] I can explain why each exercise solution works.
+- [ ] I documented at least 2 bugs/mistakes I fixed this week.
+- [ ] I updated `languages/cpp/CHECKLIST.md`.

languages/cpp/00-setup/README.md

@@ -66,3 +66,17 @@ Windows (MSYS2 shell):
 - Build task compiles the currently open C++ file in place.
 - Run task executes the compiled binary from the same folder.
 - Combined task builds and runs for faster exercise iteration.
+
+## Build All Examples and Exercises
+
+PowerShell:
+
+```powershell
+./scripts/build-all.ps1
+```
+
+Bash:
+
+```bash
+bash ./scripts/build-all.sh
+```

languages/cpp/01-foundations/README.md

@@ -1,25 +1,30 @@
 # 01 Foundations
 
-This section builds the core mental model needed for all later C++ topics.
+This level builds the beginner mental model for writing small C++ programs.
 
 ## Module Order
 
 1. [types-and-io](./types-and-io/README.md)
-2. [control-flow](./control-flow/README.md)
-3. [functions](./functions/README.md)
-4. [arrays-and-vectors](./arrays-and-vectors/README.md)
-5. [strings](./strings/README.md)
+2. [operators-and-expressions](./operators-and-expressions/README.md)
+3. [control-flow](./control-flow/README.md)
+4. [functions](./functions/README.md)
+5. [arrays-and-vectors](./arrays-and-vectors/README.md)
+6. [strings](./strings/README.md)
+7. [scope-and-lifetime-basics](./scope-and-lifetime-basics/README.md)
+8. [formatted-output-and-iomanip](./formatted-output-and-iomanip/README.md)
 
-Follow this order. Each concept depends on the previous one.
+## Level Outcomes
 
-After finishing this section, continue with [02-core](../02-core/README.md).
+- Read user input safely and print formatted output.
+- Build programs with conditions, loops, and reusable functions.
+- Process collections using arrays/vectors and basic string operations.
+- Explain variable scope and lifetime in simple programs.
 
-## How To Study
+## Done When
 
-For each module:
+- [ ] You completed every module in this level.
+- [ ] You solved all exercises (`01.cpp` and `02.cpp`) for each module.
+- [ ] You can compile each file with `-std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic`.
+- [ ] You completed capstone project `languages/cpp/projects/01-foundations`.
 
-1. Read `README.md`.
-2. Compile and run `example/main.cpp`.
-3. Solve `exercises/01.cpp`.
-4. Solve `exercises/02.cpp`.
-5. Mark progress in `../CHECKLIST.md`.
+After finishing this level, continue with [02-core](../02-core/README.md).

languages/cpp/01-foundations/arrays-and-vectors/README.md

@@ -1,47 +1,47 @@
 # Arrays and Vectors
 
-This module introduces collections of values and how to process them safely.
+This module introduces fixed-size and dynamic collections in C++.
 
-## Why This Matters
+## Quick Run
 
-Real programs rarely use only one variable. You often work with lists of data such as scores, prices, or names.
+```bash
+g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -Wextra -pedantic example/main.cpp -o arrays_and_vectors_example
+./arrays_and_vectors_example
+```
 
 ## Topics Covered
 
-### Arrays
-
-- Fixed size, decided at creation time.
-- Good for small, known-size data.
+- Fixed-size arrays (`T values[N]`).
+- Dynamic arrays with `std::vector<T>`.
+- Index-based and range-based iteration.
+- Safe indexing and input count validation.
 
-```cpp
-int scores[3] = {85, 90, 78};
-```
+## Common Pitfalls
 
-### `std::vector`
+- Accessing out-of-range indexes.
+- Mixing signed and unsigned indexes carelessly.
+- Forgetting to validate `n` before reading values.
 
-- Dynamic size (can grow or shrink).
-- Safer and more flexible than raw arrays for beginners.
-
-```cpp
-std::vector<int> scores;
-scores.push_back(85);
-scores.push_back(90);
-```
+## Exercise Focus
 
-### Iteration
+- `exercises/01.cpp`: print user-provided integers in reverse order.
+- `exercises/02.cpp`: count frequency of a target number in a vector.
 
-- Index-based loops when you need positions.
-- Range-based loops when you only need values.
+### Exercise Specs
 
-### Common Pitfalls
+1. `exercises/01.cpp`
+- Input: integer `n`, then `n` integers.
+- Output: values in reverse order.
+- Edge cases: `n <= 0` should print a friendly message; repeated values should remain repeated in output.
 
-- Accessing out-of-range indexes (for example, `values[values.size()]`).
-- Mixing signed `int` and unsigned `size_t` carelessly.
-- Forgetting to validate how many values were read from input.
+2. `exercises/02.cpp`
+- Input: integer `n`, then `n` integers, then one target integer.
+- Output: number of occurrences of target.
+- Edge cases: target not found should print `0`; all values equal target should print `n`.
 
 ## Checkpoint
 
-- [ ] I understand fixed-size arrays vs dynamic vectors.
-- [ ] I can add values to a vector using `push_back`.
-- [ ] I can loop through values and compute results.
-- [ ] I completed `exercises/01.cpp` and `exercises/02.cpp`.
+- [ ] I can choose between arrays and vectors.
+- [ ] I can loop over vectors safely.
+- [ ] I can solve frequency/counting tasks with vectors.
+- [ ] I completed both exercises.