NetworkSimulator

🧠 Learning Summary: OOP + Shape Simulator Project

This repository contains a learning-based implementation of an object-oriented shape simulator using C++. The project was designed to develop a strong understanding of class design, inheritance, polymorphism, modular code structure, compilation automation, and 2D visualization using SFML.

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📘 Week 1: Learning OOP and Building Shapes

🔹 Section 1.1: Understanding Classes in C++

Resources: [learncpp.com Chapters 14 & 15]

Key Learnings:

• Classes allow bundling data + behavior.
• Understood access specifiers (public, private, protected).
• Constructors, destructors, and initialization lists.
• Created member methods like getLength(), getBreadth(), getArea().

Takeaway: A well-structured class can simplify program logic and extend easily through inheritance.

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🔹 Section 1.2: Multi-file Projects in C++

Resources: [learncpp.com Chapters 2.11, 2.12, 7.8, 7.10]

Key Learnings:

• Separated interface (.h) and implementation (.cpp).
• Header guards to prevent redefinitions.
• Used #include to link files together.

Takeaway: Separation of concerns improves readability and debugging in large projects.

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🔹 Section 1.3: Makefiles and Build Automation

Resources: [Makefile Tutorials]

Key Learnings:

• Automated compilation using Makefile.
• Only modified files are recompiled.
• Commands like make, make clean simplify workflow.

Takeaway: Automating builds is essential in real-world projects to save time and prevent errors.

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🛠️ Tasks & Implementation

✅ Task 1.1: Rectangle Class

• Created class with length, breadth.
• Added methods: getLength(), getBreadth(), getArea(), isSquare().

✅ Task 1.2: Square Class

• Inherited from Rectangle.
• Ensured both sides are equal.
• Overridden relevant methods.

✅ Task 1.3: Shape Hierarchy + Circle

• Introduced abstract base class Shape.
• Derived: Rectangle, Square, Circle.
• Used polymorphism to call derived methods using Shape*.

✅ Task 1.4: Added Ellipse Class

• Created Ellipse with xRadius, yRadius.
• Made Circle inherit from Ellipse with equal radii.

✅ Task 1.5: getShape() Mapping

Each shape class implements int getShape():

Shape	ID
Rectangle	0
Square	1
Circle	2
Ellipse	3

📘 Week 3: UML Design & Visualization with SFML

🧩 Task 1.1: Understanding UML

Resources: UML introductory videos, tools like draw.io, StarUML, PlantUML.

Key Learnings:

• UML (Unified Modeling Language) helps in visualizing and planning class relationships before coding.
• Diagrams created:
  • Class diagrams showing inheritance between Shape, Rectangle, Square, Ellipse, Circle.
  • Attributes and public method signatures.
• Benefits:
  • Easier debugging.
  • Cleaner and modular design.
  • Reduces interdependencies and simplifies extensions.

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🧩 Task 1.2: Creating UML Diagram for Shape Classes

• Represented following relationships:
  • Shape is an abstract base class.
  • Rectangle, Square, Ellipse, and Circle inherit from Shape.
  • Circle inherits from Ellipse.
  • Optional: A Coordinate class included to handle positions.
• Each class includes:
  • Attributes: dimensions (length, breadth, radius), position.
  • Methods: getShape(), getArea(), translate(), etc.

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🧩 Task 1.3: Canvas Class Implementation

• Class: Canvas

  • Stores shapes using: std::vector<Shape*> shapes;
  • Method: void addShape(Shape* shape); to add a shape to canvas.
  • Method: void displayCanvas(); renders all shapes in a graphical window.

• Display Logic with SFML:

  • Each shape implements a draw(sf::RenderWindow&) method.
  • Canvas::displayCanvas() loops over all shapes and calls their draw() method.
  • Promotes separation of concerns: rendering handled by each shape individually.

Tools Used:

• SFML Library for 2D graphics.
• Installed using:

  sudo apt install libsfml-dev