---
title: "Basic Concepts  (C++)"
ms.custom: "index-page"
ms.date: "12/11/2019"
helpviewer_keywords: ["C++, basic language concepts"]
ms.assetid: 961801e6-2ffd-4bf1-bb71-7f55e48d9c79
---
# Basic Concepts  (C++)

This section explains concepts that are critical to understanding C++. C programmers will be familiar with many of these concepts, but there are some subtle differences that can cause unexpected program results. The following topics are included:

- [C++ type system](cpp-type-system-modern-cpp.md)
- [Scope](scope-visual-cpp.md)
- [Translation units and linkage](program-and-linkage-cpp.md)
- [main function and command-line arguments](main-function-command-line-args.md)
- [Program termination](program-termination.md)
- [Lvalues and rvalues](lvalues-and-rvalues-visual-cpp.md)
- [Temporary objects](temporary-objects.md)
- [Alignment](alignment-cpp-declarations.md)
- [Trivial, standard-layout and POD types](trivial-standard-layout-and-pod-types.md)

## See also

[C++ Language Reference](cpp-language-reference.md)