Having just learned what C++ game variables are and that they store values that represent the objects in our games it is probably obvious that these values held by our variables will need to change as the game progresses. We can achieve this with C++ operators. Operators in C++ are just like mathematical operators and many of them are the same symbol. So if you coped with junior school math you will have no problem with this tutorial. Let’s start by looking at a list of some of the frequently used C++ operators.
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C++ operators

Here is a list of some of the most useful C++ operators that allow us to do things with our game’s variables. The assignment operator which we have already seen ( =): This makes the variable to the left of the operator the same as the value to the right. For example look at other ways we might use the C++ assignment operator:

// Player gets a new high score
hiScore = score;

or

// Set the score to 100
score = 100;

The addition operator ( +): This adds the values on either side of the operator. It is usually used in conjunction with the assignment operator, such as:

// Add to the score when an alien is shot
score = aliensShot + wavesCleared;

or

// Add 100 to whatever the score currently is
score = score + 100;

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Notice that it is perfectly acceptable to use the same variable on both sides of an operator.
The subtraction operator ( -): This subtracts the value on the right side of the operator from the value on the left. It is usually used in conjunction with the assignment operator, perhaps:

// Uh oh lost a life
lives = lives - 1;

or

// How many aliens left at end of game
aliensRemaining = aliensRemaining - numberAliesDestroyed;

The division operator ( /): This divides the number on the left by the number on the right. Again, it is usually used with the assignment operator, like this:

// Make the remaining hit points lower based on the value in swordLevel
hitPoints = hitPoints / swordLevel;

or

// Give player something back for recycling a block
recycledValueOfBlock = originalValue / .9;

Obviously, in the previous example, the variable recycledValueOfBlock will need to be of the type float to be multiplied by the value .9.
The multiplication operator ( *): Perhaps unsurprisingly, multiplies variables and numbers, such as:

// answer is equal to 100 - of course
answer = 10 * 10;

or

// biggerAnswer = 1000 - duh
biggerAnswer = 10 * 10 * 10;

As an aside have you ever wondered how C++ got its name? C++ is an extension of the C language. It’s inventor Bjarne Stroustrup originally called it “C with classes” but the name evolved. If you are interested read the C++ story.

The increment operator ( ++): This is a really neat way to add 1 to the value of one of our game’s variables.

This:

// Add one to myVariable
myVariable = myVariable + 1;

is the same as this:

// Much neater and quicker
myVariable ++;

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The decrement operator ( --): You guessed it, a really neat way to subtract 1 from something.

playerHealth = playerHealth -1;

is the same as:

playerHealth --;

What next

Perhaps surprisingly we know enough C++ to actually get some game-like action in a real C++ program. If you would like to practice what you have learned in this and the previous tutorial about game variables try the mini-project C++ game variables demo which uses the SFML C++ game library. In the next tutorial, Checking for conditions in our game we will try using some declarations, assignments, and operators. When we bundle these elements together into some meaningful syntax, we call it an expression.