A lightweight, console-based authentication system built to explore core C++ syntax and data structures. This project serves as a practical bridge for developers transitioning from C# to C++.

The primary goal of this project is to move beyond isolated algorithmic problems (LeetCode) and build a cohesive application using the C++ Standard Template Library (STL). It focuses on translating C# Dictionary and List concepts into their C++ equivalents.

Key Learning Objectives:

• STL Mastery: Using std::unordered_map for O(1) key-value lookups (simulating a database).
• String Manipulation: Handling std::string input and comparison.
• I/O Streams: Understanding C++ Input/Output (cin / cout) vs C# Console methods.
• Control Flow: implementing logic to handle duplicate users and validation.

• User Registration: * Accepts new username/password inputs.
  • Validates uniqueness using map.count() (prevents duplicates).
• User Login: * Authenticates credentials against stored data.
  • Provides feedback on success or failure.
• Session Loop: * The application runs continuously until the user explicitly selects "Exit".

• Language: C++ (C++17 recommended)
• IDE: Visual Studio 2022
• Core Structure: std::unordered_map<string, string>

• Visual Studio 2022 (with "Desktop development with C++" workload installed).

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone [https://github.com/HarryJamesVowles/Cpp-Login-System.git](https://github.com/HarryJamesVowles/Cpp-Login-System.git)

2. Open the Console-Based Login and Registration System.sln file in Visual Studio.
3. Ensure "Console-Based Login and Registration System" is set as the Startup Project (Right-click project name -> Set as Startup Project).
4. Press F5 (or click the Green Play Button) to build and run.

This project template and learning path were developed with guidance from Google Gemini, focusing on the syntax differences between C# and C++ for algorithmic problem solving.