Noob question?

IF you where to say, make an app like a DVD burner programme or even say just a basic windows programme, what would you need to learn?, i've been working on C++ console app programming but it seems to be a little restricted in what you can do would you agree? i know you can do wondows programming and i have been taking a look but where do you start? there are so many variations in what you can do what do you think would be the best place to begin your programming journey?.

You need a graphics API... and that's about it.

There are several popular ones like wxWidgets and Motif, depending on the platform you're developing for. You can also use Window's native API which is usually available with any compiler distribution for Windows. Your best bet, however, is to buy a book on GUI programming in C++. You can google for them or search Amazon, there are several. Not only will they explain the ins and outs of it, but they'll also likely be teaching a specific API which could be helpful.

Originally Posted by SlyMaelstrom

You need a graphics API... and that's about it.

There are several popular ones like wxWidgets and Motif, depending on the platform you're developing for. You can also use Window's native API which is usually available with any compiler distribution for Windows. Your best bet, however, is to buy a book on GUI programming in C++. You can google for them or search Amazon, there are several. Not only will they explain the ins and outs of it, but they'll also likely be teaching a specific API which could be helpful.

Cool thanks, i don't know how many people on here are in the same situation as me and it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes looking at all different ways of doing things sometimes i get my self a little to worked up and i think stuff it it's going to take the rest of my life to learn, it's good to come on here and see that if i keep it up i'll get there aventually, is there any other programming noobs out there that do this for a hobby or maybe you used to but now it's a profession?

Originally Posted by wart101

is there any other programming noobs out there that do this for a hobby or maybe you used to but now it's a profession?

No, for most people here, programming is out birthright. We live and breath programming and nothing but programming. We sleep on our programs, we eat our programs, hell, some of us have sex with our programs (*see how Prelude's having a baby? Tee hee).

No, I joke, of course. We've all been where you are. Learning can get overwhelming. Just sit back, take a deep breath... maybe stop all the cramming and work slowly on a personal project, or stop programming all together for a week or two. You'll get the fuel back.


* Please, don't kill me.

Win32 API may also be what you're looking for. It's often called too difficult, but if you've learned it, there is actually nothing too difficult in it and it's worth it if you know how to use it correctly. Win32 API is what every other wrapper is based on. Wrappers just compress several Win32 API functions into fewer functions. Win32 API shows you how the thing really works and how Windows handles it.

I think programming is FUN. And making your own tools just feels great. I no longer have to search for some simple programs that help me out in some things. I can make these programs myself. I've made programs for myself, relatives, friends and classmates. And every time I make such a program I learn something. My biology teacher once said "Ability to learn is what makes people so special among animals."

Originally Posted by maxorator

Win32 API may also be what you're looking for. It's often called too difficult, but if you've learned it, there is actually nothing too difficult in it and it's worth it if you know how to use it correctly. Win32 API is what every other wrapper is based on. Wrappers just compress several Win32 API functions into fewer functions. Win32 API shows you how the thing really works and how Windows handles it.

I think programming is FUN. And making your own tools just feels great. I no longer have to search for some simple programs that help me out in some things. I can make these programs myself. I've made programs for myself, relatives, friends and classmates. And every time I make such a program I learn something. My biology teacher once said "Ability to learn is what makes people so special among animals."

Cheers, i found this tutorial for win32 api programming, what do you think?

http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/

would this be ok to start with or do you recommend something else?

on other thing, what would be a good compiler to use? free if you know one please.

back again, i found a compiler (DEV-C++) and i started using that tutorial it seems ok, i would still like to see what ou guys recommend tho, what i do need tho is a good help file for fuction parameters, do you know of a good resource?

I use code::blocks, it's supported much more than DevC++, daily in-fact.

I use wxDev-C++, which is frequently updated and includes a graphics library (wxWidgets) by default. It even has a resource editor, and it's free

I just got wxDevcpp last night but i haven't tried it yet

I don't really like codeblock, you can't compile a single source code without making a project

i do c++ as a hobby. I haven't done much lately cuz i can't come up with any projects

Originally Posted by h_howee

I don't really like codeblock, you can't compile a single source code without making a project.

You can't do that in Dev-C++ either.

Oh yes you can, you open a single file and press F9.

Oh really *slaps self* Never knew that

so far, i don't like wxDevcpp
I got 4 errors in 20 minutes

Doing what?