Thread: Good Book to learn C++

  1. #1
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    Good Book to learn C++

    Iw as wandering if anyone can recomend a book to learn Visual C++ from scratch quickly.

    I am familiar with C, but never used Visual programming.
    I have to make a GUI to perform a bunch of functions. Time is as always limited.

    Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    VA National Guard The Brain's Avatar
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    From scratch quickly == "C++ in 21 days"

    making a GUI.. hmm.. how about, "windows programming with c++" by Henning Hansen.. windows programming in under 300 pages.
    Last edited by The Brain; 06-13-2005 at 05:28 PM.
    • "Problem Solving C++, The Object of Programming" -Walter Savitch
    • "Data Structures and Other Objects using C++" -Walter Savitch
    • "Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers" -Kip Irvine
    • "Programming Windows, 5th edition" -Charles Petzold
    • "Visual C++ MFC Programming by Example" -John E. Swanke
    • "Network Programming Windows" -Jones/Ohlund
    • "Sams Teach Yourself Game Programming in 24 Hours" -Michael Morrison
    • "Mathmatics for 3D Game Programming & Computer Graphics" -Eric Lengyel

  3. #3
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    ...from scratch quickly.
    Eeek! This may not be an exact quote, but Petzold says "It genarally takes about 6 months to learn Windows Programming, but if you study hard, you can learn it in 180 days."

    Here's a tutorial.

    Petzold's book will teach you to program the Windows API "from scratch." You only have to know C.

    I can't recommend an MFC book, but MFC is supposed to make it easier by "packaging" the WinAPI.

  4. #4
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    "Ivor Horton's Beginning Visual C++ 6"

    The first 12 chapters are on overview of C++, and the next 12 chapters are on Visual C++. I don't think there is a quick way to learn Visual C++, especially since you don't know C++.

    It sounds like what you want is Visual Basic(VB6). MS doesn't sell VB6 compilers anymore, so you would have to buy one on Ebay(make sure it's not a restricted educational license). I don't know whether you can get an open source VB6 compiler or not.

    Or, you can purchase a VB.NET compiler and learn VB.NET.
    Last edited by 7stud; 06-13-2005 at 12:58 PM.

  5. #5
    Politics&Cpp geek Da-Nuka's Avatar
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    I have read Petzolds book..its really great! A god damn bible, thogh...

    To learn real programming i reccomend doing the following:

    -Read a C++ book covering all the basic stuff.... (You will only be making programs which runs in windows-command-window).

    -Then read Petzolds windowsbook

    You will be into it after about 180 days... I spent about that time, but hey, im just 16, and I read it in english, and i am nowegian and dont speak english

  6. #6
    Weak. dra's Avatar
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    not sure on a Visual C++, but for the standard library and ANSI standard C++, I'd recommend Accelerated C++.

  7. #7
    samurai warrior nextus's Avatar
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    "Programming Windows, 5th edition" -Charles Petzold

    very very good book
    nextus, the samurai warrior

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by 7stud
    It sounds like what you want is Visual Basic(VB6). MS doesn't sell VB6 compilers anymore, so you would have to buy one on Ebay(make sure it's not a restricted educational license). I don't know whether you can get an open source VB6 compiler or not.

    Or, you can purchase a VB.NET compiler and learn VB.NET.
    IMO 7stud is right.

    If you want to write a very fast GUI application you have to (temporarily) convert to some other language (yes, I hate VB but I use it)...

    Three possible solutions, in unordered listing:

    (a) use some Basic language: http://basic.mindteq.com/ for a great list, including Open Sources
    (b) use some Scripting language: http://cwashington.netreach.net/
    (c) use VC++ but avoid MFC: get better the GUI libraries at www.wxwindows.org or http://www.trolltech.com/products/qt/index.html (both open source and multiplatform)

    Best regards, bilbo

  9. #9
    Programmer Frantic-'s Avatar
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    i just bought sams teach your self c++ in 24 hours. Excellent book, it covers the basics of programming like ifs loop, but its more focused on the more complicated and important aspects if c++ like classes, pointers, references, functions, function over loading, arrays,pre processor, object oriented design and error handling.

    Cant forget polymorphism and inheritance!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frantic-
    i just bought sams teach your self c++ in 24 hours
    C++ <-------> Visual C++

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