Thread: Looking to learn C++

  1. #1
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    Looking to learn C++

    Ok, I know absoloutely NOTHING about programming, don't know any languages of programmign etc. Now i'm only 14 and would like to learn C++. Mainly because to my knowledge it will allow me (hopefully/eventually) to program games and programs for Windows. I already have a compiler and have read a 'beginner' tutorial/intro off of this site and I am baffled. I don't understand how it works and am not too sure where to start learning. So can you guys and girls give me some advice? I saw a book on the internet named ' C++ for dummies' and was wondering if that'd be any good to learn from scratch? What do you think?
    Also using C++ would I be able to make things like:

    - A 3d 'Gladiator' Game.
    - A online poker game, like Poker Room.
    - A instant messager, like MSN.
    - A 'Paint' program like MS Paint

    These are just examples, assuming I had the 'knowledge', would I be able to make programs like them?

    Also, with C++ do you have to either learn to code programs or games? Would it be too complicated to learn both? Or do they involve the same things generally?

    One last question - Putting in 30-60 minutes a day of learning how long would it take for me to be 'fluent' in C++ and allow me to progam a fairly complex program, e.g a instant messenger?

    Thanks for taking the time for reading this, i'm sorry for blabbing on but I'm a newbie seeking advice! HEHE

    Fuzzy91.

  2. #2
    #define WORLD "sad place" LinuxCoder's Avatar
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    Hi Fuzzy91,

    From my experience programming is one of the most fullfilling things, it allows you to express creativity by creating new stuff and by expanding existing ones. It develops some analytical and logical thinking which can wok to your advantage in your future life even if it's not directly related to programming.

    Now comes the downside, it can be hugely frustrating when you're starting, when i started i was always expecting things to be much simpler than they turned out to be, so don't expect miracles and don't expect to be making Half-Life 3 any time soon. Of course it will take you some time to get into the programming ways of thinking but i fully advise people to stick to it and not to let the unavoidable frustrations that arise when learning it turn one's will down. Remember that for any problem that you face when programming a whole lot of knowledge comes flushing in into your being.

    Btw, All of those desired projects can be accomplished through C++

    Best of luck with your learning.

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    Thanks for the reply mate. Ok so now i'm guessing most
    programs if not all can be accomplished through c++.

    Anyone got any good methods of learning c++?

    Please continue to relpy to first set of ?'s to!

    Thanks.

    Fuzzy91

  4. #4
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    > I know absoloutely NOTHING about programming, don't know any languages of programmign etc.
    I'd say you should pick an interpreted language to start with, say VB or python. These usually tell you when you make a mess of things at the point you go wrong. C++ usually lets you do it anyway, and then you find out it was wrong much later on.

    Learn how to program first (pick an easy language to learn with), then learn a language of choice to get actual work done.

    > Putting in 30-60 minutes a day of learning how long would it take for me to be 'fluent' in C++
    5 years, maybe more.
    Sure, in a couple of months, people will be able to give you a C++ program and you'll have a good chance of being able to describe what it does, but that's a long way off being able to produce the work yourself.

    > and allow me to progam a fairly complex program, e.g a instant messenger?
    And another 5+ years.
    Understand that things like messenger are the work of many people over a long period of time. The amount of effort in most commercial programs is measured in 10's, if not 100's of "man-years". And that's putting in 8+ hours per day, not 30 minutes.

    Like any practiced skill, it takes a lot more than 30 minutes a day to get any good at it.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

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    Also using C++ would I be able to make things like:
    Yes, but it will take you weeks to learn just the basic things. Be patient.



    Also, with C++ do you have to either learn to code programs or games? Would it be too complicated to learn both? Or do they involve the same things generally?
    A game is a program. There is no apparent difference where coding is involved.



    One last question - Putting in 30-60 minutes a day of learning how long would it take for me to be 'fluent' in C++ and allow me to progam a fairly complex program, e.g a instant messenger?
    Hmm... couple years? Maybe more? And I'm not taking into account the fact that many beginners quit while they're ahead...
    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    void J(char*a){int f,i=0,c='1';for(;a[i]!='0';++i)if(i==81){
    puts(a);return;}for(;c<='9';++c){for(f=0;f<9;++f)if(a[i-i%27+i%9
    /3*3+f/3*9+f%3]==c||a[i%9+f*9]==c||a[i-i%9+f]==c)goto e;a[i]=c;J(a);a[i]
    ='0';e:;}}int main(int c,char**v){int t=0;if(c>1){for(;v[1][
    t];++t);if(t==81){J(v[1]);return 0;}}puts("sudoku [0-9]{81}");return 1;}

  6. #6
    Supermassive black hole cboard_member's Avatar
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    I've been programming in C++ for close to 4 years and consider myself intermediate and I don't consider programming to be something you ever stop learning either.

    I feel comfortable with the language all round, it's mainly my design choices that let me down on larger projects.
    Good class architecture is not like a Swiss Army Knife; it should be more like a well balanced throwing knife.

    - Mike McShaffry

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    A great way to begin is to pick up a book or read online examples and tutorials. If your school has ANY programming courses definately take them. As LinuxCoder said it is an unlimited field for expression and creativity, but it does take a lot of time to become proficient. I myself have been programming a couple of years and am still horrible, although I learn something new every time I write anything which is very rewarding. Any of the Deitel and Deitel books are great to start out with.

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    Has anyone got any work they've done in C++ which they can show me, as an example? And maybe share the code so I can read through it just to see how it works? Thanks

  9. #9
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    Good class architecture is not like a Swiss Army Knife; it should be more like a well balanced throwing knife.

    - Mike McShaffry

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    I'm in the UK, and was wondering, is there anyone who'd like to tutor me in C++ over MSN? Preferabeley in UK so we'd be on at compatible times, and someone who'll have enough time too? Was just a thought as this'd help me greatly! Thanks, Fuzzy!

  11. #11
    Supermassive black hole cboard_member's Avatar
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    Hmm I'm the same time zone as you and I guess I could do something now I've got the easter hols coming up (1 more week of college to endure).

    Not sure about tutoring but I could answer some questions and maybe set you some exercises here and there but nothing more than a couple of hours a day.

    If you're really serious about learning this then you'll also want to be looking at online material and books alongside too.

    I'm sure there'll be some times in the near future that I'll regret posting this, but I need something to do for two weeks
    Good class architecture is not like a Swiss Army Knife; it should be more like a well balanced throwing knife.

    - Mike McShaffry

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    Thanks, whats ya MSN? And what times are you often online? :P

  13. #13
    Supermassive black hole cboard_member's Avatar
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    [email protected]
    Usually between 9am and 10pm. Usually
    I'm on now.
    Good class architecture is not like a Swiss Army Knife; it should be more like a well balanced throwing knife.

    - Mike McShaffry

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    Just adding you!

    Anyone else want to help out?

    Thanks! :P

  15. #15
    Supermassive black hole cboard_member's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fuzzy91
    Just adding you!

    Anyone else want to help out?

    Thanks! :P
    Someone please say yes.
    Good class architecture is not like a Swiss Army Knife; it should be more like a well balanced throwing knife.

    - Mike McShaffry

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