Yet another newbie programmer

I've caught the programming bug, and have decided to learn C++. I have a specific goal in mind -- to create an Air Traffic Control simulation that is far better than what's on the market already. This sort of thing is pretty light on graphics, mostly just data and symbols moving and changing against a black background.

I'm a fast learner and have lots of time on my hands to read. I don't know if I've started in the right place or not, but C++ just seemed like the right place. I just picked up 3 different books on C++ ranging from 'beginner' to 'advanced'.

I'm currently swimming through a bunch of new terms, like arrays, pointers, OOP, and so on. Can anyone give me some general direction (ie. what to study after I've read and absorbed the C++ books.)

Thanks,

Kenny

C++ (recursively)-> STL (extensively)-> Win32 API (briefly)-> DirectX or OpenGL/SDL.

I would pick up a book on Data Structures, and one on STL, and if studying DirectX.. a lot of books because the online docs suck. If studying OpenGL, the online docs and The Red Book.

I'm assuming you would need 3D in order to accomplish something better than todays (z axis.. sort of required).

If you're interested in how C++ came to be what it is I'd recommend The Design and Evolution of C++, written by it's designer Bjarne Stroustrup:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...215909-3183826

Thanks for the good info. I have a 3-year goal by which time I hope to be proficient at the skills required to create this.

I'm not sure if I'll be creating anything 3D... the x and y axes might do fine. To make a better simulation than what's already out there, I'll need some platform that enables small details (such as targets and numbers) to be crystal clear on screen. Most important will be the use of real-world procedures and rules for such a simulation.

Kenny

I recommend getting Herbert Schildt's C++: The Complete Reference, 4th edition book. It'll serve for any tutorial out there on the web, and it gives a good lineated explanation of C, C++, STL, RTII, the standard library, etc. It's the best C++ book I've ever bought (out 6 books so far?)

You can read the reviews here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...82220?v=glance

Good luck!
Phil

A word of caution- Herbert Schildt's books are notorious for including misinformation and bad design suggestions. They are generally easy to read and follow, and latest version might well be an improvement over previous versions, but be wary that you might be reading the wrong way to do things. This applies to most C++ books you can pick up off the shelf, but Schildt is by far the most widely known of author to stay away from.

I've been programming in C++ for years. There's nothing wrong in his latest edition. I understand his first few editions were horrible, though.

OK, thanks for the book reference. I am currently reading "C++ programming for the absolute beginner" by Dirk Henkemans and Mark Lee.

Stay tuned for my dumb questions :)

Kenny