Thread: How C do I need to know to start C++

Originally Posted by cyberfish

Also, data structures like vectors and linked lists are only available in C++.

No kidding? Wow, and I have been using them in C for years and never knew I couldn't!

Originally Posted by cyberfish

I have to kindly disagree with Welder. I think C++ is easier with its well-encapsulated libraries. For instance, I think string manipulation (using std::string) in C++ is a lot easier than working with char arrays. I also find iostreams (cin, cout) easier to work with as a beginner than their C counterparts.

cyberfish, yes and no.

C++ is more elegant and flows smoother once you get a grasp on it, but what I was getting at is from a beginner's standpoint there is more to the syntax of the language than C. There are more little things that need to be typed and learned to get a program running, more little things like defining classes and such. It can be overwhelming to a green programmer.

With C you can write functions and little bits of code that a beginner would write, and can do it very easily and not a lot of syntax to remember.

Originally Posted by Abda92

Is there any reason for someone to learn C after C++? and is C++ that much better for a relatively small program (I'm talking about a program ~800 lines).

I think it has more influence the ability of the programmer (not my case :-) ) over the choise of the language.
In assembly programming is easier to call and use function from a C library than from a C++ one. If you are wrinting a low level library maybe you want to consider writing in C.

I recommend C++ simply because of all the tools it provides to help. No handling of memory yourself, and such. Using vectors, maps, string classes, and so on. You can actually focus on the more important tasks in the project.
While C++ can be a little more complex, you don't need to learn all about classes, inheritance, etc, right away. You can just learn some basic C with C++ traits like classes. One should always start with the easy and then advance to the advanced part.
At least that's what I believe is best. I've never written a program in pure C.

Originally Posted by Elysia

While C++ can be a little more complex, you don't need to learn all about classes, inheritance, etc, right away. You can just learn some basic C with C++ traits like classes.

So is it safe to say someone should start right in the middle? :P Maybe learn C+ before C or C++? hehe

Originally Posted by Elysia

I've never written a program in pure C.

You haven't lived! C is my baby.

Originally Posted by Welder

So is it safe to say someone should start right in the middle? :P Maybe learn C+ before C or C++? hehe

Maybe so!

Originally Posted by Welder

You haven't lived! C is my baby.

I have lived! With C++ and traits of C, I've done all kinds of terrible things that any C++ dev would be horried about if they knew
Besides that, I have extensively used (and abused) inheritance, multiple inheritance (I think) and polymorphism.

No kidding? Wow, and I have been using them in C for years and never knew I couldn't!

Of course I was referring to their availability in the standard libraries. =)

I recommend C++ simply because of all the tools it provides to help. No handling of memory yourself, and such. Using vectors, maps, string classes, and so on. You can actually focus on the more important tasks in the project.

That was what I meant.

this is a great community, I ask one question and get 20 responses! I'm glad to be a part of this. I think the best option for me would be to finish this beginners book and then read the next C book i have to get into more detail. After that I will jump into "C++ Without Fear" as this site recommends. I also just signed up to get a degree in Computer Science even though I have my degree is Business Administration, which isn't really doing it for me.

Has anyone recieved their Computer Science degree and learned a lot about programming from it; Or is it mostly just for the piece of paper? I have a full time job now which won't interfere much since I can work from home (websites for a media agency) and the classes are mostly online from the university close by.

Just trying to get an idea of what I can expect on my plate when I get into this program, the classes look exhilarating

Heres some of the classes I think are interesting:

Program Structure (3) Program organization paradigms, programming environments, implementation of a module from specifications, the C and C++ programming languages.

Introduction to Scripting (3) Introduction to scripting languages for the integration of applications and systems. Scripting in operating systems, web pages, server-side application integration, regular expressions, event handling, input validation, selection, repetition, parameter passing, Perl, JavaScript, and PHP

Machine-Level and Systems Programming (3) Machine organization, machine instructions, addressing modes, assembler language, subroutine linkage, linking to higher-level languages, interface to operating systems, introduction to assemblers, loaders and compilers.

Programming Language Theory (3) Syntax, control structures, data binding and scope, language styles, programming in LISP and Prolog, language and automata theory
Logic Design and Microprocessors

Artificial Intelligence Survey of artificial intelligence: natural language processing, vision and robotics, expert systems. Emphasis on fundamental concepts: search, planning, and problem solving, logic, knowledge representation.

Concurrent and High-Performance Programming (3) Principles of concurrent and high performance programming. Multi-threading in C and Java for shared-memory programming. Distributed memory programming with Java. Introduction to cluster computing.

Application Frameworks (3) Experience producing applications with at least two different applications frameworks

Database Systems (3) Principles of database systems, data modeling, relational models, database design, query languages, query optimization, concurrency control data security

Software Engineering I (3) System specification, modeling and analysis, prototyping, hierarchal design, program design methods, cost estimation, project management, computer-aided software design. Team-oriented software-design project.

Sounds cool, but does anyone know from their experience in CS how time is taught working with C/C++?

Ok, thanks, well I knew that CS wouldn't be all about programming. I do wish to learn as much as I can about everything around it.

When it comes to mathematics is any of it done on paper in your school, or all as computer equations like algebra (or C operator formulas)