Thread: Started using C++ Without Fear to learn--novice questions!

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    Started using C++ Without Fear to learn--novice questions!

    Hi everyone,

    I picked up Brian Overland's "C++ Without Fear" last week to see what C++ is all about. I've never touched C++ before this and the most programming-related experience I have is writing a few basic scripts in Visual Basic for Excel and I've used SAS before. So far, I'm following the book and understanding almost everything (and more importantly, really getting into it and enjoying it), but there is one issue I have...

    I was unable to get the compiler supplied with the book working (it has you do everything in a DOS shell, which I've NEVER used before) and finally just gave up and downloaded Dev-C++ to use. I do have a working compiler now, but it made me realize how little I know about using my computer. I don't know anything about using DOS and struggled with what seemed to be common knowledge in the world of computers.

    I like the Overland book and have been using it in conjunction with the tutorials on this site, but I'm worried my lack of overall computer knowledge is going to hinder me if I do become serious with C++ and programming in general to make it more than just a hobby. The book explains the code and why certain things act the way that they do, but gives absolutely NO direction to the complete amateur it's geared toward in terms of how to use the compiler (or even where the files are once you extract them). I couldn't get the environmental variables to work and needed a much more step-by-step walkthrough on using a compiler than the book gave. Luckily, Bloodshed is pretty straightforward...

    Can anyone recommend some basic books/websites/any supplements to the Overland book that will help me not only expand my C++ knowledge, but my computer knowledge in general?

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    Banned master5001's Avatar
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    C++ for Dummies, perhaps. There are also plenty of things one can simply google. I recommend googling questions as you have them. And feeling free to ask us questions as needed. Just don't assume everyone is always going to be nice about your educational process. However, don't let us discourage you, it will be fun!

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    C++まいる!Cをこわせ!
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    Visual Studio is for the dummies. One button to compile, one button to run, basically.
    Plenty of "getting started" tutorials for it, too, I would bet.
    But... I would recommend a little computer knowledge if you're into programming. It would probably help. There should be plenty of tutorials about all kinds of things on google, though I can't recommend a specific site.

    Anyway, yeah, ask questions here if you get stuck. Best way to get better is to ask.
    Quote Originally Posted by Adak View Post
    io.h certainly IS included in some modern compilers. It is no longer part of the standard for C, but it is nevertheless, included in the very latest Pelles C versions.
    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    You mean it's included as a crutch to help ancient programmers limp along without them having to relearn too much.

    Outside of your DOS world, your header file is meaningless.

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    Banned master5001's Avatar
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    The tech board is all about those kinds of questions. Unfortunately its also way under trafficed. However, usually the people who read that forum are people like me, Elysia, CornedBee, laserlight, matsp and tabstop who typically do have suitable answers for you.

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    Thanks for the responses! Glad to see that there are some helpful people on the forums.

    Elysia--you recommend "a little computer knowledge." Are there any areas specifically that I should explore that go hand-in-hand with programming? It's a little overwhelming knowing how much stuff a computer can do and all the details associated with those things, so I don't know where to start!

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    Cat without Hat CornedBee's Avatar
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    Are there any areas specifically that I should explore that go hand-in-hand with programming?
    The command line and its philosophy are good to know.

    Also, a bit of basic computer architecture is also very good to know.
    All the buzzt!
    CornedBee

    "There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
    - Flon's Law

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    Banned master5001's Avatar
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    If you can talk to us without needing to google what we are talking about, you are in good shape.

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