How to start

i was wondering how to start programming? i know its kinda dumb but i want to get a good start and not be lost doing it. Wonder how u guys got started. Classes? books or just messing with it What would u recomend for a complete beginner

desire
books/tutorials
compiler

mix the three together, simmer for a couple years

result: a relatively competent beginning C++ programmer

and where to get them i was wonder taking classes was easier

you don't need to go to class, in fact its far more productive to learn yourself (in my opinion), get a good beginners book and before you know it you'll get a grip of the subject.

Some people say you should learn C first but i didn't and i'm doing fine, if you can't afford a book or even if you get one, read as many different tutorials on the net as possible, the tutorials in here are excellant.

Get programming!

for c++ and compiler

there are three books i would reccomend for each stage of learning, they are:

Excellant beginner books, has all the basics:
Programming and Problem Solving with C++
Nell Dale - Chip Weems - Mark Headington

Programming with the API:
The only book to get is pretzold
Windows Programming

Programming with MFC:
jeff prosise
Its called something like Windows programming with MFC or something, i can't find my copy right now


Good luck.

I just started programming about a year ago. I would suggest downloading Bloodshed's Dev-C++ Compiler. I does C, C++, and some Windows. You can download it at:
http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html
I also suggest going and getting Visual C++ 6 for Dummies or C++ for Dummies. You can pick that up at
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
I started using C++ and Bloodshed Dev-C++. This board is a good source for the harder problems that the books don't cover. There are a lot of good programmers on this board.

Hope this helps