Is this a good place to start...

I've decided to learn to program. I'm starting with C++ and just got the Overland book. If it goes well I'll probably learn other languages as well.

Question I have...I'm in my 40's and I'm wondering if it's too late to do this as a profession. For now it's a hobby, but maybe it can become more than that.

I'm currently doing Computer Aided Design(autocad, solidworks). I've been at that for 12 years, but I'd like to try something new or at least different.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Spike

We can't teach an old dog new tricks. Luckily, you're not a dog. I think.

It's never too late to start learning something (anything) new. Work your way through that book, doing all the exercises until you get it. Come back and post questions in the C++ forum if you get stuck, and you'll get lots of great help.

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Originally Posted by tabl3six

I've decided to learn to program. I'm starting with C++ and just got the Overland book. If it goes well I'll probably learn other languages as well.

Question I have...I'm in my 40's and I'm wondering if it's too late to do this as a profession. For now it's a hobby, but maybe it can become more than that.

I'm currently doing Computer Aided Design(autocad, solidworks). I've been at that for 12 years, but I'd like to try something new or at least different.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Spike

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I'd say go for it... I'm pushing the big 60 and learning new stuff all the time. Spent years in Pascal, moved to C about 7 years ago, now I'm working through C++... As long as the ole noggin' still works age means nothing...

Grab some good textbooks and tutorials (there are lots on line... Google is your friend) Get an up to date compiler setup such as MinGw, GCC or VC++ ... work through the book page by page, example by example, play with the code and don't move on until you understand what you have so far. It takes a little time, but it's well worth the effort... Programming comes with a learning curve, don't take shortcuts.

I'll bet you do just fine.

Thanks for the replies. Overland's book suggests the dev-c++ complier. I've also downloaded the one suggested by this website, "Code::Blocks".

They both seem basic enough for a beginner. Should I stick with those, or maybe set up MinGw, GCC or VC++ like Tater suggested? I'd like to eventually start using VisualC++, but I'm in no hurry.

Dev-C++ is outdated and no longer maintained, so I would avoid that. Code::Blocks is great, though it's technically just an IDE. You can use any compiler you want with it, though MinGW is probably the most common one. It's a port of GCC for Windows. Another alternative that many here like is Pelles C. GCC is my favorite, but it's command line only, is just a compiler (no built-in editor, debugger, etc), and only for *nix systems.

When coding in C++ I tend to use Code::Blocks quite a bit. The compiler I normally use with Code::Blocks is MingW (which as anduril already stated is just GCC ported to Windows). Code::Blocks is great.

Visual Studio (VC++) is also an excellent IDE and compiler. The express version is available for free, and it should have more than enough features for any practice exercises and hobbyist programs you will be doing.

Thanks for the replies everyone.
For Visual Studio would you recommend downloading the C++ part only. I know I have to walk before I can run, but I'd like to know C# as well.

Also, I was looking at the book recommendations. There are soooooooo many books it's overwhelming.
Would you also recommend the reading list for C++ beginner to expert. books

This is my plan for now to go through this list. Wish me luck.

You can always add additional versions of Visual Studio later, if such is the case. So that's up to you.
As for books, I'd recommend Accelerated C++.