Advice on how to being to learn C++

Hello, forgive me for posting such a common and predictable post, I assure its not meant to offend.

I am going to University in about 4 months, I would like to gain a good grounding in programming before I go, I was hoping to learn C++.

My system runs win98 and I am using Dev C++, I would appreciate some advice on where to begin.

I did read the tutorial, but I prefer something more gradual, time and patience arent a huge issue, I dont mind learning the hard way.

So here are my questions:

1/ Is the complier I use sufficient and what other software will I need?

2/ The tutorials on the site are good, but I prefer a slightly gentler learning curve, I would rather progress through 10 programs to learn something complex or new then do it in a few pograms.

3) Should I learn C first or C++, I thought C++ would be the better option as its newer, and encompasses (or so it would seem) much of the older C in it.

4) Is there somewhere I can print some tutorials that would work in the compiler I use, and that are printer friendly (Unlike most web pages). Also some good books i can buy that (hopefully) arent vastly expensive I am a student soon I am trying to save my money.


A kind thank you in advance and as this is my first post here, flame if you like as I may be making some mistakes, but please dont just flame without telling me what I am doing wrong.

My maths is good as is my physics, I have programmed a little but not into any great depth where I could be considered fluent.

Also as my connection is 56k if you suggest downloads I will need try to consider the download speed I have. :)

http://www.CPlusPlus.com <-- Good C++ Tutorial for beginners

http://www.winprog.org/tutorial <-- Good Windows Programming Tutorial for when u know most of the stuff in the above tutorial

http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~beej/guide/net <-- Good Network Programming Tutorial

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Hope that helps

The compiler you are using is fine. However, I strongly recommend that you get your hands on either Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 or Borland C++ 5.02.

Tutorials should NEVER be used as a sole resource for learning a new programming language or other technology. Tutorials are great for supplementing what you learn from your mainstream books. I strongly advise that you start with the book:

WROX Beginning C++: The Complete Language (ANSI/ISO Compliant) - Ivor Horton

This book will teach you C++ from the ground up, and will take a structured approach to understanding the complete language.

Many beginners fall into the trap of learning C before C++. I and Bjarne Stroustroup (Creator of C++), discourage users to learn C before C++ because C is based upon structured programming where as C++ is based on Object Oriented Programming. It is a mistake to learn C++, because you'll only have to 'un-learn' the bad habits of mind fostered by C.

Again, I strongly advise that you purchase the book I mentioned earlier and begin C++, so that you are well prepared for your degree course at univerisity.

I am not sure, but I recommend that you do not use tutorials at the moment. First use the book as a main resource for working through the solid C++ understanding, and then look into tutorials, as you'll have a far more broader understanding of the various C++ concepts and, of course, you'll know what areas you want to go into more depth.

Good luck my friend.
Shuaib, London UK

to learn CPP:

1st. From ur post it seams u already have knowledge of C programming.
2nd. Spend some money and buy CodeWarrior 7.0 for windows.
3rd. It is really hard to learn thro tutorials, get a tutor instead
4th. Try spending atleast 2 hours of programming daily ( spend this time making small applications, which gather user input, more like a database)
5th. Continue with this schedule, and after 2 months jump into Graphics, and play around it.
6th. Try making a game (as your challenge, try to make it more physics accurate than making it pretty looking)
7th. Now that u have done the game, try making it nice looking.
8th. Do not giveup

9th. HAVE FUN!

tutorials aren't as bad as that. they can really help sometimes. but books are more proven. get the basics from books, tutorials, and experience, then get extras from tutorials if possible. often they may be more up to date. (eg, the stl).

>> Try making a game
What if he wants to develop Applications? :D

Thanks to Okiesmokie for the suggestions.

I do not know C at all unfortunatly.

Can someone give some advice about the whole compiler etc thing? I am just wanting the best free compiler for my needs.

I agree with the books thing but as they tend to cost about 35 pounds or more i am a little apprenhensive to buy one when sites can learn me stuff.


A thanks to the other replies too. :) I also welcome some more :)


Venom

Dev-C++ will suit you just fine.

it was what i started learning with, before i got a copy of Visual C++.

i still use Dev-C++, it's so cute and cuddly :)

Hi,

>>I agree with the books thing but as they tend to cost about 35 pounds or more i am a little apprenhensive to buy one when sites can learn me stuff.


Yeah, I know, I'm a student too, and books cost a lot, but if you want to study real programming then you need to begin with books, they are the best choice.


>>Can someone give some advice about the whole compiler etc thing? I am just wanting the best free compiler for my needs.


Stick to your compiler, currently you don't need something more advanced, when you become more experienced in C++, you'll be able to decide which compiler to use.


Good luck.

I would suggest downloading Borland C++ 5.5, and try and get your hands on the book called Using C++, it is a brilliant book for begginers, and beats any tutorial.

I learned everything I know about C++ from it.

Try downloading it somewhere, I don't know where though, I got it on hard copy.