Looking for c++ windows beginner tutorials

Hi.

I've been following the tutorials on this site, and I've reached the Open GL tutorials. The only problem is it seems to be rushing the windows part (I don't want to learn how to do A, I want to learn how A works :) ) Done Google searches but all i can find is VC++ tutorials.

So I'm wondering if:

1: Is C++ and VC++ the same thing. From what I gather VC++ is an easier version of C++, not as powerful but easier to create Application for.

2: Are there any books/tutorials anyone would recommend about programming in c++ for Windows?

Thanks for any replies :)

I can't point you to any tutorial, but I can answer at least part of your question(s):

1. VC++ is Visual C++, which is a Microsoft product. C++ is a language, originally specified by Bjarne Stroustrup, and further expanded by standards at various stages. The Microsoft product is a compiler for C++, so it follows some variant of "standard C++"[1]. Most compilers, such as Microsoft or gcc support extensions that are added on top of the standard that the compiler supports (and sometimes you can turn these extensions off and/or select a different standard).

I wouldn't say that one C++ compiler would be (noticably) easier to use than another. For most parts they do the same thing.

What you may confuse here is the standard libraries and support packages that come WITH the compiler. For example, Microsoft offer MFC - Microsoft Foundation Classes, which is a set of code to help you develop applications. It is certainly easier to write an application using MFC than it is to write all the code yourself - but there are other "frameworks" to start off with, that will offer similar functionality.

2. I'm pretty sure you'll find lots of books at your local Amazon, or even a well-stocked local book-shop. There's some links to stuff here: http://cboard.cprogramming.com/showthread.php?t=79619


[1] There are several standards, and most compilers don't follow the VERY latest standard, but some standard one or two generations back. There are ANSI and ISO standards.

--
Mats

Quote:

---

2: Are there any books/tutorials anyone would recommend about programming in c++ for Windows?

---

I have seen theForger's Win32 API Tutorial recommended.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by matsp

I can't point you to any tutorial, but I can answer at least part of your question(s):

1. VC++ is Visual C++, which is a Microsoft product. C++ is a language, originally specified by Bjarne Stroustrup, and further expanded by standards at various stages. The Microsoft product is a compiler for C++, so it follows some variant of "standard C++"[1]. Most compilers, such as Microsoft or gcc support extensions that are added on top of the standard that the compiler supports (and sometimes you can turn these extensions off and/or select a different standard).

I wouldn't say that one C++ compiler would be (noticably) easier to use than another. For most parts they do the same thing.

What you may confuse here is the standard libraries and support packages that come WITH the compiler. For example, Microsoft offer MFC - Microsoft Foundation Classes, which is a set of code to help you develop applications. It is certainly easier to write an application using MFC than it is to write all the code yourself - but there are other "frameworks" to start off with, that will offer similar functionality.
--
Mats

---

Ah thanks :) Explains about VC++. I thought it was a different c++ based code, but that makes sense. I know about compilers, but i didn't know VC++ was one. I currently use Dev C++
(From bloodshed) since a book I'm using suggests it.

Is it worth learning to code in CV++? I want to learn C++ in full, how it works, not how to do it, since I'm learning this for games programming, and i know you need an in depth knowledge of C++ (I'm not the average "Started coding five minutes ago, why don't i have the next greatest hit!") :).

I'll check all the books given so far, thanks all so far :)

Well, are you familiar with standard C++? If you are, then go ahead and learn things like the Windows API. If not, pop by our book recommendations section and see what you can find. Most likely something like Accelerated C++ or You Can Do It! will do.