Learning C++

Learning C++

• CindyKS

  Anything that has "teach yourself X in Y" should be ignored. Those books never teach more than the very basics and usually do a bad job at it, taking massive liberty just to give you a sense of achievement.
  Given other books in the series I've seen I wouldn't want anyone as a colleague whose knowledge of the language came from only that book.

  A better way to start is "Accellerated C++" (Koenig and Moo). An excellent book if you already know a bit of programming is "Objects, Abstractions, Data Structures, and Design using C++" by Koffman and Wolfgang.

  And you can use Win32 with VC Express, if you follow the instructions and install the Platform SDK.
  I've now also plugged in the DX9 SDK and run a few of the demos to make sure it works.

  
  

• Mr. Kuhlmann

  I disagree entirely. The C++ book that I bought gave me a solid basic foundation that I was able to build upon. I started working as a programmer within 6 months of reading that book, and I didn't have to unlearn anything, although I obviously had to learn a lot more.

  >>Given other books in the series I've seen I wouldn't want anyone as a colleague whose knowledge of the language came from only that book.

  Well, unless it was the Stroustrup book, I wouldn't want anyone as a colleague whose knowledge came entirely from *one* book, no matter what it was.

  You can use Win32 with VC Express, but Win32 is not really a great choice of platform, unless you like to do things the hard way. I mean, I've done it, and it was fun to learn, but you wouldn't ever use it professionally, it's just too time consuming.

  
  
  

• Gary Wang

  Right here !! I learned C++ by buying a book cxalled 'teach yourself C++ in 24 hours'. You should buy a book like this and work through it. The real key is - learn C++. That means, don't write windows apps, don't TOUCH C++/CLI ( that means no .NET libraries ),. until you've learned some C++. If you're serious, you need Bjarne Stroustrups 'C++ Programming Language' book. You don't need to be an expert before you move on, the 24 hours book level is enough. I did 1-2 lessons a day and set myself little projects to enforce what I learned. I was working as a C++ programmer 6 months later. Learning C++ before you learn any external libraries is key, IMO.

  Then I asked a lot of questions on Usenet. You should use this site as a great place to get help. Personally, I think that beats any course - real life professionals giving you advice while you work at your own pace.

  As an aside, the Express Edition will not let you use MFC, which means you won't be able to use most of the help for Windows programmers in C++ that's on the web, and that you'll be using a framework that is barely used in C++, at the moment (despite existing for 4 or so years now )

  
  
  

• sidewinder2

  I think the answer depends on what you want to do with the knowledge. If you want to write a few programs for work or home then I think buying several books and asking questions is fine. That is what I'm doing. However, if you want to be employed as a programmer then you have to take courses - in my opinion. I work as a Medical Physcist. I wouldn't consider any resume that has listed as his or her primary education reading books.

  Jeff

  
  

• Brian5003

  This question has been asked and answered quite a few times before. I suppose the best place to learn C++ is to enrol on some course that teaches it (many computer science related degrees offer it at least as an option).

  Failing that, the next best option would be to read a few books on C++ (some great choices have been at http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx PostID=107484&SiteID=1, and orcmid has reviewed some of the books himself).

  Also in that thread I mentioned are links to sites which have quite good free tutorials on C++, for those on a budget.

  The codezone community (see your visual studio help) contains many great articles on learning C++, as well as general C++, for when you become experienced.

  And finally, for specific questions related to C++ development, you can ask here .

  
  
  

• Rakel Ottarsdottir

  >> I wouldn't consider any resume that has listed as his or her primary education reading books.

  I have done no courses at all, ever. I consider that sort of rejection a lucky escape, I regard any interview as going two ways, and anyone who regards how I learned to be more important than what I know, I'm glad not to work for them.

  I learned entirely by reading books. I got my first programming job within 6 months, and became a C++ MVP within four years, the same amount of time it would have taken me to get to the point of having an entry level job in the industry after getting a degree. I would say that some people learn better from courses, others are suited to learning from books. Either way, if someone can code, they can code. I know people who have qualifications who will never be programmers.

  
  
  
• Learning C++