Beginning with C++

[DemonicPenguin]

I basically want to start programming using the C++ programming language, and I do have background knowledge with programming in general (Web programming consisting of HTML, PHP, some MySQL). I dabbled in C++ earlier on but never got really far. Essentially, I wish to know what the best way to begin is. I've saved up some money (around $200) of which I'd like to use on C++ books and any other reference material that I can find. So the price of the material is really no matter, granted it doesn't go above the $200 mark.

The tasks that I'd like to accomplish with my C++ knowledge (after extensive work with the language ) would be that of editing and messing around with the HL2 SDK, building my own programs (nothing too special, just some simple things) with GUIs. I did a quick search on barnesandnoble.com regarding C++ and there came a list of hundreds and hundreds of books of which I have no idea if they're good for beginners or not (regardless of the "Beginners guide to..." entitlements) and if they'll still help me in the long run.

All in all, what's the best "suite" of books that I could get that'd help me with what'd I'd like to get out of the language (GUIs, simple C++ programs, editing HL2 SDK)? From what I've experienced thus far of programming, I thoroughly enjoy it and I feel that it is certainly a viable career path in the future if I can make sense of the more advanced languages.

If this has already been posted hundreds of times before, then just a link or a simple keyword for the search engine would suffice. Thanks.

 

[Schrodinger]

Tip #1 Never spend a lump sum on books. Buy one, maybe two at a time. I've got some books from two years ago I've not even opened (hey...they were on sale )

Tip #2 Buy Scott Meyers "Effective C++" (ISBN: 0201924889) to learn some good conventions ON TOP of whatever other books you are using. Don't read this right from the getgo, start skimming through it a month into C++ (depending on your speed) and actually read it 2-3 months after you get going. You can read it from the start but you won't appreciate it as much.

I used The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne (sp?) which was okay. Not great IMO.

Tip #3 Use C or Java, but never C++ *runs*

 

[DemonicPenguin]

Heh.

Those books look pretty good but it seems from the reviews regarding Bjarne's (you spelled it correctly by the way) book that it's not ideal for those beginning with the C++ programming language. Effective C++ seems like a very good book that I'll probably end up getting so I have it whenever I'm up to snuff with the language.

It would seem I'm still in the hunt for an overall beginner's guide to C++ programming (that covers most of the basics and perhaps goes into advanced techniques) and GUI programming. I found one that acts as a beginner guide that uses Qt3 by Mark Summerfield that seems like a valid candidate.

I'm going on a "vacation" this weekend so I want some quality reading material .

Thanks Schrodinger.

 

[Schrodinger]

Well my honest opinion would be to forego learning anything graphical at this point in time.

Focus on C++ the language itself and then go and learn GUI and 3D toolkits. It would be much easier to introduce one thing at a time and build a solid foundation in the language first of all. Start small and be patient. I'm not suggesting a timeline but you'll know when you feel mature enough with the core fundamentals to move on.

You won't get nearly as frustrated by taking small sequential steps when you know exactly whats going on and there is no guesswork. Your mileage may vary.

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: Schrodinger
Well my honest opinion would be to forego learning anything graphical at this point in time.

Focus on C++ the language itself and then go and learn GUI and 3D toolkits. It would be much easier to introduce one thing at a time and build a solid foundation in the language first of all. Start small and be patient. I'm not suggesting a timeline but you'll know when you feel mature enough with the core fundamentals to move on.

You won't get nearly as frustrated by taking small sequential steps when you know exactly whats going on and there is no guesswork. Your mileage may vary.

I agree!

 

[VIAN]

I agree about skipping the graphics stuff first and just getting the language down.

I've recently wanted to learn all about C++ myself and went with the dummies books, since I enjoy reading them. But I had a bit of a conflict where I had to buy another book.

I had Visual C++ and needed a Visual C++ dummies book so I could learn how to use the tools and stuff. That was the second book, I bought. The first book was on C++ itself and was 2.5 times bigger and had other stuff. So I'm using the visual book to get my visual data in and then the C++ book to get all that extra advanced stuff as well.

I'm not very far however, I lack motivation, but sometimes it comes to me. I know regular C up to pointers. But I want to reread all of the C++ stuff, but still not yet to pointers. I tell you man, all the stuff that C++ allows you to do over C, it's like a breath of fresh air.

But, yeah, I don't know if this is a good way to begin, because I got a bit confused with the different types of books, but in the end I figured it out. Anyway - good luck!

The For Dummies books are very fun and easy to read by the way.

 

[screw3d]

I think you should just learn C++ in general, not just Visual, because there are so many types (and versions) of compilers out there

I don't think I really relied on books to learn C++.. most of the stuff is available online anyway

 

[VIAN]

I got the visual book so that I can use the Visual tools to maximize my learning, or else I'm sort of left in the dark with them. I also don't plan on going to other platforms. Windows is the gaming platform and it doesn't look like any other will be touching that anytime soon. I find it kind of annoying to read text, or at least large amounts of it on my screen, it hurts my eyes. I like books. Maybe it's because I have a CRT.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

don't waste your money <-- excellent book for getting started

 

[beer]

Visual C++ is nice, even with console programs. The debugger is absolutely second to none, compared to competing IDEs. And Visual Studio Express is FREE (but in beta, but I haven't encountered any issues with it).