C++

PixieLandGirl · 1 Feb 2010 at 23:22

Ok, so im thinking about learning some c++ in my spare time but there are so many books/guides about I wondered if someone could point me in the right direction? I need to start from the basics & go from there

Also is notepad++ recommended for c++ programming or should I look at alternative software?

RobH · 1 Feb 2010 at 23:39

Notepad++ is a general purpose text editor with many features such as syntax highlighting and useful plugins. It doesn't have any special link to C++ programming apart from a similar name but it is a useful editor for just about any language.

CompScienceKid · 2 Feb 2010 at 00:28

try this http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/#2008-Visual-CPP.

Some good resources on there too!

BigglesPiP · 2 Feb 2010 at 00:57

I recommend you start by learning C, C++ is pretty much C with some additional syntax and headers.

Notepad++ will let you edit your C and C++ source code, but there is no compiler.

It's hard to find a good ANSI C/C++ compiler for windows, but M$ Visual C and Visual C++ are close enough to the real thing.

I compile on Linux with 2 programs called gcc and g++.

PixieLandGirl · 2 Feb 2010 at 02:06

Ty guys ill take a look

SKILL · 2 Feb 2010 at 07:54

There's also Eclipse with the C/C++ plugin, can be a bit more hassle than visual studio, but personally I prefer it (imo visual studio's one major advantage is the form designer, and more the integration between that and C#, for learning C/C++ I'd use a more 'basic' ide personally)

Hairybudda · 2 Feb 2010 at 09:24

BigglesPiP said:
I recommend you start by learning C, C++ is pretty much C with some additional syntax and headers.

Notepad++ will let you edit your C and C++ source code, but there is no compiler.

It's hard to find a good ANSI C/C++ compiler for windows, but M$ Visual C and Visual C++ are close enough to the real thing.

I compile on Linux with 2 programs called gcc and g++.

Disagreeing with this guy, you should jump straight into C++ and forget C for now, learning C will get you some bad habits if you've a novice programmer.

OP is this your first language? If so, I would suggest learning python to start and when you're comfortable with that move on to C.

Phyre · 3 Feb 2010 at 00:08

Oh god, don't start C as a first language. C++ would be hard enough to get to grips with. As Hairybudda said, Python would be a better first language, but if you're set on a C-based language, C# might be better. It will teach you all the basic concepts.

Get Visual Studio. I believe the Express edition is free these days?

Chaos · 3 Feb 2010 at 00:23

C++ Primer Plus by Stephen Prata

howler · 3 Feb 2010 at 10:30

www.cplusplus.com has some good stuff to start off with

I am too learning C++, there is a lot to take in!

Admiral Huddy · 3 Feb 2010 at 10:35

Sorry for the highjack, can anyone recommend any workshop courses in the London or South East area for C++?

Dfhaii · 3 Feb 2010 at 19:31

Feabhas do a week long c++ course which is pretty well regarded. I did one of their embedded c++ courses a few years back and would recommend them.

dangerstat · 3 Feb 2010 at 20:53

Admiral Huddy said:
Sorry for the highjack, can anyone recommend any workshop courses in the London or South East area for C++?

QA will cover that region, I find them pretty good to be honest, if not expensive.

steve-h · 3 Feb 2010 at 23:36

Dfhaii said:
Feabhas do a week long c++ course which is pretty well regarded. I did one of their embedded c++ courses a few years back and would recommend them.

Surely a £10 book would be a better way of doing things?

That's how I started and I can't fault it.

Another vote for C before C++ too.

If it's your first programming language... C might be ok, I'm not sure - I started with vb6. Just go slow and make sure you understand what you're doing... if you have any questions I'm sure if you post your code on here we'll be able to sort it for you.

edit: oh and use MSVC, 2008 edition is free... if you're on linux, gcc + scite is what I use.

dangerstat · 4 Feb 2010 at 18:25

steve-h said:
Surely a £10 book would be a better way of doing things?

That's how I started and I can't fault it.

Another vote for C before C++ too.

If it's your first programming language... C might be ok, I'm not sure - I started with vb6. Just go slow and make sure you understand what you're doing... if you have any questions I'm sure if you post your code on here we'll be able to sort it for you.

edit: oh and use MSVC, 2008 edition is free... if you're on linux, gcc + scite is what I use.

Your sig is lower level than mine, dangerstat is not impressed :mad:

PixieLandGirl · 4 Feb 2010 at 18:37

I think I will start with C via a book to start of with ( when I've got a little more time)

. I did briefly study VB6 when I was at college, but ive been sleep since then :rolleyes:

lol

steve-h · 5 Feb 2010 at 01:54

dangerstat said:
Your sig is lower level than mine, dangerstat is not impressed

inb4binary

PixieLandGirl said:
I think I will start with C via a book to start of with ( when I've got a little more time) . I did briefly study VB6 when I was at college, but ive been sleep since then lol

I was exactly the same... college killed all my enthusiasm for... well everything, good luck!

Haircut · 5 Feb 2010 at 08:17

Admiral Huddy said:
Sorry for the highjack, can anyone recommend any workshop courses in the London or South East area for C++?

Best place I've found for courses is Developmentor, based in Hammersmith.

Here are their C++ courses:
http://www.develop.com/coursegroup/cplusplus

regulus · 5 Feb 2010 at 19:14

If you're totally new to programming, I'd recommend the Absolute Noob Spoonfeed guide to C++ on Youtube. It does what it says on the tin. However, if you have any idea about programming, it might be too basic to start with.

NickK · 5 Feb 2010 at 19:17

Ok, to the real meat of the matter. There's C++ the syntax and then it's use in object orientated design and programming.

Please don't just learn one!