Where can I find some good materials from where I can learn C++?

[mowrey]

I already bought two books that contain C++ lessons (Jamsa's C/C++/C# Programmer's Bible and The C++ Programming Language written by Bjarne Stroustrup). Do you think they're good enough to help me learn C++? If not, could you please tell me about some others? Thank you.

Sincerely,

Adrian Mowrey

[mxjabber]

I know of two books that are good, both from my computer teacher.

The first is C++ Programming by Mike McGrath. This is the one i use more because it is smaller and easier to use.

Second is South-Western: Programming in C++ by Todd Knowlton, this book is a lot bigger and goes more in depth in to C++ than the previous book, but like i said, its bigger and thus bulkier and harder to use, though also very helpful.

Im not sure about the price of the books, or where to get them since im just borrowing them from my computer teacher, but they are both very good and helpful.

As for the books that you listed, i havnt heard of them, but then again im rather new at C++ and am just giving the help that i can with my limited experience

[z05DSL3A]

A book that I would suggest you at least borrow from a library and give some attention to is:

Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction
by Steve McConnell

Synopsis
Widely considered one of the best practical guides to programming, Steve McConnell’s original CODE COMPLETE has been helping developers write better software for more than a decade. Now this classic book has been fully updated and revised with leading-edge practices and hundreds of new code samples illustrating the art and science of software construction. Capturing the body of knowledge available from research, academia, and everyday commercial practice, McConnell synthesizes the most effective techniques and must-know principles into clear, pragmatic guidance. No matter what your experience level, development environment, or project size, this book will inform and stimulate your thinking and help you build the highest quality code. Discover the timeless techniques and strategies that help you: Design for minimum complexity and maximum creativity. Reap the benefits of collaborative development. Apply defensive programming techniques to reduce and flush out errors. Exploit opportunities to refactor or evolve code, and do it safely. Use construction practices that are right-weight for your project. Debug problems quickly and effectively. Resolve critical construction issues early

[mowrey]

Hi, Grey Wolf. Are you a C++ programmer? If yes, how long did it take you to learn C++? I'm a computer programming student right now, and I would like to learn C/C++ on my own. My college doesn't teach C/C++. I will have the opportunity to learn Visual Basic .NET, Java, and C# in college, but I still like C/C++ the best. I know a little bit about each one of them, but not enough for me to work out in the field as a C/C++ programmer. Do you understand? My dream is to become a good programmer, so that I can work for N.A.S.A., Google, or for the American Government. Goodbye, and I will be waiting for your answer. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Adrian Mowrey

[z05DSL3A]

Hi Adrian,

I am first and foremost a programmer. I have spent many years using C++, but also used assembly, C, C#, Java... The language is just a tool to get you from your problem to the solution.

C++ is probably my preferred language; I started learning it at University (along with COBOL, Modula-2, assembly and a very wired language called Miranda). I picked up C++ quite quickly because I had a good grounding in general programming by the time I started learning it.

One thing I would say is don’t get stuck in one programming paradigm.

[mowrey]

Okay, that's really nice. :) I am originally from Romania, but I live in the United States. I'm studying for an Associate's degree right now in computer programming. I would like to go to a four-year college of computer science to obtain a B.S. How do you think I should start learning programming from the very beginning? Do you think it is safe for me to just jump out there to learn a programming language, such as C/C++/C#, Java, etc., or do you think that I should just start with something else that will help me become more confident whenever I start learning a particular programming language? Thank you.

Sincerely,

Adrian Mowrey

[z05DSL3A]

How do I think you should start learning programming from the very beginning?
That is a hard question to answer. I had access to some very good books (including “The Art of Computer Programming” by Donald Knuth) and a computer with a BASIC compiler (and manual) and I basically read and ‘played’. You will need to learn a language; your copy of ‘The C++ Programming Language’ should be fine for that, I have a copy that is never to far away. If you have the opportunity to have formal tuition in any language, take it.

[mowrey]

First of all, I want to thank you for your answers. I have a baccalaureate degree in accounting from Romania. After I saw that all of the accountants nowadays have to use computers to be able to do their work, I decided to start learning programming. I'm so into it right now, that I can't see any other domain that is out there. :) The C++ Programming Language book is a very good book, but it is a little too advanced for me, that's why I decided to buy Jamsa's C/C++/C# Programmer's Bible book. Jamsa's C/C++/C# Programmer's Bible book is taking me from the very beginning, and at a slower pace than The C++ Programming Language book does. My wife is pregnant right now, so I will be staying out for the Spring and Autumn quarters. That will be good enough for me to start with C/C++. There is another thing that concerns me about programming. Almost all of the books I have seen out there are teaching console applications. Is that a good or bad thing? Nowadays, a lot of companies are looking for GUI applications, not console applications. Do you work out in the field as a programmer, or...? Goodbye, and I will be waiting for your answers. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Adrian G. Mowrey

[gregv21]

you got to learn the basics before you learn graphics

[z05DSL3A]

@Mowrey,

“Do I work out in the field as a programmer?” No I work in an office :0) Sorry, couldn’t resist. Yes, I work as a programmer in a research and development department. I write code for all sorts of things from microcontrollers up to servers.

With regard to TUI/GUI*, It is not a bad thing that books teach you console programming, quite the opposite. GUI programming can be a pain to get your head around you don’t want to be learning that as well as general programming concepts and a language or two. As an example “Programming Windows” by Charles Petzold, ‘teaches’ how to use Win32 APIs to create GUI apps, it dose not teach you how to program or teach you a language and it is 1479 pages long. Do a couple of good sized** TUI projects before moving on to GUI stuff.

*TUI = Textual User Interface, GUI = graphical user interfaces.
**Good sized = not the trivial stuff you get in books, maybe a basic text editor with a proper user interface.

[mowrey]

LOL, it's okay. It's a good thing that console applications are helpful. Personally, I was really disappointed about those books that teach only console applications, but right now I'm not anymore. You convinced me about them. Do you think I should start with C first, and then move onto C++, or does it matter? I appologize because I'm asking you too many questions. Do you like football? I used to be a professional runner while I was in Romania. I played footbal only at school and in the public side, not in a club, etc. I bounced a football ball on my head over one thousand times within eight minutes and fourty seconds. :) If you'd like to watch my video, google my name (Adrian G. Mowrey). Thank you. I hope that some day I will become a good programmer. ;)

Sincerely,

Adrian G. Mowrey

[z05DSL3A]

Do I think you should start with C first, and then move onto C++, or does it matter? I would say learn C++ first, then if you want/need to look at C. All I've needed to do with regards to learning C was to give "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie a quick read (that was after I learnt C++).

Do I like football? No, hate all sports, but anyway that would take this thread way off topic.

Have a good day.

[mowrey]

Okay, I'm so sorry for mentioning about football in this thread. I will start with C++ first, then. What free compiler do you think will be best to use for a beginner like me? So far, I used GCC on the Linux platform and Visual C++ Express Edition on the Windows platform. Do you think I should stick with those for the future, too? Thanks.

Sincerely,

Adrian G. Mowrey

[z05DSL3A]

Hi Adrian,

There was a topic on free compilers here:
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/windows/663/

I used to use CodeWarrior (back when it was comerial) on both Mac and Windows, but at the moment I only use MS Visual Studio on Windows (Last count three diferent versions 6, 2005, 2008). I have Dev C++ installed but I don't realy like it. Visual C++ Express Edition should be fine for your needs, but as the others are free, download them use them and find out what IDE/compiler works for you.