I want to start learning C++

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I have been very interested in computers since I got my first one when I was 8. (I'm 14 now) My dream is to become a programmer and become successful one day. But my question to you people is; where do I start when I want to learn C++? I don't have anything to write C++ with and I really don't know where to start. And I know C++ isn't child's play, but I might be able to do it because I know some basic Visual Basic and HTML. Sorry for the rushed text but I'm really tired because it's 2:19 in the night here. I'll check this thread every hour for comments. Thanks in forward!

- Benji
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Alright Benji, your starting around the time I just starting obsession of computers. To start, you need patience and understanding. I'd learn step by step. I suggest you read a book on computer programming first which helps you learn about more specific settings of programming in general. Or you can start with the reference here at the site.
I'm not going to buy one of those C++ books, way too expensive. Also, what programs do I use to write C++ with?
Thanks! So what compiler and IDE should I use? I think I prefer Microsoft's. but what IDE and what is the IDE actually used for?
Well, judging from where you live, you'll probably have a hard time finding any good C++ books, anyway. You could try finding an ebook. Anything written during the current standard (after 1998) should be good. I've heard good things of C++ Primer.
The tutorial here is also a good start. http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

To compile C++ you need a C++ compiler. AFAIK, all C++ compilers are also C compilers.
Some of the best: Visual C++ (Microsoft, Windows only, the Express version is free, latest version is 2008 [9.0]), GCC (Free Software Foundation, cross-platform, free [GPL], latest version is 4.4.0), MinGW (Windows port of GCC), Cygwin (not quite a compiler, but a UNIX-esque environment where you can run GCC).

PS: I wouldn't go around saying HTML is a programming language unless you don't mind people pointing and laughing.


EDIT: An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a program that combines the most common tools used in software development, such as a text editor (almost always with syntax highlighting and auto-completion), a compiler, a debugger, and sometimes a profiler
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Wait, what? I only stated that I can HTML. And which one to download now? I'm so confused with all those C's.
I'm just saying. You did put it in the same bag as VB.

You can get the latest Visual C++ Express from here: http://www.microsoft.com/express/vc/
I'm sure you're parents wouldn't mind buying you a text book to learn something you are interested in and would definitely benefit you. Find one used online somewhere for cheap... like a college text book. I am using dev c++ and it's really straightforward and easy to use so far.
Yeah, I was already downloading that. But what IDE do I need to download now? Or is it unnecessary? And are there any additional things that I need to download? Sorry for asking so many question but I mainly rely on others and I'm just so exited about learning C++!

EDIT:
@Vince
I live in a rather poor family with no father. No way my mom is going to spend money on that.
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VC++ is both a compiler and an IDE.
I already installed Microsoft's. So please answer my previous question.
I understand. Well, this is the right place to learn with plenty of resources that i haven't even found. Try re-writing some of your visual basic programs in c++ just to find out how to do some of the things you already know how to do in basic.
All I did was making Flash Game Trainers with VB.
Stuff like *Call Game.SetVariable("Health", 100)*
I am going to sleep, will look back for more posts tomorrow.
You can also try Dev CPP. It is quite a nice little IDE using the MinGW compiler.
I do not know what any of that means. I just want to know what to download for Microsoft's.
If you've downloaded and installed Visual C++, you've got enough software on your computer to start with C++. Now you need to find a way to learn it.

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So I don't need to download any IDE thingy?
You did that already. As Helios said, VC++ is both a compiler and an IDE.
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