I want to start learning C++

[Benji25]

But I am using Microsoft Visual C++ as my compiler. Not VC++.

[z05DSL3A]

VC++ is an abbreviation for Microsoft Visual C++.

[Benji25]

Oh, I feel embarrassed right now... So I really don't have to download anything extra?

[z05DSL3A]

You will be able to do everything you need with VC++.

Look at the Start Page in VC, there should be a link to a getting started page which will run you through the basics of setting up a project, compiling and such.

Then head over to the tutorial section of this site.
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

[Benji25]

Okay, thanks. Will post if I need more help!

[Benji25]

And I'm back. I did the "Creating a Standard C++ Program (C++)" under Getting Started, and I did everything right. But at some point it asked me to write my own C++ code, but I don't know anything about C++ =/. It gave an example, but I don't like those because it's just copy/pastaing and you don't learn anything form that. And the tutorial on this site doesn't explain much about how to write code and stuff.

[z05DSL3A]

“And the tutorial on this site doesn't explain much about how to write code and stuff.”

I’m at a bit of a loss for words…this sites tutorial is some of the best that I have seen on the net.

Okay, you are starting out and you know nothing about programming, nothing about the C++ language, and nothing about the tools to use. The first thing to do is learn how to use the tools, work your way through the Getting started stuff with that in mind. Copy and paste the example code, it does not matter at this point if you do not understand it.

As to learning programming and C++, the best thing I can suggest is a good book. I now that you have said that you don’t want to buy one but…anyway I would recommend Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup.

[Benji25]

I'm doing this right now, reading and trying to understand. http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/program_structure/

[kfex]

First compiler you probably should get is Dev C++
As for books you can use this one (it's a .pdf so you'll need adobe reader).
http://kylixnet.webs.com/Sams%20Teach%20Yourself%20C++%20in%20One%20Hour%20a%20Day%20(6th%20Edition).pdf

Save as target if you know what that means?

[Lodger]

First compiler you probably should get is Dev C++

Sorry, I feel I must point this out. Since the OP has already downloaded and installed an up-to-date, standards compliant IDE and compiler that is well documented with a LARGE user base, why suggest an IDE that hasn't been updated in a number of years and is no longer being actively maintained?

OP: Stick to Visual Studio, you won't go far wrong.

[Bazzy]

Visual Studio and "standards compliant" can't really be on the same sentence.
@ Benji25:
I suggest you compile and modify the examples in the tutorials to understand better how they work

[Benji25]

Save as target if you know what that means?

I know what it means. Thanks for the book.

OP: Stick to Visual Studio, you won't go far wrong.

Wasn't planning on changing, thanks anyway.

I suggest you compile and modify the examples in the tutorials to understand better how they work

Isn't it better to look at the source and just try to understand it?

[S6k9GNh0]

Visual Studio is good but you should eventually explore other compilers such as the Intel Compiler, MinGW compiler which is a port of the GNU compiler, and others. For experience, I would as well experience programming on operating systems outside of Windows such as Linux, Solaris, and others.... I've found to have a better time programming on a Linux based platform (Gentoo Linux) than Windows using the built in GCC system.

I also think VC++ is an easy installation but I don't think it's a good environment for a general programmer especially since your a beginner. It creates bad habits and as a result it makes it difficult to adapt to any other environment. I'm not saying don't use VC++ but I would SERIOUSLY suggest you experience other environments as well for the sake of everyone your going to be programming with.

[Bazzy]

Isn't it better to look at the source and just try to understand it?

Is hard really understanding code you don't know if you don't try to make your own version of it.
When messing with the code examples you can do several things:
- create your code adding some lines so you don't just copy & paste
- modify something to change the program behaviour
- remove lines to see how they affect the result and if they are really useful
- find new functionality and different uses of the topic explained on the tutorial
- try to see if the resulting program acts as you expected ( this is testing your comprehension of the example )
- be aware of what you shouldn't do for getting your program working

[Benji25]

Wow Bazzy, that were some really handy tips! Thanks :D

[CecilSunkure]

Well I can completely understand your situation Benji.

Google and download the program utorrent, install the program, click on the top left green globe button with a plus sign that says "add form url", and enter in http://www.mininova.org/get/1177611. This is a collection of C++ programming books.

~Enjoy

[Edit] Here is a link to the source code for the examples in the book "C++ - How To Program, 5th Edition (2005)" that are provided on the CD that comes with buying this book.

http://download140.mediafire.com/i1zgg2d3ggig/mwu10meyzoi/CPPHow2Pro5thSourceD

[Benji25]

Haha, thanks. I already knew how to download torrents though, but I thought it was illegal to discuss on these forums. I never though of torrenting C++ books, so thanks :D.

[CecilSunkure]

I'm sure it is against some form of rules.. But seriously, I am in the same position as you are, so I feel the ends justify the means :)