Getting Started

[shadowayex]

I tried learning C++ a couple years ago, and ended up quitting due to a vast amount of confusion. Since then, I've learned quite a bit about Java programming language. But I would really like to get into C/C++ again.

I've grown quite attached to the Eclipse IDE for Java and the Cross-OS capabilities of Java, and I would like to continue with that path. That being said, I want to use a good C/C++ IDE that I can use on Windows and Linux, as I use both operating systems daily, and would also like to learn a GUI language that is Cross-OS.

To my understanding, C++ does not have it's own GUI toolkit built in (if it does, please correct me). Also, I understand the chances of being able to build the program once and it work on all operating systems is probably bleak as well. But, I would like to stick with something I can at least use in different OSes, so I don't have to overload myself again.

All that being said, does anyone have a cross OS IDE and GUI toolkit to suggest for my learning needs?

[Disch]

I use Code::Blocks on Linux. There's also a Windows version, so if you want a consistent environment on both platforms, that's one option.

I think Eclipse works with C++ though, doesn't it? Maybe you could use that since you're already familiar with it.

For crossplatform GUI toolkits, I'm a big fan of wxWidgets: http://wxwidgets.org/
Qt is another popular option but I've never used it personally: http://qt.nokia.com/

Also, I understand the chances of being able to build the program once and it work on all operating systems is probably bleak as well

The whole idea with C++ is that when you compile it, you're compiling to native machine code. This makes a crossplatform binary just about impossible. Although you can take the source from one OS and compile it on whatever other OS to get binaries for each platform (provided it's coded properly and with that in mind).

[shadowayex]

Actually, you're right about Eclipse, I didn't see that.

I also now see the deal with cross OS C++. I figured it'd need rebuilt, but as I mentioned, I'm mainly hoping for consistencies in what I use for cross OS development.

I'll give your links a look. Thanks for the response.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

Edit: I'm having problems figuring out how to use wxWidgets in Eclipse =/ I tried following a this tutorial (http://wiki.wxwidgets.org/Eclipse) and got completely lost, which is why I stopped C++ before. I have wxWidgets installed right inside my harddrive. How do I get Eclipse to recognize that #import "wx/menu.h", for example, is to be found in the include folder in my wxWidgets folder?

Edit: I figured it out. I'm working on learning some stuff. I'm getting stuck every once in a while, but it's going smooth-ish.