New to programming... what's next?

[BigPlayChad8]

Hello everyone,


I am pretty new to this whole thing, and basically don't know the "path" to becoming a good programmer.

I bought the book, "Beginning C++ through game programming," and have been combing through it thoroughly. I go over each chapter, and complete the exercises, look for extra exercises online.

I am about 75% of the way through the book and make sure I "get it" before moving on.

When I finish the book... what next?

I know practice a lot, and complete programs... and I will, but how can I take this "logic" portion of C++ and make something fun out of it, like something visual... probably with new libraries, but whats that even mean?

Many of you say to learn a different language, which is fine, but it just seems like I should actually become good at a single language before spreading too thin.

...and why is Java so good anyway? Is it different from C++ significantly? Python?

What the heck is Boost?


I just don't know where to go from here.

[Return 0]

BigPlayChad8 wrote:

bought the book, "Beginning C++ through game programming," and have been combing through it thoroughly. I go over each chapter, and complete the exercises, look for extra exercises online.

Unfortunately this book barely scratches the surface of C++ so I recommend using outside resources often or grab a more focused book.

BigPlayChad8 wrote:

I know practice a lot, and complete programs... and I will, but how can I take this "logic" portion of C++ and make something fun out of it, like something visual... probably with new libraries, but whats that even mean?

If you've made it through 75%, if I recall correctly the book should have already covered some class usage and pointers, but not broke ground on true OOP. Why not get your feet wet by learning a 2D Graphics API? Google SFML.

BigPlayChad8 wrote:

Many of you say to learn a different language, which is fine, but it just seems like I should actually become good at a single language before spreading too thin.

For now I would focus on C++. It's not necessarily that you can spread yourself too thin. Once you understand the concepts of programming in general, you can easily pick up another language. For example, once you full understand C++ syntax, what Encapsulation, Polymorphism, and Inheritance are all about, you can quickly pick up other OO languages such as Java or C# and you will find the syntax and concepts nearly the same with some subtle differences here and there.

...and why is Java so good anyway? Is it different from C++ significantly? Python?

If you want to compare Java to C++ it really comes down to rapid GUI development and performance, but much can be accomplished with a GUI kit and C++. I do not recommend Java as a first language and often Universities will use it to teach OOP practices. I would suggest learning it at some point. Python is a scripting language and not comparable to C++. Another language I suggest you learn.

Boost is a C++ API that much of which will be incorporated into the new C++ standard. For next steps I would recommend you finish off your book and make sure you practice the concepts thoroughly and then download SFML and start expanding on your C++ skills. Being a good programmer isn't just about writing your own code, rather it is also about how well you can use libraries written by others.

[BigPlayChad8]

I just wanted to say thanks for your detailed response. It is very much appreciated.