Seperate Computer for programming?

[IKNOWNOTHING]

Hi everyone I havent even begun programming yet but I am very interested in learning. I was wondering if I should buy a separate laptop to learn to write code on? I didnt know if all of the code writing could negatively effect my computer, take up ram, slow it down etc.?

[Albatross]

Hi.

The worst thing a simple C++ program could do to your computer is leak memory, which can easily be fixed by a reboot. So unless you're looking for an excuse to buy a new computer (I am), not really? :)

-Albatross

[Disch]

No, getting a separate computer is completely unnecessary.

Programs can only slow you down and use more RAM if you run them. If you don't want programming stuff to slow down your computer, just don't do programming stuff while you're doing other things.

[IKNOWNOTHING]

Awesome thanks guys. And if c++0x is going to be the new standard, will the basic commands etc. be similar where I can just learn c++ and be fine.

[Albatross]

Yes.

-Albatross.

[shacktar]

Maybe a little off topic, but if you get serious with programming, it would be nice to have a separate computer for testing deployments.

[ModShop]

Also, when you learn C++, what will you do with your name? Because, when you know C++, your name "IKNOWNOTHING" will be untrue.

[helios]

Yesterday, I accidentally wrote a program called "ping" that created 20 threads, each of which calling "ping". Basically, a 20^n fork bomb. The system crashed so hard, it left a hole in my wall.

Maybe a little off topic, but if you get serious with programming, it would be nice to have a separate computer for testing deployments.

This is actually a very good idea. Virtual machines are a great way to do this.