Complete no0b here

[Uranium238]

Hello.
I am a complete noob to not only C++, but also programming. I am 16 years old and have decided to learn C++ as my first programming language. (Don't tell me to go learn python or java first.)

I just need help getting started. First, I need a compiler. Is there a compiler that you can recommend that is free? I also need to find an online tutorial. I know there is one on this website, but I want to know the best one. I have looked at http://newdata.box.sk/bx/c/htm/ch01.htm#Heading3 but I think it might be out of date since it was written at least ten years ago.

Thanks for helping.

[1vRz3TCk]

I also need to find an online tutorial.

I would be much better if you could invest in a good book, Something like C++ Primer (Lippman et al). It will cover things in a lot more detail than a website would.

[xander333]

Hey there!

Welcome to the forum Uranium, we'll be glad to help you :)
First thing to get set up is an IDE, I suggest Code::Blocks.

http://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/26

You can download it along with a preinstalled compiler, it can't get any easier than that!
You'll also want to buy a book or two for starting out, but for now this website's tutorial will do.

http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

You can PM me if you have trouble setting things up ;)

[Uranium238]

thanks xander. I was looking at codeblocks earlier, I think i'll download it.

[1vRz3TCk]

Uranium238, Sorry, I meant to ask what OS your are using?

[Uranium238]

Is Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days, 2nd Edition a good book, or is it outdated? Because the book is online here, http://newdata.box.sk/bx/c/index.htm

[Uranium238]

Windows 7

[acorn]

you can download VC express for free. its intellisense is good. like if your function or other code just isnt right you will see visual cues before you compile that lets you know something is wrong.

[Uranium238]

ok acorn i might try that.

[1vRz3TCk]

When it comes to Compilers/IDEs it is probable best to get a few and see what you like, Code::Blocks is good but I prefer Microsoft Visual C++ express. (just avoid Dev-C++)

Compilers, IDEs, Debuggers and the Jazz: http://www.cplusplus.com/articles/j8hv0pDG/

Books, I would not go near a Teach Yourself X in 21 Days but that may just be me.

[Uranium238]

What is wrong with Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days. Just curious..

[1vRz3TCk]

The one you posted a link to is for pre-standard C++ (i.e. very old).

[Uranium238]

Ok CodeMonkey that helps.

[Uranium238]

Should i write my code in just notepad?

[1vRz3TCk]

I would not recommend it, you could write your code in notepad but an IDE has a text editor designed to help you write code.

[xander333]

I wouldn't go for a book with a big fat lie in the title. 21 hours is impossible.
It'll realistically take about 2-3 years to really get proficient with it.

[Uranium238]

So far cplusplus.com is my only resource. Can anyone recommend some good online resources or tutorials?

[zb0S216C]

LearnCPP^[1] is a good website.

References:
^[1]http://www.learncpp.com

_Wazzak

[QWERTYman]

I don't know about online resources, but my main learning experiences have been achieved through C++ Primer Plus by Stephen Prata. It's pretty damn fine, if I do say so myself.

[Jesus805]

im using Sams teach yourself C++ in 24 hours, it covers some topics on it that cplusplus doesnt