Need something to focus on

[NorFredrik]

Hello CPlusPlus forum.
I have used this forum for reference a long time now, however, this is the first time I have posted a topic. Actually I registered just recently.
So, Hi.

To the topic though.
I have been programming in, windows, C++ and other languages such as Java for some time now, created a few windows programs with the help from references / tutorials.
Well, to certain aspects, such as reference to Winsock2 / DirectShow, etc.
However, now after trying to learn new aspects such as Win32 Window programming, Qt Api?, etc, I feel kind of stuck.

I wanted to make an http image downloader, but as I am unskilled in Win32 windowing and the http protocol I got stuck shortly after.
Tried to make a chat client in console, which worked, but again, when trying to do the windowing I got stuck again.
And now I feel absorbed of all creativity, I have absolutely nothing to do.

So my question to you on this forum is; Do you have any tips for a "noob" such as me. What to do when stuck?
What should I do to keep learning new stuff, and I would really appreciate if I could get some help with file handling, such as tutorials for file transfer over tcp sockets, or for a change, UDP sockets.
However, anything which helps me learn new aspects is appreciated, anything.

Sorry if I am a little unclear, just send me a message and I will try to explain better.

Thanks.

Edit: I forgot to mention, I am used to Linux programming, however, I am "switching" over to windows.

[ciphermagi]

Learn something new. If you're stuck, it's probably because you lack some sort of understanding. Take a good stock of what it is that got you stuck, and then focus on learning that trait.

[NorFredrik]

This is why I chose this forum, people will help you out almost immediately, so thank you very much ciphermagi.

Yes, I've tried to use the MSDN as a helping hand with the Win32 Windowing, however, almost all the time some subject is unclear. To my understanding of course.
What prerequisite do you recommend having before starting to program in Win32 applications?

I guess what makes me go, "Shit, no way", when it comes to the Win32 MSDN reference is that there is so many different "You need to include this" without explanation, which I absolutely hate.

[ciphermagi]

I know little to nothing about writing code in windoze. I couldn't help you there.

[Texan40]

This tutorial from #winprog (IRC on efnet) is really good on standard WIN32 API: http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/

[NorFredrik]

Amazing I haven't seen the winprog lessons before, they were really good.
Thank you Texan40!

ciphermagi, it does not have to be windows programming, any tips for further learning is appreciated.
I am basically stuck when it comes to new topics, I have no idea where to go.

Thanks for quick replies though, CPlusPlus is a really good forum.

[ciphermagi]

Well, I'm not sure where your level of understanding is now, and without that I wouldn't be able to point you with accuracy at something that will challenge you, but not kick you in the head.

[ciphermagi]

That still doesn't help me understand what level you're at. You could have been working at a level of procedures for the last year and a half, and never get into objects. Or you could be using objects, but not polymorphism and inheritance, or even into templates, but not into metaprogramming or threading.

[NorFredrik]

Thank you, I understood your question a lot better now.
I am sorry, I am not used to speaking in english, one of the reasons I haven't signed up for a CPlusPlus account before now.

Well, the only unfamiliarities in the topics you listed are polymorphism, metaprogramming and threading.
I remember I have used polymorphism in some "test" programs before, however, I can't say I am educated on the subject.
So again, I really appreciate your input. I might start reading up on the subjects.
Any good references is appreciated.

EDIT: Threading is not so unfamiliar, but on windows I have never even tried it.

[ciphermagi]

Polymorphism is a really, really important way to understand how powerful objects really are, and what you can do with them. You can actually find some basic samples in the documentation portion of this website, although that section doesn't really cover everything that can be done with them:
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/polymorphism/

Threading is the practice of using more than one processor core. Most computers now have two or more, but without including threading in your application, you're only going to use one. I'm not aware of where you can find a good reference to threading, but there are entire books devoted to the topic.

Metaprogramming is an extremely advanced form of making templates. There are entire books just about metaprogramming as well, and basically it allows you to perform some of your program computation at compile time instead of run time.

[NorFredrik]

Thank you very much ciphermagi, you saved me from days of complaining. Also, thank you Texan40 for helping me with the Win32 applications.

I guess I will start with reading up on polymorphism to more on threading, and maybe afterwards metaprogramming. Do you have any good tips when it comes to metaprogramming books?

I had actually never read about metaprogramming at all, to me it might have never existed.