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'Learn C++ in 21 days' - riight

Started by JamesBN2000 Jun 17, 2003 at 10:46 AM 17 replies 1.6k views

Original Post

JamesBN2000

Jun 17, 2003 at 10:46 AM

for a while now I''ve been searching for something that will teach me C++, which to allot of people seem to be the first step toward getting a head start in the development industry - sounds kewl, so I bought the "game programming starter Kit 4.0" by Macmillan Software, seems quite impressive.. as far as C++ goes, it provides you with a microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 introductory Edition, not the full package, but enough to get me started.. it also comes with an "e-book" called "teach yourself Visual C++ 6 in 21 days". according to this forum, allot of people consider this book to be the best, but this is where my question comes up, I have started this book a few times, everything seems to start out simple, everything runs smoothly till I get an error after I compile everything.. I know its something I''ve done, but it gets a little aggrivating when it shows me where my error is, yet not knowing how to code I can''t fix anything. the main problem is when they explain the code in the book, its hard for me to know exactly how they want the code from the book onto the screen, like I said, I have started this book a few times, and all the coding is correct, but for some reason after I compile everything I get an error and i can''t contenue - what to do what to do - is it the fact that I''m working from an e-book? or just that I need another book that''l explain things better for a simple mind as I.. I''m not sure - I would appreciate any answers

micepick

Jun 17, 2003 at 10:56 AM

I''m not sure what you mean by "how they want the code from the book onto the screen", but I assure you that it doesn''t matter. Code straight from a (fairly reputable) book should compile no matter what. Chances are, your errors are due to typos or misunderstanding something.

Anyway, nobody can help you if you don''t tell us what the error is, exactly. Post it, and we will help.

CaptainJester

Jun 17, 2003 at 1:46 PM

The problem with that book is that is a beginner book on Windows programming, not on regular programming. You should check out Teach Yourself C++ in 21 days. This book teaches you C++ without all the windows stuff. I should be easier on you.

ps. Make sure when you do that book, you create a Win32 console app in Visual C++.

First make it work,
then make it fast.
--Brian Kernighan

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Spearhawk

Jun 17, 2003 at 3:10 PM

quote:
Original post by JamesBN2000
it also comes with an "e-book" called "teach yourself Visual C++ 6 in 21 days".
according to this forum, allot of people consider this book to be the best

Note the "Visual C++ 6" in the title it''s not the book people here recomends for beginers. The book alot of people here recomends are named "Teach yourself C++ in 21 days" by Jesse Liberty and it''s (despite its somewhat lame name) rather good.

--
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Project Andromeda

Lektrix

Jun 17, 2003 at 3:19 PM

The beginner C++ books that I recommend are:


C++ Primer by Stanley Lippman and Josee Lajoie
Accelerated C++ by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo

yet they are more for people with a little programming knowledge, rather than a total beginner.

[ Google || Start Here || ACCU || MSDN || STL || GameCoding || BarrysWorld || E-Mail Me ]

[edited by - Lektrix on June 17, 2003 4:21:08 PM]

ah_bk88

Jun 17, 2003 at 3:20 PM

Your best bet is to post your code and the error you are receiving.

JamesBN2000

Jun 18, 2003 at 9:41 AM

ahh.. I see now, thats really good, I appreciate that cuz I just now noticed the difference in the books -
another question though .. can I still use the "microsoft visual C++ intro program" that they give you, or do ya''ll recommend that I download a demo, or heck, go buy the C++ program itself? (not knowing the cost of course) -
which do ya''ll prefer -- oh, and thanks again about the book, I just went to booksamillion and bought it.. so now I''ll have something to work with..

micepick

Jun 18, 2003 at 9:47 AM

Visual C++ is Microsoft's C++ compiler/IDE/debugger. It can be used to make both Windows apps and simple console ones, so you don't need to buy anything else.

[edited by - micepick on June 18, 2003 10:48:09 AM]

vbuser

Jun 18, 2003 at 9:59 AM

If u want to start out real fast. Check this site -> www.cprogramming.com

There is a very breif tutorial for almost all basic C++ programming that u needs everyday.

U can finish them fast.Try to make some simple program that taught by that site. And u will know how programming in C++.

Marjolein

Jun 18, 2003 at 2:21 PM

quote:
Original post by Anonymous Poster
For someone who is currently reading C++ in 24 hours book, what a good book to read after that?

I''ve got the same question =/

noixtirdoe

Jun 18, 2003 at 3:46 PM

Marjolein and AP:

check out the books that Lektrix posted. I have C++ Primer Plus (the one by Stephen Prata, not Lippman and Lajoie) and it's good; there are alot of exercises you can test your skills with.

-noix-

In this world gone mad, we won't spank the monkey; the monkey will spank us.

[edited by - noixtirdoe on June 18, 2003 4:48:24 PM]

Jun 19, 2003 at 3:24 AM

I liked bruce eckel''s c++ book. This one is aimed at intermediary c++ programmer. I usually use the c++ standard along with ms c++ msdn docs for their compiler habits.
A good STL book would be nice to have as well. I use sgi/msdn docs and they have lot to be desired.

James, I also bought macmillan c++ kit that came with borland c++ 4.52 couple of years ago and I ran into the same problems as you. I spent a lot of time on bug fixing because I didn''t know all the ins and outs of a compiler and c++ syntax. But after couple of months I got the hang of it so it comes if you stick with it. You might want to post specific error code or code section that''s giving you a trouble. Also, don''t buy anything if you won''t take advantage of it now. Buy something when the need arises. The prices will be down and we''ll have a better tech. by that time. My four year old vc++6 with win98 do everything I need them to do now and in near future. Already, the vc++ 6 is a very powerful beast more than a novice can take advantage of it all.

zer0wolf

Jun 19, 2003 at 4:11 AM

I have the Accelerated C++ book and it is EXCELLENT! A heck of alot better than my college course book I used...

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WonderWorld

Jun 19, 2003 at 4:28 AM

My own observation is that, when you have finished your first introductory book That teaches you, pointers, classes, inheritance, polymorphism and templates you are pretty much set to make it on your own.

After that I have managed to get by, by using the MSDN help and asking questions at this forum and others. Also lot''s of tutorials are available. I don''t expect a book to teach me to become a good coder. You have to be stubborn and not give up. That''s the way you really learn.

If you want after your first book and want to continue with games. Get yourself Programming role playing games with directx if you want to learn about the DX interface. It''s a good book on an intro level in DX.

Then after that you are on your own again

Swatter555

Jun 19, 2003 at 5:09 AM

Ill just put in my 2 cents worth. I have to endorse the recomendations for Accelerated C++. After you are done with an intro level book, it makes a good step up. The step is still just a bit steep, but you will be better in the end. Some of the programs are a bit dis-jointed, but the author makes you work hard to get them together. You will be suprised at how far youve come when your done with it.

I have already ordered "Ruminations on C++", by the same author as my next step up. After that I will probably get a good reference and a good book about the Standard Library. There are some really great books around, though. Just snoop around amazon and you can read reviews before you purchase.

Wonderworld
"If you want after your first book and want to continue with games. Get yourself Programming role playing games with directx if you want to learn about the DX interface. It''s a good book on an intro level in DX."

I am going to get my feet wet in DX in the next few months, but I am very unsure about a good DX book. I was kinda put off by the title of the book you mentioned. How good is it? What can I expect to know when Im done with the book?

Let me widen this a bit: What is everyones opinion of the best 2 books for DX? What I mean is an intro level book and a book that you really get your hands dirty in.

rohde

Jun 19, 2003 at 5:16 AM

Well, as already mentioned:

C++ Primer by Lippman,
Accelereated C++ by Koenig and Moo,

AND

The C++ Programming Language, by Stroustrup.

These three books (espec. #1 and #3) are EXCELLENT references and well suited for the experienced programmer. I simply can't recomend them enough.

EDIT: Spelling of course.

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[edited by - rohde on June 19, 2003 6:18:10 AM]

Marjolein

Jun 19, 2003 at 1:11 PM

quote:
Original post by WonderWorld
If you want after your first book and want to continue with games. Get yourself Programming role playing games with directx if you want to learn about the DX interface. It''s a good book on an intro level in DX.

I have OpenGL Game Programming, I wanted to start with that, but my video card is too damn bad to handle the OpenGL stuff

But it will be fixed some day

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