Hello all, I am new to this forum, and new to C++ aswell. Actually, I haven't started yet, I am a true newbie who doesn't know ANYTHING yet. The thing is: I don't know where to start! Could anyone help me getting started? What should I do to get started: What book should I buy, what course should I take, does anybody know what's the best way to get started. And please don't answer with: Take one of the online tutorials. I really don't like the online tutorials, nor do I like books that give bad information. My head can get messed up when getting bad, lack of or bad quality information, so please only give me the information that you think is best to get started. I'd like to have the name of a book or the name of a course or whatever. I hope that someone can give me concrete information on what I should take to get the most benefit out of my time learning C++. I got 4 years to learn it. After that I'm going to follow a study in C++ game programming, which will take approximately 3 to 4 years. So I got quite some time to learn C++. I don't want any answers like "7 years are not enough" or "go seek it out for yourself" or any other 'lacking usefull information' reply. I already told you why I am asking if you read above. I will check tomorrow, hope I find anything usefull. Thanks. Marlon. EDIT: I forgotten to say I don't mind spending some money on it, since I see it as my future. [Edited by - Marly on June 11, 2007 3:47:03 PM]

If you insist on doing C++ programming, I'd recommend 'Beginning C++ Game Programming', though I'd never recommend a language like C++ to anybody who's just beginning unless I know the person likes pain and suffering, and lots of cursing (though it depends).

The most important thing is to learn concepts and -- here of course -- game programming concepts, tricks, etc. Syntax is just syntax easily learnt; what you can do with it is key. Therefore a language like C++ is not suitable for its syntax is very unnatural ---> I'd say use (Free)Pascal instead (-- plain Pascal, Object Pascal).

Or another option is Python. If you're more of an adventurer, I'd say have a try at Haskell or even Prolog, heh heh :) (but you shouldn't touch them yet).

Learning C++ syntax and programming concepts simultaneously is without a doubt a challenging process, but definitely a doable one. In any case, you might want to consider a language with lighter syntax, such as Python. This will enable you to avoid numerous hours of debugging that could be spent on actual problem solving. That said, here are a few personal recommendations:

• The C++ Programming Language - Excellent book by the creator of C++, but a bit heavy for beginners


• Accelerated C++ - Very good book, but might be a bit accelerated for beginners


• Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days - Good book, despite its misleading title

Alternatively, you can download the Thinking in C++ series for free, which are also very helpful. When you are done with these, you might want to read the Effective C++ series, as well as this excellent reference on the Standard Template Library.

Quote:Original post by Bijo
If you insist on doing C++ programming, I'd recommend Beginning C++ Game Programming

I haven't read this, but, in my opinion, you should focus on general programming before tackling games.

Hope this helps.

I'm willing to do anything to be able to learn it. No matter how much time it takes or how many stress comes with it.

Why does everybody like another thing? Why can't there be one best thing for learning C++, like WoW is in the MMORPG industry.

Can anybody tell me what the best book is for learning C++. What book is best to learn all the beginnings?

I hope I get more of the same answers.

There is no something like the best source of information. And if WoW would be that great there would be no other mmorpg's, yet there are ;).
The only book i know that everyone likes is "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen. If you want to learn c++ you may want to buy this book someday, but since it's about algorithms it's not really the total begginer thing.
For a Conclusion don't ask for the best of the best thing, since it's based on people prefernces. If it would exist, why would we need any other's?

Sorry for my crappy english ;)

Helping a very beginner -- who has no knowledge at all of programming in any sense -- to start learning C++ and directing him towards it is like sending a man to hell :P

While learning C++ and programming as a first encounter is indeed doable the fact remains it's still unnecessarily complex with all the C++ pitfalls and annoyances. And I see no reason why a beginner shouldn't learn Pascal, unless he perhaps wants to be... "cool"?

There's this thing that's said: anybody who will do C++ is either forced by necessity, ignorant, or a masochist (or a valid possible combination thereof).


Marly, if you want to go and learn C++ then go ahead. Nobody will stop you (besides me of course :P) and C++ is the mainstream language for games anyway. Getting used to it will probably be beneficial in the future. But do know there are -- better -- alternatives such as Pascal or Python.

I have found this book: http://www.acceleratedcpp.com/ . It seems to be good and my teacher in C++ also told me this book would be a good choice.

Think I'm going to take this one then.

Learning c++ as a first language is not impossible, I know many who have done it and are successfully programming mainstream software. However if you ask them how difficult it was to learn programming concepts along with the c++ syntax, they will tell you it was VERY very difficult. I love c++ its the language I use most of the time, but I started with Java and Basic. Pascal is another good starting language (as many have already said).

The biggest problem I see with starting with c++ is the fact that the syntax is so very unnatural when you look at it. Not to mention the "advanced capabilities" that come with the language such as memory management. I would never recommend c++ as a first language, but if you are truly motivated and driven to learn it, then you can be successful. Just remember to always be patient, open-minded, and willing to always learn more, because you have got a long road ahead if you want to be successful in programming, no matter what language you start with.