Help getting started with C++

[TeeKayM]

Hello!

I am new to this forum, and to C++ itself and to programming in general. I want to study Computer Science as I absolutely love it and I'm currently 16 and still in school and I would like to know where to begin to code with C++. I got the basics of the language itself and I find it very interesting but I would like to expand on that. Do you guys recommend books, websites, guides or such to help me learn? Also what is the best way to learn.

This may not be the best place to post this thread but I'm sorry.

[2kaud]

Hi. Great that you want to study Computer Science. We are a friendly bunch here and if you require advice and guidance just ask and we'll do our best to help. Don't forgot if you post code to use code tags. Go advanced, select the formatted code and click '#'.

For web sites I would suggest
http://www.learncpp.com/
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

There are various books from which you can learn c++, however these are not cheap. The current version of c++ is c++14 (which is very similar to c++11). The version prior to this is c++03. The way that you program with the c++11 version is quite different from how you would write c++ code for the 03 version. So although there are numerous second-hand c++ books available quite cheaply, I would avoid any published prior to about 2012 and any that don't state they cover c++11.

Have a look at
Problem solving with c++
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

C++ primer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...A3A72FJ03Q9CJT

c++ how to program
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Program-...program+deitel

Also The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup (who 'invented' the c++ language)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/C-Programmin...rds=stroustrup

Note that this is a reference not a tutorial.

Once you have mastered the basics of c++ then I would recommend
Professional c++
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional...sional+c%2B%2B

Note that some of these books have more than one edition. I would suggest if possible always obtaining the most up-to-date version.

There are also some you-tube videos re c++ programming but the quality of these is variable and I can't make a recommendation.

IMO the best way to learn is with an instructor led class backed up by a good book and with an experienced c++ programmer as a mentor! I consider it important that new c++ programmers are taught the 'right' way to code in c++. Some books/instructors teach c++ by first teaching 'c' then teaching some of the 'extra' c++ bits. I would not advise this approach. Modern c++ code is very different from that which would be written as c code.

Have fun and enjoy!

[TeeKayM]

Hi. Great that you want to study Computer Science. We are a friendly bunch here and if you require advice and guidance just ask and we'll do our best to help. Don't forgot if you post code to use code tags. Go advanced, select the formatted code and click '#'.

For web sites I would suggest
http://www.learncpp.com/
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

There are various books from which you can learn c++, however these are not cheap. The current version of c++ is c++14 (which is very similar to c++11). The version prior to this is c++03. The way that you program with the c++11 version is quite different from how you would write c++ code for the 03 version. So although there are numerous second-hand c++ books available quite cheaply, I would avoid any published prior to about 2012 and any that don't state they cover c++11.

Have a look at
Problem solving with c++
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

C++ primer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...A3A72FJ03Q9CJT

c++ how to program
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Program-...program+deitel

Also The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup (who 'invented' the c++ language)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/C-Programmin...rds=stroustrup

Note that this is a reference not a tutorial.

Once you have mastered the basics of c++ then I would recommend
Professional c++
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional...sional+c%2B%2B

Note that some of these books have more than one edition. I would suggest if possible always obtaining the most up-to-date version.

There are also some you-tube videos re c++ programming but the quality of these is variable and I can't make a recommendation.

IMO the best way to learn is with an instructor led class backed up by a good book and with an experienced c++ programmer as a mentor! I consider it important that new c++ programmers are taught the 'right' way to code in c++. Some books/instructors teach c++ by first teaching 'c' then teaching some of the 'extra' c++ bits. I would not advise this approach. Modern c++ code is very different from that which would be written as c code.

Have fun and enjoy!

Thank you so much man! You are really helpful and gave me a good impression of this forums. I'll stick around!

[OReubens]

Also what is the best way to learn.

Best way to learn is "hands on"... writing actual useful applications.

start with simple things that you can use for yourself. If you have hobbies other than computer/programming, this could be something that helps you do that. or that helps with school work. Maybe you have friends/family that could make good use of a "simple" program.

Ideal projects are those that are "slightly" outside of your capability. Enough outside so you learn something new and don't just repeat stuff already learned, but not so far outside that it becomes overwhelming.


If you can find one, get a mentor, someone with several years of programming experience. Someone that'll put you on the right track if you have questions and that can review your work to point out places where you made mistakes (not all mistakes will manifest as actual bugs) or can improve what you're doing. A forum like this can help for that too, but an actual mentor can do much more.

[razzle]

I want to study Computer Science as I absolutely love it and I'm currently 16 and still in school and I would like to know where to begin to code with C++.

Are you in high school and want to study Computer Science at a university? Then don't get carried away by your interest in programming. Okay programming is fun especially if you're good at it but it is also time consuming and absorbing and can develop into an addiction. Isn't there some course you can take instead of programming on your own?

Anyway at this point in a successful programming career it's better to stay/become an A-student and make sure to get accepted into a top-notch university, than it is to pursue C++ programming. So open that boring math book again and be on your way.

[2kaud]

boring math book

Boring????

but razzle makes a good point. If you want to study Computer Science at a good university then you need good STEM grades to get accepted - and remember that Computer Science is not all about writing programs!