Actually applying language/skills learned?

I've wanted to learn programming for years and am finally getting the chance after starting a BSc Computing at Uni (evening class).

One of the modules I'm just about to finish is "Introduction To Programming", using C++.

I've got on quite well with it, have understood most of it, and it's given me the inspiration to buy some books on it and learn more, and start programming in my own time as a hobby.

Most of the exercises given have been based on that night's lecture, covering all the basics like variables, arrays, functions, etc, etc, and are things like "Write a program using loops that produces the following on screen:

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and so on. The assessment coursework was a bit more detailed, incorporating everything taught over the 12 weeks (it was a program to record flight details for a travel agent, menu driven, allowing searching of flights, deleting of flights, writing to a text file, etc.)

My problem is where do I actually start when it comes to writing my own stuff, off the top of my own head? It's one thing knowing a language (computer or otherwise), it's another actually knowing what to do with it!

For example I could use a very simple program on my Mac that reads a .torrent file, and display the info contained within it - tracker URL, file details, piece size, etc, etc. Even if it's command line based. Where on Earth would I start? I know about variables, and passing them into functions, etc, etc, but I just can't fathom how I'd actually use this info to my own ends

Thanks for listening, I'm keen to learn!

For something like a torrent reader, you will have to use an external library called libcurl. Interfacing with the web is a little more difficult than you might think I would start with local stuff that you have complete control of. Maybe local txt, conf, csv files to start with.

First thing that you need is a good IDE. Google XCode and you'll find it, XCode is by a wide margin the best IDE. You might have to register as a developer with Apple, but it's free, and they won't spam you.

Thanks. I already have Xcode, I registered with Apple some time ago as I'd like to (eventually) get into iPhone app development.

Any hints on where to go from here? The exam for Intro to Programming is tomorrow night, then that's the programming side of the degree all done for year 1. Next programming module is Structures & Algorithms, but since I'm doing the degree 1 module at a time, part time, it'll be a while till I do it.

So in the meantime what's the best way to practice, hone my skills, and learn more?

I thought maybe something like a torrent reader as a "project", just cos it seemed simple on the face of it.

Cheers

There are various programming challenges around the web. Find one and give it a go.

I guess it would be simple, and libcurl would be a good library to learn. Everybody uses it for anything that has to do with the web.