C++

[[Suck]suck]

im learning how to program in C++
any recommended programs/compliers and stuff that i need?

help would be appreciated

thx in advanced

[jcnossen]

Get visual C++ 2005 express edition (free)

[FLOZi]

Do you already know how to program? If not, C++ isn't the best language to start with.

[AF]

I disagree. I started with C++, and it made everything else a lot easier.

[gamer17]

Thanks for the info, you know any good websites that have tutorials?

[Comp1337]

google it, or go accquiring some o'reilly e-books.

On the language, i started with a wee bit of basic, then some perl, and now C#. Iono if it made it easier for me to learn, probably didn't

[SwiftSpear]

I disagree. I started with C++, and it made everything else a lot easier.

I'd probably start a new coder with a OOP language that has less random obscurities than C++... In the end of the day it can be frustrating though, since most people want to learn C++, not some other object oreinted language, simply because C++ has more base level practicality (even if it does make bug hunting endless and impossible)

[Tobi]

To really understand what you're doing you need to have a basic understanding of what's underneath too.

[Comp1337]

To really understand what you're doing you need to have a basic understanding of what's underneath too.

I agree. However random obscurities can be quite a turnoff for an aspiring programmer.

[Tobi]

That's true too, ideally you need to find a middle way.

[tombom]

My first language was COBOL at the age of 7.

Jesus. That was horrible. I don't think I ever wrote anything that did more than print "Hello World!".

[KDR_11k]

I disagree. I started with C++, and it made everything else a lot easier.

I'd probably start a new coder with a OOP language that has less random obscurities than C++... In the end of the day it can be frustrating though, since most people want to learn C++, not some other object oreinted language, simply because C++ has more base level practicality (even if it does make bug hunting endless and impossible)

Should also not be Python since strict typing is something that needs to be learned early on.

[imbaczek]

Should also not be Python since strict typing is something that needs to be learned early on.

You can count on my disagreement to this line 24/7.

Why Python is good:
- teaches indentation
- doesn't bother you with complex syntax (which you need in C++ if you want STL, that is all the time)
- no need to compile
- reads well
- good documentation, free online books (dive into python)
- static typing gets in the way unless you really need it (not too often) - not a problem in Python, no static typing (you can still check types explicitly)
- it fits your head - very important for newcomers

C++ is arguably the worst choice for a first programming language you can make. Even Lisp or assembly is better, because they teach you something other than fighting obscure compile errors.

[KDR_11k]

I still think that not learning strict typing is a hazard to a young programmer's development.

[Boirunner]

C++ is a horrible programming language. Learning it as a first language from a tutorial will just endlessly frustrate you and you will give up after a week. If you want to learn a serious language, learn Java.

If you just want to learn programming for fun, though, Python is fine.

And if you were planning on learning C++ to work on the Spring engine, forget it. It will realistically take you years to get to a proficiency that would allow you to do so.

[Licho]

Well for the start it's really better to learn something easier, where you don't have to care about annoying details and wont encounter annoying bugs.

C#, Java, Python, Pascal. If you want to know what's beneath start with C and not C++ imo.

It takes time to really master C++ with all subtle and weird stuff.

[AF]

C is mostly syntax learnign and some standard functions. Otherwise you forget it when you start usign STL.

Learn basic C++ then goto Java and C# and build window programs from there then flit between the two/three.

[Zpock]

C++ should be learned first otherwise the aspiring programmer would probably get comfortable with whatever else he learns first and never bother to learn proper c++ and become some b-rate programmer:

[Boirunner]

C++ should be learned first otherwise the aspiring programmer would probably get comfortable with whatever else he learns first and never bother to learn proper c++ and become some b-rate programmer:

If by A-Rate programmer you mean "professional software engineer, earning 100k a year", then yes. Most normal people who are not getting a CS degree can happily program their entire lives without ever having to do pointer arithmetic.

I'd much rather see the average programmer code average Java or C# code than ugly C++ code.

[SwiftSpear]

C++ should be learned first otherwise the aspiring programmer would probably get comfortable with whatever else he learns first and never bother to learn proper c++ and become some b-rate programmer:

Ugg, do you really believe learning is so closed ended? I hope to god your coding knowledge is good because your psychology knowledge is really really bad.

Getting comfortable with java/C#/another strict OOP language is fine, C++ isn't that different, it basicly just has more odd obscurities that must be learned through trial and error in comparison. Hell, it's pretty odd for a decent coder to not have a passable mastery of a good half dozen or so languages. It helps that most languages are reasonably similar once you get over syntax, but still...