Programming learning curve (c++)?

Question

Hi,

Recently i finally decide to start and learn the tools for the fine art of programing in the IT world.
Actually i started to learn the c++ language. A guy recommended me a book "Beginning c++ trough game programming - Michael Dawson. So far i am at chapter 6/10 and i can say that i learned allot considering i didn't knew a thing about c++ or had any other earlier experience from school expect very very basic BASIC :).
Now i fully understand and i actually can create some interesting piece of code like i.e. games: HANGMAN or WORD JUMBLE and stuff like that or apps that can work with numbers.. like i can input the computer to compute any given formula etc.
I wouldn't want to go in detail what i can master but when i finish that book i should be able to code a black jack game.

The thing is that everything i saw working in the book everything was within the command line.. even though the last project in chapter 10 the black jack.

My question is.. am i on the right path with this book. if so, how should i continue?
I want to reach the level when i will fully understand how games these days work and actually be able to create some interesting 3D amateur games. Also i actually need this.. to be able to code commercial software for custom customers, like software for a library that can keep track of the loaned books and stuff.. or for a billing center etc.. I would really as well like to learn how the graphic software works.. i.e. the healing brush in photo shop.

Please for advice, this seems a bit overwhelming for me but i do not intend to give up.
Thanks

Answer 1

If you're learning C++ and enjoy doing so from this book, then I'd say to stick with it, as long as it's not causing any problems with your coding.



There are also many other books out there on how to program, many of which you can probably find just by going to a local bookstore and thumbing through some of them to see if you like any particular book.



You could also check out what books are available on Amazon.com, as well as read user reviews to see what others think about a particular book.



http://Amazon.com



In addition, there are many websites which offer free programming tutorials on a variety of different languages, such as C++, one of which being TheNewBoston.com.



http://ThewNewBoston.com



http://YouTube.com/thenewboston



I have watched some of their tutorials (though not really many on C++) and think they're a great resource and are well made, as well.



Good luck and I hope I helped you!

Answer 2

First of all that book will teach you a basic knowledge but it probably make everything cryptic and difficult as most books on programming languages are. This is the guy I learned C++ and I'd say I have a pretty above average understanding of the language for a beginner, now.

Here's his channel: youtube.com/user/thenewboston



After you finish his tutorials, you may want to find some tutorials/books on C#. Once you understand that language a good amount, download Visual Studio Express (or buy the full edition) and XNA Game Studio (look it up) and start using their framework to create games. They have a whole website dedicated to teaching people how to program games using XNA, you can find it at create.msdn.com.



You're probably wondering why I told you to use XNA and C# instead of SDL and C++ (it's a library for games/software). Well, you can do things that way but C++ is in my opinion probably the most difficult language for beginners and I am personally easing my way into programming games/software with it (you can do the same thing if you want). C#, meanwhile is a managed, high level object oriented programming language that's pretty user friendly.



Hope this helps!

Answer 3

It is always the right path if you are enjoying any programming book. If you enjoy it you will learn way faster than if you were to force yourself to read something. Whether it's game programming or programming some other type of application, you will learn the same concepts. Keep it up and enjoy! :)