Question:
What is the best way to start c/ c++?
2009-03-03 19:39:18 UTC
Being me, and not knowing anything about programming what is the best way to start?
Seven answers:
2009-03-03 20:35:30 UTC
I'm going to suggest starting with Java instead of C/C++

I'm going to further suggest this book http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Java-3rd-Walter-Savitch/dp/0321487923 Absolute Java by Walter Savitch. It is the best textbook I have ever used.



I suggest Java over C++ for a few reasons: Easier syntax and more intuitive, so learning isn't as frustrating, garbage collector, so you don't have to worry about memory, overall it is just easier and friendlier, better documented, a vast API, so many things are done for you. The only thing that I like better about C++ is that it has operator overloading.



I suggest Java over C, because C barely qualifies as a high level language, you are going to have to deal with a lot of frustrating sh*t in C. It is terrible for interfacing with users, it is quirky. This was my first language, and I did not enjoy it until I got to Data Structures, Data Structures in C are rather fun, but when you are first learning, you are not dealing with Data Structures, you're making a lot of little applications that interface with a user and such. Not fun in C, you will loathe command line input, file input, "strings", etc.



The best thing you will learn from C will be pointers, and an appreciation for how much crap some of the higher level languages do for you.



Anyway, you can do what you want, but I think you will have the easiest time with Java, I think you will enjoy it the most, I think it has the most potential for application, and it is still similar enough to C/C++ that you will learn most things that those languages will teach you.



Though, I will say that a solid foundation in C will prepare you for almost anything you want to tackle next, but you better make sure this is really what you want to be doing if you choose it for that. Of course OOP will be a little weird at first, but you will really come to appreciate it when you see how elegant and intuitive it is next to C's laborious functions and crude memory management. Programming in C is like riding in a car with no shocks.
tbshmkr
2009-03-03 19:51:56 UTC
======

Free Electronic Book

Thinking in C++ 2nd Edition by Bruce Eckel

Volume 1 & Volume 2

http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html



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Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

by Harold Abelson and Gerald Jay Sussman with Julie Sussman

HTML

http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html

PDF

http://deptinfo.unice.fr/~roy/sicp.pdf



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How to Design Programs

by Matthias Felleisen, Robert Bruce Findler, Matthew Flatt and Shriram Krishnamurthi

http://www.htdp.org/



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GNU GCC Setup

http://ems.calumet.purdue.edu/mcss/kraftrl/cs302-2005/mingw-install.html
Samuel D
2009-03-03 19:43:12 UTC
with low expectations because, since it sounds like this is your first programming language, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into.



there is really no one "best" way to start, but if you have a programming class at your school you should start there. If not, look for a youtube tutorial (there are tons)
2009-03-03 19:43:39 UTC
Get a book. That is how I started, I bought a teach yourself book from barns and noble. You may want to start with something simpler like java if you have no programming experience.
neptunecentury
2009-03-03 19:44:59 UTC
there are many online documentations you can look at. Also there are free compilers you can use to get started. Microsoft VC++ 2008 Express is a free one you can fiddle with. The MSDN offers extensive documentation on API and other functions. and there are C++ tutorials all over the internet.



good luck and have fun!
jd j
2009-03-03 19:42:34 UTC
The best way to start is with a computer
Jason C
2009-03-03 19:43:24 UTC
Visit:



www.learncpp.com



Best site to learn, starts from beginner all the way to advanced in great lessons with full code!


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