How can I learn C++?!?

Question

I really want to get into some game development, but I am only 16 and therefore cannot take any courses at college.. yet.
I have NO experience with coding, and I am looking for a book, or website which teaches the language, and explains EVERY aspect. For example, I've come across the term "Object Oriented", if the book mentioned that for example, I'd like it to explain what it means and not just assume that I know; it's how I learn best.

Are there any books like that out there for C++ (specifically game development)? Something that teaches the "whys" and not just giving me code and fancy words..

Answer 1

C++ is very complex and I doubt you're going to find a single source that covers everything. I would advise starting with the basics which will teach you about what programming is, how to create your first program, variables and primitive types, functions, etc. You'll want to master the basics before moving on to, say, networking and 3d graphics. http://learncpp.com is a great place to start. You could also try http://sp-productions.zxq.net/c++%20tutorial.html (a C++ tutorial written by my friend). And if you would rather start with Java, Oracle has some very excellent tutorials and NetBeans makes coding, compiling, and debugging very easy. As for books, let me recommend the REA Super Review books. They are intended to be used as review aids in classes, but if you want a crash course on the basics, they are cheap and get through all the concepts quickly (i.e. they are half an inch thick vs textbooks which can be almost 3 inches thick). Their C++ book is slightly dated, but there won't be anything that will effect learning too much (the biggest thing I caught was that they include the i/o stream as iostream.h instead of simply iostream).



Anyway, if you do want to take a college course, you can- just go to a community college. I've been in college since I was 16 (I'm 18 and am hoping to transfer in the fall). It is quite possible to learn C++ without any schooling, though. I know Javascript, PHP, Actionscript 2, Actionscript 3, Java, the basics of C++ (I've been more focused on learning Java), and am starting to learn x86 assembly and the only courses I've ever taken were a basic HTML course in 8th grade that mostly used FrontPage and a graphics class in 9th grade that touched on the very tip of AS2.

Answer 2

I don't think you can learn C++ without taking a class. It is really difficult and worse, if you have no experience at all in programming or how programs work, you have a long way to go. Many colleges and community colleges have special programs that accept high school students with good averages. You should be aware that they will probably have a general Information Technology class as a prerequisite for C++. Those are good classes so even though it seems to be the slow way for you, take it. You'll learn things like what object oriented means and the "whys" that you mention.



Good luck to you. Programming is challenging and extremely rewarding.

Answer 3

I'd look into XNA and C# if I were just starting out. That or if I were really new I'd look at Python and PyGame (all free). As for C++ books, the one I've got for those college classes you're looking at are C++ How To Program by Deitel, and one for general good practices is Effective C++: 55 Specific ways to improve your programs and designs. That being said, I haven't looked much at either. So far I've learned everything from another person or just the internet.

Answer 4

I've been using the tutorials on learncpp.com and I love it! It starts out explaining the non-object-oriented aspects first, then explains how classes/objects are useful.

Answer 5

i read your all problems and what are you doing now for this problems you really can learn this programming language c++. you were looking book and website also so your good idea.for your solutions you should go privet institute there you can join for learn. i wish your bright future. thank you

but you should join in institute soon. thanks