How do I go about learning C++?

Hi,


I started with BBC Basic and 6502 Assembler years ago, then when Windows came around I got Visual Basic. I liked the ease but I ditched it because of the need to put everything in an 'install package' - even simple 12 liners.





I am now competent with Delphi, PHP, Perl, HTML %26amp; Javascript.





Delphi is a bit restrictive, so I want to learn C++.I have tried a couple of C++ compilers (old versions of Visual C++ and C++) Builder, but I just can't get the code to interact with the form, and the books I have read don't seem to explain it to me. It seems II have a mental block on the subject.





Can someone please point me in the right direction.

How do I go about learning C++?
It's all about getting the right book and the right compiler.





Compiler. You absolutely must get a modern compiler. C++ has changed in 99, but nearly a decade later people are using something outdated. There's two popular compilers that are in mainstream usage. The first is Microsoft Visual C++. You can get a free version (search on VC++ Express). The other is gcc. gcc is a multi-system compiler. It's used on Linux, but on Macs and Windows as well. The Windows version goes by the name MingW.





Now you also need to get a half decent book. There's a lot of outdated or just plain bad books on C++. I recommend either Accelerated C++ by Koenig or C++ Primer (4th Edition) by Lippman. Lippman and Koenig are actual experts on C++, and their books are technically accurate and intended for serious learners.





A couple of points. With C++, it is critical you not try to do GUI programming initially. That might have been OK with VBasic and Delphi, but it is not the case with C++. You must learn the language first, as GUI is not a part of C++ itself. It's just an application of C++ programming.





The second point is that if you want to Windows GUI programming, C++ may not be even be the best choice. Microsoft is moving towards its .NET platform, including for GUI programming. You might not like it, but that is the reality. If you want to focus on Windows GUIs, go with C#.
Reply:Just go through the book by Stroustrup.


Else Ask Expert's Help At http://askexpert.info/
Reply:With your background I would think it should be easy. I always picked up stuff like that from books. One step at a time. ~

garden