C++ Beginnings

[johnny]

Hi,
I've recently enrolled in Computer Games Technology and one of the modules is C++ (using MS Visual C++). I was wondering if anyone could direct me towards a site or book that's good for beginners. I'm mainly looking for something that gives good advice in the layout of programs etc.

I still haven't figured out how I learn things so anything at all would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
J

[Smegma]

Sams Publishing's Teach yourself C++ in 24hrs is a pretty good book, as for structure this is set out when you create the project(usually using the new project wizard).

I will assume you will be using MFC rather than creating all your own classes.
You will normally have one class derived from CWinApp and depending on the option selected you will possibly have classes derived from CDocument, CView, CMDIFrameWnd and CMDIChildWnd

[RhinoBanga]

Defo go for the Sam book ... it's what I used and it'll give you a good basis for C++.

However keep away from the MFC Doc/View paradigm (basically a Model/View/Controller architecture). There's so much in there that it will overwhelm you. If you need a MVC model (which you probably will if you're going to write a game) you'd be better off reading about how it works and write your own.

[johnny]

Thanks guys, I'll definately give that book a look with your recommendations!

[Ynox]

http://www.zeuscmd.com/tutorials/cplusplus/index2.php

is what i'm using to learn some basic C++ (although i've been a Java dev for the past 4 years so a lot of it is pretty familiar).

[ally_s]

If you are not coming from a programming background I would recommend the Dietel & Dietel How to Program book.

http://www.deitel.com/books/cpphtp5/

[keyscoob]

Well, I gotta say that I'm impressed with anyone who can dedicate themselves to learn C++. It was for me a total mind-f**k! I could not get my head around it at all. Thank goodness for VB and PIC Basic, I'd be totally lost without them.

Though in my younger days I was a OK(ish) with Atari 6502 Assembler. Go figure!