C++ as a first language [closed]

Answer 1

C++ will be (much?) more approachable if you learn "modern C++" rather than "C plus some new stuff". For example, use std::string, std::vector<>, and unique_ptr<> / shared_ptr<> instead C-style strings, arrays, and pointers.

The already mentioned Accelerated C++ by Koenig and Moo is one book that does exactly this.

Answer 2

Carry on. C++ is still widely used and THE language for certain kind of work. So it depends on what you want to do - systems programming is done in C++ or C, business and web apps tend to be done in other things.

I do strongly recommend that you explore other languages as well. Python is my second language, for example; it may give you new insights about object-oriented and functional programming and make you a better C++ programmer (and a better programmer overall).

I believe being exposed to as many languages (and, more importantly, to many different programming paradigms) will make you a better programmer overall. Take a look at Haskell, Prolog, Lisp, and an Assembler variant, at least.

Answer 3

If you were just about to start out I wouldn't recommend C++ as a first language, because the first thing you need to understand as a programmer are the programming concepts, and in C++ you'll spend a lot of time wrangling with the syntax.

But since you're four months in and enjoying it then it sounds like you are doing okay, so I'd say carry on. But round it out with some more general reading. Something like Structure and Intepretation of Computer Programs. It will teach you things that just ploughing throw in C++ won't occur. Things that will make your C++ programs better (and make you better in other languages as well).

Answer 4

I think if you are sharp and are having a good time with it, then C++ is an OK beginner language for you.

If you asked me the same question without having actually picked one to try yet, I'd suggest starting with Ada instead. It is just as powerful as C++, but far less cryptic.

Also its syntax was designed to be less error-prone, and it does far more compile-time and runtime checking, so you'll spend much less frustrating time debugging your programs. What really turns off a lot of a lot of would-be programmers is when they get nasty bugs they just can't find.

The main thing now that you are using C++ is that, once you get comfortable with it, you go out and try another language. Too many people get so used to one native lanugage that they can't see outside its borders. I can't count the number of people I've seen who hate all languages but their first, simply because they do things differently. But even if you were to stick with C++ as your main language for life, I guarantee you that learning Lisp will make you a better C++ programmer.

Answer 5

C++ isn't an easy language to learn as noted by everyone else, but there are a few reasons that it makes a decent place to start:

• it doesn't tie you to a specific programming paradigm (e.g., Java and OOP) so you can experiment with different techniques easily
• C++ doesn't have the bells and whistles so you can concentrate on making the building blocks if you want to know how they are built
• since it is a language and not a platform, you can choose the library or libraries that best fit the task at hand or your chosen programming style (e.g., choosing something like Poco for a Javaesque feel, ACE for the gritty early style OO, etc.)
• it is a general purpose programming language, not a platform (had to say that twice)

The trick is learning it carefully and correctly the first time. I know that I, like many others, have struggled with it by learning it as "C + objects" before really understanding it. It is a hard language to learn. I would recommend looking for an experienced C++ mentor to attach yourself to as well as reading a lot of the "highly recommended" books on how to and how not to write C++. Avoid learning bad habits up front.

For a starting reading list in no particular order:

• "Accelerated C++" by Koenig and Moo
• "Effective C++/STL" by Scott Meyers
• "Object-Oriented Software Construction" by Bertrand Meyer
• "Expert C Programming" by Peter van der Linden
• "STL Tutorial and Reference Guide" by Musser, Derge, and Saini
• "The C++ Standard Library" by Josuttis

Answer 6

You have a lot of good answers here, but I would add:

Never give up on anything! If you don't have time or something doesn't interest you then you should QUIT, but never GIVE UP!

I don't care how hard it is, carry on. Carry on slowly if you must.