[elliott20]

Anybody got any tips on what books I should pick up or how I should get into it?

I've done C in the past but it's been like 4 years since I last laid eyes on code of any kind and longer since I have looked at any C code. So basically, I might as well start up from scratch again.

[chai-ta]

Personally I usually like having a project to work on for learning a new language. I would suggest looking at sourceforge for some projects. Find one that interests you (or has some meaning) and grabbing the source to take a look through. Then you will have a small group of people that can answer questions and help you through any difficult portions.

Conversely some websites like www.codeproject.com have decent/good samples of various chunks of programs (some small full programs) that have a small writeup on what they try to do and how they accomplish it.

If you feel like fun challenge - a place like topcoder.com let's you compete for programming challenges (and get cash for winning). You can also look at past challenges and solutions to brush up your skills. I wouldn't recommend this as the first place you go though. It's a unique environment, not likely to have much basis in why you are trying to (re)learn C++.

For books - I've only seen good reference books, nothing that really helps you learn the language.

[Iaiken]

I would suggest a simple C++ primer that is an easy read and not too terse along with the following:

Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code
Code Complete, Second Edition (quite honestly the best programming book I have ever read... ever.)

Check em out.

[elliott20]

I've been told though, that C++ is kind of starting to past it's prime and I really should be thinking about C# instead. Is there any validity to this claim?

[Iaiken]

elliott20, on Feb 5 2008, 09:46 PM, said:

I've been told though, that C++ is kind of starting to past it's prime and I really should be thinking about C# instead. Is there any validity to this claim?

Only for commercial applications.

Any form of application that requires the utmost speed, still requires C++ due to the nature of precompiled binaries being faster.

C# simply offers a "mostly idiot proof" programming language where all of the memory management is handled by the CLR. This allows for applications to be developed faster and with fewer bugs.

No, I think from the way it sounds, you want C++.

This post has been edited by Iaiken: 06 February 2008 - 08:17 AM

[elliott20]

yeah, for the most part, I feel like my career has gotten to the point that I need to take a refresher on my coding. This is especially true since I'm thinking about starting to take steps to make a jump into the gaming industry in the future. (I think I might try to start my own development group once I can figure out all the nuts and bolts of my business plan.)

but for me, one of my greatest weakness is that I don't code very well. I did it very briefly after I graduated out of college but even then I didn't do it for long. I figured this would be a good way for me to brush up and perhaps even learn something.

[Aoibheal]

We used this for C++ when I went to Tech for Programming.