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Hi all,

I'm new here. Hello! I am a new comp. sci major and am required to take a beginning course which we learn c++. So far I've been hanging in, but I don't have the greatest teacher to learn from. I've had no formal programming language training. I've actually been learning more by watching Harvard lectures on academicearth.org. I have the Savitch Absolute C++ (3rd edition) along with my professor's course reader which is terrible.. The Savitch book is alright, but I'd prefer a more of a beginner type book. I downloaded the ebook (Learn c++ in 21 days).. So far I enjoy it even though I'm only on the 2nd chapter.

What sources would you all recommend to a beginner in c++? I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have as I'm genuinely interested in learning it, but want to learn it right the first time.

I've been using M$ Visual Studio Express 2005 for my IDE.

Thanks!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by tux4life

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Quick, practical roadmap for (building on what and suggested): start with a solid, modern toolchain, pair a short practical book with a deeper course-style text, and practice by building small programs every week.

Upgrade the IDE/compiler before you spend too long wrestling with old tool quirks — newer IDEs give better debugging, up-to-date compilers, and clearer diagnostics. Consider Visual Studio Community for a full Windows C++ toolchain or use Visual Studio Code plus the official C/C++ extension if you prefer a lighter editor. (Visual Studio downloads, C/C++ for VS Code). (visualstudio.microsoft.com)

For books: use a short, practical starter that gets you writing real programs quickly, then follow with a more thorough course-style book that teaches programming principles as well as C++. Two complementary choices are "Accelerated C++" (practical, example-driven) and Bjarne Stroustrup’s course-style "Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++"; keep a comprehensive reference like "C++ Primer (5th ed.)" on hand for deeper study. (Accelerated C++, Stroustrup PPP, C++ Primer). (informit.com)

Online, use a readable tutorial for step-by-step lessons and a authoritative reference for language/library details. A structured tutorial site is excellent for beginners, while cppreference is the go-to wiki for up-to-date standard and library specs; adopt the C++ Core Guidelines as your style/best-practices compass. ([LearnCpp.com], [cppreference], [C++ Core Guidelines]). (learncpp.com)

Practical study plan: code daily (even 30–60 minutes), start with console programs, focus on std::vector/string and algorithms before raw pointers, write small projects (calculator, text parser, simple game), and use the debugger. Blend the tutorials recommended with the books above and follow modern practices from the Core Guidelines — that mix prevents learning old, unsafe habits and makes progress visible quickly.

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Member Avatar for siddhant3s

C++ FAQs by Marshal Cline is a good, free resource.
If you are a absolute biginer you must read "The Correct C++ Tutorial"
Thinking in C++ by Bruce Eckel is a nice book(free online)
You may visit the Sticky forum about C++ books http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread70096.html

commented: Good advise for the student +7
Member Avatar for fourstar

Nice resource. Thanks!

Member Avatar for tux4life

I know there's also a seperate thread about C++ Books, but 'C++ Black Book' is a very beginner-friendly book, it explains nearly the whole C++ syntax in detail, step by step ...

But it might not be an appropriate choice for you because you only need to learn the basics...

The following site has also some C/C++ tutorials: http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html#c++tutorial

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