Learning C++? Is Teach yourself Visual C++ in 21 days good?

#1 Well if you want to make games learning C++ is a good start [understatement] but don't expect to learn much in 21 days (unless you already know how to program in another similar language, Java say). Haven't read that book but its more about you than what book you have IMO.

#2 what I mean is, is that a good way to learn it? This is the first thing I am trying to learn, and if that book isn't going to teach me what I need to knwo then I shouldn't be reading it.

What is the best website to learn how to make a computer game, the language, not just how to make one?

#3 That book is a good step-by-step MFC tutorial (you can read it free at www.informit.com). But it will not teach you C++.

You can learn C++ for free by going to www.bruceeckel.com and downloading his free books 'Thinking in C++', both first and second volumes are there, completely free. You might want to accompany this book with 'Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days', also at www.informit.com. C++ is more like a discipline, or religion, than just a programming language, so expect to have to study it like you would study karate or yoga.

I would suggest that after you learn C++ you learn windows programming the Win32 way, the Charles Petzold books are good for this. There was one of those hanging around free on the net for a while; I haven't seen it for some time. Maybe someone here who has petzold.chm and a fast Internet connection can email it to you.

Joe

#4 ok thanks, well I will go to www.bruceeckel.com, how long does it take to learn the basics? a month? 2 months? I don't care how long but I want to knwo if I am gonna be making a game in the next year lol.

#5 You could probably learn to read C++ in one or two months and be able to make minor mods to an engine. What you learn you can also apply to script writing. As far as making major modifications I generally use this example "you can learn to read music in a day or so but that doesn't mean you're a concert pianist". I've been programming on and off for 15 years and I still don't know everything that I don't know :)

#6 I would recommend http://www.codewarrioru.com
they tell you that you have to buy all kinds of books but you realy dont need them and the lessons are very good. Also covers a range of topics, program specific, different launguages etc.

#7 Anyone know any good .pdf book formats for learning C++?

I know C fairly well, along with simplier languages like VB and Delphi. I have no experience in C++ and I learn best by reading .pdf files. ;)

Any links?

Cheers,

- Geoff

#8 http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html#PDFFormat

Mr. Eckel was a founding member of the ANSI/ISO C++ committee, he knows his stuff and IMO is very good at putting it across the page (I have spoke to some who disagree, but its free, there's nothing to loose). Both volumes are indexed also, so they make great reference.

Joe

#9 Take a look at this URL Tyler: https://www.gameinstitute.com
quite a few of the people who are writing books on PC game development are teaching classes here.

#10 how much does it cost?

I am only 15 so I can't get a job, yet, and I also don't have a credit card.

#11 They range from 40 to 100 dollars depending on the class, about the price of a book for some of them. It might be hard to sign up without a credit card though.

#12 Tyler,

How is that Game Starter Kit? Did it give a quick head start on game design? Did you find it difficult to use?

I've been thinking of purchasing it myself but have been hesitant. My only programming experience is BASIC and some Pascal and that was 15 years ago. I'd like to develop games as a hobby and I wasn't sure where to start.

Anyone else have reviews on this Game Starter kit 4.0?

Scott

#13 Your 15 and can't get a job yet? BAH! I told my 15 year old daughter if she wanted all those CD's she was going to have to get a job. Know what? she did!!!

So can you! Good luck!

#14 Hi I would like to know some good books for C/C++ and Visual basics. I am intrested in pratically designing any type of program. Whetheir it be business,network applications or games.
Which of these books for C are good?

C Traps and Pitfalls
Common Sense C
Reusable Components in C
Sams Teach yourself C in 24 hrs.
Sams Teach yourself C in 21 days
The C Programming Language

For C++ which are these are great ones to have?

C++ Annotations Version 4
C++ From Scratch
C++ Neural Network and fuzzy Logic
C++ Transparency
CPP
Learn Encryption Techniques with basic C++
Object Oriented Systems Development

For VB which of these are great books?

Basic Visual Basics
Beginning in Visual Basics
Learn Visual Basic 6.0
Using Visual Basic 6.0
Programming Microsoft Visual basic 6

Thanks for reading this

Laters

#15 C++ is a great language for programming games. A few books I would recommend are: The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustroup, the creator of C++. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201889544/o/qid=992845556/sr=2-2/107-2231360-2399719)
Also, if you're planning on making a game from scratch (3d i'm assuming) you're going to need a background in math (linear algebra, differential geometry, etc.) and pick up either an OpenGL book or DirectX. Whichever you prefer, OpenGL is cross-platform (mac, linux, win32) and DirectX is proprietary M$ shit.. hope this helped...

#16 Thats not the answer I was looking for. I was asking which of those books are great to read. I am intrested in designing 3D applications,Business,network applications and other types of applications including games. Those books are what I have so I am going to stick with them until I am finished reading and understanding the ones that people reccomend. After that I am going to read those hardcore C++ Bjarne reference books. So please can somebody answer my question?I only want my question to be answered only and why they great to read. It would be helpful if I get the appropriate answer please.

#17 I bought the starter kit. Haven't found much use for the model stuff yet, as it didn't come with a 3D model creator (I've since downloaded Blend).

The best part of the whole thing is the book, the views from different people actually in the industry was interesting, and I could read through thinking "Hey, I liked that game!" :)

Getting MSVC++6 was very helpful, although (it may just be me) I found the ebook on it assumed I had picked something up before I had. It is a handy pointer for what you need to know about MFC, so you at least know what you're looking for...

The copy of Genesis I haven't looked at too much yet, as my poor home computer can't run it (Feeling sorry for me, send money to... ;)

Overall, if you don't have a copy of VC++ yet, this is a pretty fun way to get it if you have the cash...

End my (NZ)2 cents

#18 I bought the starter kit about a month ago. It has helped me in ways but i still dont know how to make a game. i'm only on day 4 in the ebook. The direct X ebook is really hard to under stand but the C++ one is a great help.

I feel you Tyler. I'm only 13 but i'm a major computer genious. I knew more about computers then my 5th Grade Computer teacher. I always fall asleep at night reading the Sages book and i just love how it has so many peoples differnt oppinions.

If anyone out there knows where to find a web site on how to acctually make a game i'm open for suggestions.

Tommy Cox

#19 If you want to learn C++, I would first *just* learn C++, then Standard C++, and finally MFC.

My favorate book for learning C++ through the years is the "C++ Primer Plus" from the Waite Group, published by SAMS.

For Standard C++, skip Stroustrup's book and get "The Standard C++ Library" by Nicholai Josuttis.

For MFC, well, I'd just run through the tutorials and info on the MSDN library, since I don't like any of the MFC books out there.

#20 A great book I have read is "Visual C++ In 12 Easy Lessons" although it shouldn't say Visual because there is no MFC. But it's a great book to start off with. Nice easy way of learning, and it doesn't go off on business crap and things. It just teaches basics though.