C++, how to learn to use it?
by Timothy Volpe · in Torque Game Engine Advanced · 08/07/2010 (3:59 pm) · 10 replies
I've really seemed to realize that I can't finish my game without knowing how to write C++ for my game. I know Torque Script and I know BASIC C++. But I really want to learn how to be a pro at C++, and mainly to work with it with TGEA. I don't mean some dumb copy and paste tutorials that teach you how to do specific things, I want something (a website preferably) where I can learn to do anything possible in C++ and TGEA Source Code. I can't really afford a book, or a class, or anything with money. I just want to know. Where did you learn C++ for TGEA and will it work for me?
What I CAN do:
I understand .h and .cpp files, and I can add new ones/edit old ones to my game project.
I have Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition.
I know how to open, debug, compile, etc. game source files.
I understand variables, classes, functions, and other basic C++ things.
I can make basic WPF projects in Visual C++.
What I CAN do:
I understand .h and .cpp files, and I can add new ones/edit old ones to my game project.
I have Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition.
I know how to open, debug, compile, etc. game source files.
I understand variables, classes, functions, and other basic C++ things.
I can make basic WPF projects in Visual C++.
#2
08/07/2010 (8:16 pm)
Ok, well I have no C++ books. I have been learning by looking at code and from MSDN. Visual C++'s IntelliSense or whatever also helped a bunch. I think I'll look into that Thinking in C++, and next time I visit a book store I'll grab a C++ book. Thansk for your help, I'm so excited about learning, I've been refreshing this page for the last 6 hours waiting for a response :D
#3
08/07/2010 (10:13 pm)
I found a copy of Thinking in C++. Its an amazing book. I just finished chapter 2. I think I'm going to read one chapter a day. Thank you so much! 
#4
As for whether this approach work for you - and whether you've got time to allow yourself to sort of absorb the language by osmosis - is a different question ;P.
08/08/2010 (11:35 pm)
Quote:Where did you learn C++ for TGEA and will it work for me?For what it's worth, I learned everything I know about C++ from reading Torque source code. After becoming reasonably familiar with GameStudio's c-script as my first programming language, and learning basic Java at school, it wasn't too difficult to pick up. I guess the key thing was for me to look up absolutely everything I didn't understand. The internet's great for finding specific things - I've found cplusplus.com to be a great resource. It has clear and useful explanations for almost every concept in the language, from pointers to template classes and multiple inheritance.
As for whether this approach work for you - and whether you've got time to allow yourself to sort of absorb the language by osmosis - is a different question ;P.
#5
08/09/2010 (6:12 pm)
If you can swing it, some universities/community colleges have pretty boss lecturers for their intro/mid level Computer Science classes.
#6
08/09/2010 (10:20 pm)
I know a like 2 languages fully (mostly TorqueScript, HTML (not really a language), and C#) so picking up the basic syntax of C++ was easy. But I soon found that because of how big the TGEA Source Code project is, and me being a developer creating small projects, I ran into many things, including header files, which I stumpled on a lot. 
#7
It's just not a PROGRAMMING language.
Start with some C++ framework which already does a lot for you (Qt or wxWidgets for regular GUI apps, SFML for 2D games) and learn their ways. You really need to read working code along with just learning the language.
08/10/2010 (9:25 pm)
HTML is a language :)It's just not a PROGRAMMING language.
Start with some C++ framework which already does a lot for you (Qt or wxWidgets for regular GUI apps, SFML for 2D games) and learn their ways. You really need to read working code along with just learning the language.
#8
09/13/2010 (2:38 am)
another good book is beginning c++ through game programming by Michael Dawson the book also comes with a cd so u can do the scripting in and so u can follow along with the book with it also
#9
09/21/2010 (8:19 am)
just get comfortable with memory allocation, pointers, constructors, destructors, and overloaded operators and you should be ok.
#10
Actually, I recommend that book too. While all the games he makes are text-based, it is a good read for those who get bored with a typical C++ book. While I already knew C++, I thumbed through it at the library once and though it would have been a good one to have when I originally learned.
09/24/2010 (3:57 pm)
Quote:another good book is beginning c++ through game programming by Michael Dawson the book also comes with a cd so u can do the scripting in and so u can follow along with the book with it also
Actually, I recommend that book too. While all the games he makes are text-based, it is a good read for those who get bored with a typical C++ book. While I already knew C++, I thumbed through it at the library once and though it would have been a good one to have when I originally learned.
Torque 3D Owner Ronny Bangsund
Torque Cheerleaders
Any book which promises to teach you the language in X number of UNITS is to be avoided. If you have any of those now, I suggest you burn them.
When your head is about to explode from all the learning, Code Complete is a relaxing book on the mindset of a programmer. Might help you a bit too.