   SUPER beginner question(s)
  Hey everyone, I just started looking into computer programing, and starting in the fall I'm starting working towards my CS degree. I have no exprence in programing, but i do eventually wanna make games, so i would just like to know: Where should i start? I bought two C++ books, Beginning C++ through game programing 2nd Ed. and a C++ for dummies (the one with 7 books in one) book, I have been going through the Beginning C++ book, is this a good place to start? or is there something else I should be reading?And if that is a good place to start, where should i go from there? basically I just want some advice on how i should start introducing myself to programming, I'd like to learn as much as possible.
  I have the exact same books, and learnt what C++ I know from them...So I can see where you are coming from.The "learn C++ through Game Programming" (Penton book?) Is a good book I found, as it keeps you entertained, and you feel like you are getting somewhere with Games programming. However..I have found that, to get anywhere with Game programming, in any Language, a decent understanding of the language is needed before you attempt any sort of game programming on your own, otherwise you will find yourself getting bogged down, and stuck. If I were you, I'd read the Dummies book (the 7-in-1 special), and get a grasp on the language. After that, just flick to the end of each chapter in the Ron Penton Book, and attempt each "game" - You should have the basic understanding, without the need for reading the "how to" part (which is there for an aid incase you get stuck!)..With C++, you will find one thing though. There is a black hole between learning the basics (console orientated games) to what you see guys doing with 2D / 3D games. There isn't a strict A->B learning route, and everyone has a different route (I went to C# because i gave up). Have a look at the threads on here, and see what the best route will be for you, whether to go on and learn Win32 apps after the basics of the console, to SDL..to openGL (neHe has some great tutorials on here from what I've heard) to DirectX...Whichever way you go, its a long route, but worthwhile :) I hope this helps you a little :) Good luck!   ;Quote:I bought two C++ books, Beginning C++ through game programing 2nd Ed. and a C++ for dummies (the one with 7 books in one) book, I have been going through the Beginning C++ book, is this a good place to start? or is there something else I should be reading?Here's how I look at it. If you want to learn C++, you should get a good C++ book. Neither of those are exactly great books to learn the language.On the other hand, you demand a book that is suited for beginners. The C++ books we recommend aren't suited for absolute beginners. That said, the big problem is that you are starting with C++. This is not a beginner friendly language. The two big languages that are most accessible right now are Python and C#. There are other beginner friendly entry points to programming, but if you want to start off by learning a mainstream language, Python and C# are the ones to look at.Also, you don't have much time before you start college. You may want to look into what language you will be taught initially at your college. If they teach you Java, for example, starting with Java makes sense.Quote:basically I just want some advice on how i should start introducing myself to programming, I'd like to learn as much as possible.I don't play guitar. How do I start learning? By picking up a guitar, and working through the basics. I read a bit, practice a lot, read a bit, practice a lot. It's a long repetitive process, right?Same with programming. You'll acquire a bit of knowledge. Then you have to think of ideas that allow you to practice that knowledge. Read a bit more. Practice a lot. Do this endlessly, and you'll at some point find yourself taking on significantly complex problems.   ;  hey guys, thanks a lot for the advice I really apprechate it, I had a feeling going right into C++ might be a little much for a beginner like me.  I wasn't aware that C# was a simpler language to learn, I thought it was another version of C++.  So I will deffentaly look into C# and probley check out Python as well.I don't expect to know a lot when I go into school in the fall, but I do find this stuff really intresting so I wanted to get started now rather than wait for school.Thanks again for the help guys   ;Quote:Original post by Madmonkey90I wasn't aware that C# was a simpler language to learn...Don't know where you got that idea but if programming languages were like climbing a hill Python would be starting at the bottom not even halfways upJava/C# halfways up the hillC++ at the top of the hillLOL   