title: As a Java developer, C or C++?
body: <p>I've been writing Java professionally for the last 5 years.  Recently, I've had to dig into JNI a bit to call some Windows specific functions.</p>
  
  <p>This experience has highlighted my poor command of the C (or C++ for that matter) language.  My only introduction to C was a brief "dummies" book that I read in high school 11 years ago.</p>
  
  <p>I know that both languages have advanced in that time frame, especially C++ and the standard library.</p>
  
  <p>Would it be appropriate for me to learn C or C++?  Which books would be best?</p>
  
  <p>Do folks also have any recommendations for Windows programming as well?  I can read through MSDN well enough to figure out certain API calls but I have a feeling I'm missing things in regards to the "big picture".</p>
  
  <p>Thanks</p>