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Geek Culture / C++ Book

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The Wilderbeast
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 15:27
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I want to start learning C++ as if I am to look towards programming as a career prospect then I am going to have to start getting serious as it is industry standard.

Does anyone know any good books out that, maybe one that leans towards game design?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks

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David R
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 15:43 Edited at: 26th Apr 2009 15:47
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These don't lean toward games, but I highly recommend them any way:

(SAMS) Teach yourself C++ in 24 hours - even if you're not learning from scratch, I keep this book around because it has a lot of good reference sections (keywords, operator precedence listings, lots of examples for macros, preprocessor tricks etc.)

Code Complete 2 (MS Press) is a really good down-to-earth guide for writing professional grade code, so it's not a learning book, but it's packed full of advice.

It leans very much toward business software, but it has lots of stylistic stuff aimed at working in teams (and tries to make you think + apply your time, rather than going after hacky implementations etc. which is obviously good for jobs). If you're just starting out, I also recommend reading this fairly early on, because it can steer you away from some bad habits that may otherwise become tricky to avoid later on.


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Venge
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 15:56 Edited at: 26th Apr 2009 15:58
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Back when I was still into programming, I got this one for introductory C++ stuff (850 pages!), it was pretty good. It is structured much the same as David R's C++ in 24 hours recommendation (I have that one too), but goes in more depth. DO NOT get C++ For Dummies unless you know C already, it doesn't explain anything that's not new to C++.
After you get through that book, I would recommend this as a good primer to Windows programming and 2D games. Finally, if you are interested in making 3D games, get this one. Yes, it's focused on RPGs, but the first half of the book is an awesome DirectX interface introduction, and I learned quite a bit from the RPG half as well.

Those 3 books will run you $74.05 (£50.45) through Amazon, and you'll be well on your way to making your own games.

In the beginning, the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
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The Wilderbeast
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 16:17
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I've just had a quick look and those books seem like a really helpful set to have. I'll probably order the first one and see how it goes

Thanks for the recommendations

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mamaji4
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 16:29
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Once you've been through the basics, Andre Lamothe comes to mind as the game programming guru. His books are worth a read.

If you're looking for a free e-book then Michael Abrash is the one to turn to. He'll take you through code optimization with ASM like no one else can.

If at first you don't succeed, relax. You're like the rest of us.
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Mnemonix
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 16:34
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On an unrelated note on Andre Lamothe, I have his book on designing and building a games console. The book is a headmelter!

Mnemonix
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mamaji4
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 16:46 Edited at: 26th Apr 2009 17:13
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Yeah. That one needs some knowledge of digital electronic system design. You need to have formal training in that, although most author's say you don't. Probably trying to extend their market reach to the software guys also.

Quote: "• Basic atomic physics and semiconductor theory primer.
• Introduction to circuit analysis; current, voltage, and resistance.
• Analog design using discrete components.
• Digital electronics and Boolean algebra.
• Physical hardware construction and prototyping techniques.
• Combinational logic and advanced integrated circuit building blocks.
• Finite state machine design.
• Computer architecture and design.
• Understanding and using microprocessors and microcontrollers.
• Developing software for embedded systems.
• Designing video (NTSC/VGA), audio, and input device systems.
• Interfacing and communications.
• The complete design and discussion of numerous game systems including the XGameStations!



CD-ROM Contains
• PCB and circuit simulation tools.
"


LOL. Just read the contents of the book. It would take a full time degree course to be able to do all that with proficiency.
And even then it's not that easy to design your own circuits if you don't have suffiecient experience on the qualitative analysis side. i.e. Circuit analysis is done based on quantitative methods and that's all you learn. Circuit design, especially the analog part requires years of experience, unless you have a bunch of ready made circuits you can pick out from a handbook that have ready made quantitative methods related to the circuit at hand.

If at first you don't succeed, relax. You're like the rest of us.
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kaedroho
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 21:32 Edited at: 26th Apr 2009 21:37
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www.cplusplus.com

Sams teach yourself C++ in 24 hours

I have both of the above. www.cplusplus.com is the better one and its free. But im not a good reader, so I would learn better from the website anyway.

You will have to learn how to use the game/rendering engine or Graphics API which your going to use separately.

Also, you might want to copy my sig, noone can see yours.

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Jeku
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 22:34
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I would not recommend any of those 24 hours books, personally, as I've only heard bad things about them. The absolute best book for reference for C++ is:

C++ How To Program by Deitel & Deitel.

Wow, I bought the 2nd Edition back in '99 and they're already up to the 7th. It's expensive but you can probably find it second-hand somewhere. I still use the 2nd edition for interview prepping

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Matt Rock
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 23:05
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Book? I... oh, forget it


Quote: "Does anyone know any good books out that, maybe one that leans towards game design?"

Since game design and programming are two extremely different beasts, here's a very good design book work reading: The Art of Game Design: a book of lenses by Jesse Schell. Very fascinating read and extremely informative.

Also, a valuable internet resource that should be visited at least once by mainstream and indie game designers alike is Noah Falstein's 400 Project. While sadly it was never completed, the 400 Project lists 112 rules of thumb that every designer should understand, if not practice as often as possible. Some of it is for creative leads, some is for technical designers, some is for level designers... all of it is good to know .

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Mr Z
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Posted: 26th Apr 2009 23:27
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This site helped me a lot when I was trying to learn C++.
http://www.cprogramming.com/

Not sure how good it is in relation to the other sites and books mentioned, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

There is no greater virtue, then the ability to face oneself.
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David R
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 00:18 Edited at: 27th Apr 2009 00:19
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Quote: "I would not recommend any of those 24 hours books, personally, as I've only heard bad things about them."


No offense, but try reading them rather than using hearsay.


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Jeku
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 01:43 Edited at: 27th Apr 2009 01:43
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Quote: "No offense, but try reading them rather than using hearsay."


No offense, but I have half a dozen other 24 Hours books (C, ASP.NET, PHP) that I've read. Also, I have some fellow game programming friends who, no offense, know much more than you or I on the topic, and they too recommend those last. Quit arguing every point I make on this forum, it's really getting annoying.

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zzz
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 01:56
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http://www.cppreference.com/wiki/ is also pretty nice if you just want to look things up.

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Yodaman Jer
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 02:55
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Quote: "Book? I... oh, forget it "



Anyways Matt, that book looks amazing (The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses)! I'll definitely be checking into that.


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Darth Vader
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 04:28
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Quote: "No offense, but I have half a dozen other 24 Hours books (C, ASP.NET, PHP) that I've read. Also, I have some fellow game programming friends who, no offense, know much more than you or I on the topic, and they too recommend those last. Quit arguing every point I make on this forum, it's really getting annoying."

I agree with Jeku. I actually started to read that Sams 24 hour C++ book, it was hopeless! Glad that I got it from the library and didn't buy it!

But if you want to get into the programming or designing games then I recommend this book,
http://www.amazon.com/Break-Into-Game-Industry-Making/dp/0072226609
I have it and it's really good! Explains the roles of different people, gives a brief history, and guides you in what you might study. Really good read!

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David R
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 09:57 Edited at: 27th Apr 2009 10:00
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Quote: "
No offense, but I have half a dozen other 24 Hours books (C, ASP.NET, PHP) that I've read. Also, I have some fellow game programming friends who, no offense, know much more than you or I on the topic, and they too recommend those last. Quit arguing every point I make on this forum, it's really getting annoying.
"


No, I wasn't arguing the point: it was more the fact that if you bothered to read up a bit, you'll find a slightly more lengthy description of a 24hr book, that explains its useful properties. As opposed to your review based purely on hearsay - if that's an OK justification to derail other recommendations, then I suppose "I've heard" only bad things about C++ How To Program by Deitel & Deitel. Not very useful as a critique, is it?


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n008
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Posted: 27th Apr 2009 14:56 Edited at: 27th Apr 2009 14:58
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C++: The complete Reference, 4th edition; www.cplusplus.com && Project Euler

...and I think you're ready to learn!

"I have faith, that I shall win the race, even though I have no legs, and am tied to a tree." ~Mark75
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Jeku
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Posted: 28th Apr 2009 17:32 Edited at: 28th Apr 2009 17:32
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Quote: "No, I wasn't arguing the point: it was more the fact that if you bothered to read up a bit, you'll find a slightly more lengthy description of a 24hr book, that explains its useful properties. As opposed to your review based purely on hearsay"


Well, I have C in 24 hrs., PHP in 24 hrs., and ASP.NET in 24 hrs. in front of me now (not all by choice, but as gifts), and read through them. Judging by their quality, I would not recommend any others in the series (including C++ in 24 hrs.). Happy now?

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The Wilderbeast
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Posted: 29th Apr 2009 19:35
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Aha being overwhelmed here D: I'll take a look at all, and once again thanks for the recommendations

Quote: "Since game design and programming are two extremely different beasts"

Sorry, bad wording on my part, I meant game programming x(

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