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Geek Culture / Need a good C++ book

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HWT
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 04:03
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Hi there
I'm looking for a book on C++ programming. As this topic is mainly subjective I was hoping that personal opinions would be provided.

Firstly, here are a few things that I really require out of the book:
1. It should give detailed instructions about programming in C++
2. It should have an element of game programming and include resources on Direct 3D etc....

Also, the language shouldn't be too complex and difficult to understand. I prefer that style of writing where it feels like you're hearing a real person speaking to you.
Thanks a bunch

Hello World Tommorrow
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Steam Assassin
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 04:09
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First of all, wrong forum.

Second, I suggest C++ for Dummies. Don't be thrown by the name, It is a very good book.


Don't mess with Texas!
...Internet? What the hell is that!
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The Nerd
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 04:09 Edited at: 8th Aug 2006 04:15
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I don't know which version of c++ you use. But I own this book myself:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764543881/sr=1-36/qid=1154999265/ref=sr_1_36/103-4759732-8727847?ie=UTF8&s=books

I'm not over half the way of it yet... I always seem to jump off for some time. Then when I get back, I might aswell start all over again for quick reference so I can keep up with the page I was currently on Sometime though I will take my time and just read it through without jumping off.

You can see the index and what chapters the book covers by clicking on the image. It is very detailed and I have already learned much from it. Can't wait to get even further in it.

I don't think this book covers game programming however. But it does meet your first requirement, since it is indeed very detailed.

Quote: "I prefer that style of writing where it feels like you're hearing a real person speaking to you."


That kind of writing style is used through the whole book.

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 13:16
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Quote: "Second, I suggest C++ for Dummies. Don't be thrown by the name, It is a very good book."


Ditto, I don't have it, but I have C# for Dummies by the same author and things are really clear put, he does talk directly to you in it so you should feel comfortable reading, you don't get an amazing program at the end, but you get the knowledge to help you really understand what you need, which is excellent and precisely what is need when starting something new. Also this writer knows some concepts and even words are rather confusing, he explains them rather well.

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HWT
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 14:14
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But will either of the above books teach me C++ from start to finish? I mean will it teach me as a beginner at the start and then go on to the advanced stuff later and provide a complete in-depth knowledge of C++ by the end of it?

Thanks again

Hello World Tommorrow
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The Nerd
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 15:09
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Quote: "But will either of the above books teach me C++ from start to finish? I mean will it teach me as a beginner at the start and then go on to the advanced stuff later and provide a complete in-depth knowledge of C++ by the end of it?"


The book I showed you will indeed. I mean, he starts off by explaining you how to use the c++ 6.0 IDE! Then starts off from the very beginning and then you go deeper and deeper into the language. And it's easy to keep up.

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 16:20
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The for Dummies book has a follow up book called, more C++ for dummies, I'm guessing this tackles the more advanced stuff

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HWT
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 20:57
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Actually, I have heard of your book Nerd. I guess I scan my options a bit more but I think we have a winner.

Thank-you friends for all your help.

Regards,
HWT

Hello World Tommorrow
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Jeku
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Posted: 8th Aug 2006 22:40
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No point in using VS 6.0 anymore--- nobody uses that

Get a good book on C++ .NET and you will be able to use it.


"I understand creative people. After all, I worked with towel designers." - Ray Kassar, former head of Atari
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HWT
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 00:01
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Sorry to be a bother but what's the difference between VS 6 and C++ .NET? Aren't they both still the same language (syntax) mainly?

Hello World Tommorrow
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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 02:23
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VS.NET are the newer versions of the Visual Studio, including C++, that make use of the .NET framework being included on PC's, it allows easier access to certian commands, but the syntax is the same (I think) a good example of a typical .NET made styled program (other than the Visual Studio ones themselves) is Paint.NET, its a program trying to be like photoshop, thats is made with the .NET framework.

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WarGoat
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 02:27
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As Musashi said, Visual .Net as the same syntax that Visual C++ 6.0. Also, it got some more advanced feature to run application, and if you want to create game with the recent DirectX 9.0 ver. then get a new version of VC like .Net 2003 or even 2005. If you have VC 6.0 and don't want to change and want to use DX, then download the DX SDK from Summer 2003.


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HWT
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 02:42
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Thank-you for your suggestions.

I must stress that I am new to programming in C++. Thus I need a book that teaches the THEORY as well as the syntax in C++ or just in general (algorithms, object-oriented programming etc...).

I understand that this is alot to ask from just 1 book so I wouldn't mind several recommendations for books. I just need a complete 'tutorial' that teaches theory as well as syntax in C++

Thanks.

Hello World Tommorrow
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BearCDPOLD
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 08:32
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If you've got the dough you might want to check out this book:
Alternate Version (some appendices removed, this is what I bought for a class I took)
Regular Version (not certain, same author, right number of pages, but weird cover)

This starts out from the beginning with lots of examples, CDs with compilers on them (Borland, and a VC 6 one that has a dialog popup before every execution), and goes later into scary stuff like virtual functions and multiple inheritance. If it seems like too much then go through a For Dummies book or something then take a look at this, I cleared up my definitions and ANSI stadards and use it for reference all the time.


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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 11:44
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Well the for dummies book quite literally, means what it says, its for dummies (not saying you're dumb, but for people who are blind to the thing discussed) But most books are very good, we all have our own recommendations. Just pick the one that sounds most appealing

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HWT
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 13:41
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Thanks

Hello World Tommorrow
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HWT
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 17:48
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Sorry - one last question before I stop bothering you all

If I were to buy a book for Visual C++ 6 instead of Visual C++ .NET, would I be wasting my time or would I be able to operate C++ .NET anyway? And if so, would I be missing out on any special knowledge?

Hello World Tommorrow
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Jeku
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 20:25
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No, C++ as a language doesn't change, but if the book is really old it might not cover the STL which is pretty important in today's C++ world. VC++ 6 is just an older IDE than VC++ .NET, so you can learn C++ from one book and then just learn VC++ .NET on your own later on. The IDE is *not* the language.


"I understand creative people. After all, I worked with towel designers." - Ray Kassar, former head of Atari
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HWT
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Posted: 9th Aug 2006 21:17
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Thanks a bunch.

Hello World Tommorrow
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