Help me start C++

Pip Boy · 04-30-2009, 05:29 PM

I recently decided to start learning to program in C++. Normally I'm pretty patient with things like this because its pretty textbook. Tutorials are available left and right, and if it isn't working, it just means that I need to fix something I did wrong.

Well, those of you who have seen my online escapades with computers and technology before will know that the computer Gods hate my guts for reasons unknown and this shit never goes like its supposed to.

Namely, I've been trying for 3 days to make a compiler work. After 3 days of spending almost every minute I have available trying to learn C++, all I've been able to do is type up a Hello World and not even find out if it works properly because my compilers all turn to shit. The first one I tried was Code::Blocks, which constantly told me that it wasn't going to do anything when I tried to build things because I was "using an invalid compiler". After this one failed, I asked someone on another forum for help, and they linked me to a site with 3 more compilers. One of them had a broken download mirror, the other two wouldn't install. They seem to be written in some Cthulian language that my computer isn't equipped to install.

I just need a compiler. One that works. Not even a fancy one. As I have no experience yet with C++, the simpler and more idiot-proof it is, the better. Because in my first 3 days dealing with C++, I have been about to tear my hair out because of something that has nothing to do with the code itself.

Fifthfiend · 04-30-2009, 05:52 PM

You could try downloading Visual Express 2008 and using the command-line compiler; that's probably about as basic as it gets.

01d55 · 04-30-2009, 07:32 PM

Or you could not be a goddamn Tool of the Man, and use GCC like a decent human being.

Code:

g++ -g -Wall HelloWorld.cpp

Fifthfiend · 04-30-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01d55

use GCC like a ~~decent human being~~ dirty fucking hippie.

Shouldn't you be guzzling patchouli or shaking lice out of your dreadlocks or whatever the fuck it is you people do?

(No but really Nums almost certainly knows more about it than I do, you should do what he says.)

Ironchew · 04-30-2009, 08:42 PM

Well, I've stayed in the C realm for all this time, but if you want to learn C++, I'd suggest getting a complete reference book. I don't know about you, but too much reading on a computer display gives me eye strain, and I like the book format. It's something you can have on hand for any project especially projects where you're out of reach of internet access

. I use GCC, but I use Linux, too, and I'm not sure how hard it is to set up on Windows. It comes with Cygwin, I think, but you could also try out the Dev-C++ compiler or Visual Studio.

PyrosNine · 04-30-2009, 10:04 PM

I personally use the Bloodshed Dev-C++.

One good tip: In order to add a program library to what you're trying to compile, you have to enter it in the "Project Options" window you get to from the Project tab.

This took me forever to figure out, just trying to run a simple pong program that uses Allegro.

As for learning C++, buy an "Introduction to Programming with C++" by Diane Zak, preferably an older version (so you don't have to pay much).

Another, easier idea (but not cheaper) is to pay for a basic Programming Logic course at a College, and some High Schools have them. Maybe even a local workshop. It's one thing to read about and try to hack together something out of code, and it's another for someone to introduce you to programming, Step by Step, a much better idea.

Building something you found on the net won't teach you C++ either. A Hello world is fun, but building your own calculator function just using basic command line teaches you a lot more about the basics of C++.

Sadly, my own C++ learning is stifled by the fact I bumped my head on NC State Requirements, as we assumed my Statistics class would get me in to a lovely Bachelors Degree of Science for Programming....but that would only get me into UNC. Here, they needed Physics based Calculus! Sadness!

So now, I do English!

Still fun to play around with code, though.

Zilla · 04-30-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01d55

Or you could not be a goddamn Tool of the Man, and use GCC like a decent human being.

Code:

g++ -c -g -Wall HelloWorld.cpp

Don't you mean:

Code:

g++ -Wall -Wextra -ansi -pedantic -o HelloWorld.cpp

:P

If you don't want to get cygwin, get Borland Turbo. Alternatively, you can try compiling with microsoft's compiler, though I forget all the switches involved in that one.

Pip Boy · 05-02-2009, 08:21 AM

I already have a variety of online tutorials at my fingertips as well as some very thick beginners manuals. Problem is that all the manuals are very old and don't mention how to find a compiler because they originally included one that is now long since lost.

Can anyone be a pal and find me one o' them direct link things to an install file?

EDIT: I tried Dev-C++ 4 and it didn't work. The install file keeps insisting that it is damaged or in an unknown format. Also, I can't delete it. It seems another program is somehow using it already.

EVILNess · 05-02-2009, 12:04 PM

There is no "easy" way to start programming, mainly because there is a particular logic to it and you have to think that way for the programs to work properly. Language is mostly a secondary concern, you can look in a book for what you need to do... but you have to have the logic down or you will fail.

Gashnur · 05-02-2009, 03:37 PM

I've tried a few of the compilers previously stated in the topic, and I like none of them.

I can recommend Code::Blocks. You shouldn't even need a tutorial for that one, it's really user- and newbie-friendly. Freeware, found at http://www.codeblocks.org/

04-30-2009, 05:29 PM	#1
Pip Boy Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: A right and proper Nerd Cave Posts: 2,460	Help me start C++ I recently decided to start learning to program in C++. Normally I'm pretty patient with things like this because its pretty textbook. Tutorials are available left and right, and if it isn't working, it just means that I need to fix something I did wrong. Well, those of you who have seen my online escapades with computers and technology before will know that the computer Gods hate my guts for reasons unknown and this shit never goes like its supposed to. Namely, I've been trying for 3 days to make a compiler work. After 3 days of spending almost every minute I have available trying to learn C++, all I've been able to do is type up a Hello World and not even find out if it works properly because my compilers all turn to shit. The first one I tried was Code::Blocks, which constantly told me that it wasn't going to do anything when I tried to build things because I was "using an invalid compiler". After this one failed, I asked someone on another forum for help, and they linked me to a site with 3 more compilers. One of them had a broken download mirror, the other two wouldn't install. They seem to be written in some Cthulian language that my computer isn't equipped to install. I just need a compiler. One that works. Not even a fancy one. As I have no experience yet with C++, the simpler and more idiot-proof it is, the better. Because in my first 3 days dealing with C++, I have been about to tear my hair out because of something that has nothing to do with the code itself.

04-30-2009, 05:52 PM	#2
Fifthfiend for all seasons Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 19,409	You could try downloading Visual Express 2008 and using the command-line compiler; that's probably about as basic as it gets. __________________ check out my buttspresso

04-30-2009, 07:32 PM	#3
01d55 Not 55 years old. Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,098	Or you could not be a goddamn Tool of the Man, and use GCC like a decent human being. Code: g++ -g -Wall HelloWorld.cpp Last edited by 01d55; 05-02-2009 at 08:10 PM.

04-30-2009, 10:04 PM	#6
PyrosNine Zettai Hero Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A figment of my own imagination Posts: 6,103	I personally use the Bloodshed Dev-C++. One good tip: In order to add a program library to what you're trying to compile, you have to enter it in the "Project Options" window you get to from the Project tab. This took me forever to figure out, just trying to run a simple pong program that uses Allegro. As for learning C++, buy an "Introduction to Programming with C++" by Diane Zak, preferably an older version (so you don't have to pay much). Another, easier idea (but not cheaper) is to pay for a basic Programming Logic course at a College, and some High Schools have them. Maybe even a local workshop. It's one thing to read about and try to hack together something out of code, and it's another for someone to introduce you to programming, Step by Step, a much better idea. Building something you found on the net won't teach you C++ either. A Hello world is fun, but building your own calculator function just using basic command line teaches you a lot more about the basics of C++. Sadly, my own C++ learning is stifled by the fact I bumped my head on NC State Requirements, as we assumed my Statistics class would get me in to a lovely Bachelors Degree of Science for Programming....but that would only get me into UNC. Here, they needed Physics based Calculus! Sadness! So now, I do English! Still fun to play around with code, though. __________________ Pyrosnine.blogspot.com: An experimental blog of writing. Updated possibly daily. Possibly. A fair chance. Current Works for reading: War Between them, Karma Police. PyrosNine: Weirdo Magnet Extraordinaire!

05-02-2009, 08:21 AM	#8
Pip Boy Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: A right and proper Nerd Cave Posts: 2,460	I already have a variety of online tutorials at my fingertips as well as some very thick beginners manuals. Problem is that all the manuals are very old and don't mention how to find a compiler because they originally included one that is now long since lost. Can anyone be a pal and find me one o' them direct link things to an install file? EDIT: I tried Dev-C++ 4 and it didn't work. The install file keeps insisting that it is damaged or in an unknown format. Also, I can't delete it. It seems another program is somehow using it already. Last edited by Pip Boy; 05-02-2009 at 08:24 AM.

04-30-2009, 08:42 PM	#5
Ironchew Goomba Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 5	Well, I've stayed in the C realm for all this time, but if you want to learn C++, I'd suggest getting a complete reference book. I don't know about you, but too much reading on a computer display gives me eye strain, and I like the book format. It's something you can have on hand for any project especially projects where you're out of reach of internet access . I use GCC, but I use Linux, too, and I'm not sure how hard it is to set up on Windows. It comes with Cygwin, I think, but you could also try out the Dev-C++ compiler or Visual Studio.

05-02-2009, 03:37 PM	#10
Gashnur Goomba Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2	I've tried a few of the compilers previously stated in the topic, and I like none of them. I can recommend Code::Blocks. You shouldn't even need a tutorial for that one, it's really user- and newbie-friendly. Freeware, found at http://www.codeblocks.org/