C++ as a first language?

[Parade]

I've heard it's much harder than other common languages. If C++ isn't a good starting language, what language can easily pick up C++?

[t7ancients]

It's not really harder, it just has more to it than most languages, like more features and more ways to do things. It's a low-level and high-level language all-in-one, and it's multi-paradigm, meaning it's designed to be used in many different ways. Most modern languages focus on a single paradigm. In my opinion, if you pick up a good C++ book for beginners, it's the best first language and the best way to get into programming. There was a study, I forgot where I read this, but it found that people learn and memorize information better from paper or book pages than they do from a screen, so save the e-books for later and find yourself a good book at the library. C++ is a great language to learn, because it covers a much wider spectrum than other languages do.

Edit: Don't just learn one language. Good programming skills are language independent. After you understand C++, read up on other languages such as python, C#, Basic, Java, and even web dev languages. It's good to know as much as you can.

[Auxilium]

Go for it. I think it's just stupid if people tell you to learn things before C++. Skip all the prerequisites that people tell you that you should do and just start C++

[kibbles18]

All non web languages revert to asembly

[freedompeace]

All non web languages revert to asembly

All non-interpreted languages revert to assembly, regardless of whether it is or isn't a "web language". Interpreted languages aren't necessarily compiled down to assembly.

[Ixxz]

Most new programmers who try to just jump into C++ are quickly discouraged because it has such a high learning curve. Trying to learn an easier language first as it allow you to understand your limits and your learning speed. But if you think you're capable, go ahead.

[cfsharp]

C++ is low level or at least the bitchy programmers of today say it is.

If you're the type that cries about how hard something is just because you have to spend a little extra time to learn a few more keywords, or one more concept that isn't hard, just takes so many more of your precious seconds, then by all means learn a high level language.

EDIT: Everyone is capable of learning a computer language, or anything for that matter. It just all depends on how much self control and willpower you have. It will not be easy.

If I've learned anything from taking advanced courses in school, it's how to study. If you don't know a word LOOK IT UP. If you really are interested in programming you have to use it every single day or you'll loose is. Look up some blogs by computer scientists, read the latest news about programming innovations, read a book 2 - 3 times, take note, mark the book up with hi-liter. You have to study hard to learn, it's the only way to learn.

Also i would recommend once you get your head in a language you like, find an open source project in that language, download the source and read it. Look up everything you don't understand. https://www.google.com/ is your best friend when it comes to studying. I can't stress enough the importance of actually studying rather than lightly skimming a page and saying you know it.

Maybe i'm just the type of guy who likes to know the theoretical reason for everything, maybe that's why i obsess over knowing every possible thing about something. But i do know that it's gotten me pretty damn far learning the way i do.

My point is, don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING discourage you from what you want. That is, don't let the look of something discourage you from learning it. Don't let someone else talk you out of learning Pascal because they say it's outdated. If your first choice is to learn C++, then go with it.

That being said, here's a great book that taught me the basics of C++

Oh and @t7ancients you're wrong. Most modern programming languages are built to be multi purpose languages, some just happen to be better at some things than others.

[john404]

For .NET tools, learn vb.net first it's the simplest and you will carry on much easier

For any language, I suggest java, it's fun and simple

[Nathan]

I personally think C++ is harder than quite a lot of other languages, but if you learn C++ you can easily switch over to another (c-style) language.

[Fovea]

Ummm no.... t7ancients is correct. Multipurpose does not mean multi-paradigm. Most modern languages are focused on a single paradigm, e.g. Scheme, F#, Java, Erlang.

[t7ancients]

C++, C#, and Java were all created to be multi-paradigm. I don't know much about any Basic variant though.

[john404]

VB.NET > Java > C# > C++

[Lehsyrus]

VB.NET > Java > C# > C++

No. Ready for how you should learn a programming language for your first one?

Research what you want to do with your program. Use C++ to do it.

Stick with C++. Other languages can do a lot, but C++ can do more.

[john404]

No. Ready for how you should learn a programming language for your first one?

Research what you want to do with your program. Use C++ to do it.

Stick with C++. Other languages can do a lot, but C++ can do more.

Ofc C++ will learn a lot more but how will you learn if you have no experience at all? You'll have no knowledge in syntax use, it'll be harder to understand code even by taking class, it'll be new and take longer for you to learn C++

C++ is the master of .NET tools, it's like saying you will kill the boss of the game without killing the minions


It's not

"C++ is good cause you can make hecks"


Similar syntax:
Java > C# > C++

Java differs from C++ a lot, but you will learn this the easiest

[willrulz188]

C++ Is the best for the first language. Make simple Console Apps then move on from there.

Why not start out with your target language? -.-