Do you like to do things do-it-yourself style? Interested in programming? You’re in the right place.
What is programming?
Programming is like writing a blog: you get to choose the different content that you’ll use to communicate a message. Only, you write a message in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and the IDE will translate the message into something that the computer can understand. Since we use computers so much and computers only understand 1’s and 0’s, learning to program has become a valuable skill.
Why learn C++?
C++ is similar to many other languages, you might say that it is a precursor to other languages. C++ is harder than other languages like Java, and you’ll have to learn things in C++ that you won’t have to learn in other languages but that will help you write better code should you choose to learn another language.
How to get started.
The first thing that you’ll need to start programming in C++ is an IDE complete with a compiler. I like to use Microsoft Visual Studios (because it’s the one I am learning on) but it costs money and there are free IDE’s out there, such as Eclipse. Just do a google search or read reviews on different IDE’s.
The next thing you’ll need is a basic template to start trying out the different parts of code. See the following:
//Explain your program here
//Put your name here
#include<iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
//put your code here.(//’s are used to comment on code.)
cout << “Hello world!” << endl; //The first program most programmers write.
system (“pause”);
return 0;
}
The last thing you’ll need is instructions. If you are good at figuring things out on your own, go to http://www.cplusplus.com. You’ll find tutorials and explanations of each part of the C++ language.
I had to take several classes before I felt proficient enough to code on my own. I think that anyone could get by with just the book. “Starting Out With C++” by Tony Gaddis. Any edition will probably work, but I have the 6th edition.
Additional Questions?
Leave a comment below and I’ll contact you or I’ll write a response in my blog.
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