Beginner questions...

[Steve]

Hi,

I am completely new to C++. I have good experience in Java, VB and some
experience in C (as well as a few other languages). Bearing in mind my
experience -

- What would be the most suitable development environment for me to use for
developing a Windows application?

- If I am developing a Windows application I presume I am better using a GUI
development environment as opposed to using just a text editor?

- What book would be most suitable for me to read?

- Do you have any recommended web resources for me to read?

TIA.

 

[Steve]

Hi,

I am completely new to C++. I have good experience in Java, VB and some
experience in C (as well as a few other languages). Bearing in mind my
experience -

- What would be the most suitable development environment for me to use
for developing a Windows application?

- If I am developing a Windows application I presume I am better using a
GUI development environment as opposed to using just a text editor?

- What book would be most suitable for me to read?

- Do you have any recommended web resources for me to read?

Also - should I consider using Visual C++.NET? What advantages would this
offer over traditional C++ development? If I was provided a C++ API for
another application, can I use this with C++.NET?

 

[Victor Bazarov]

I am completely new to C++. I have good experience in Java, VB and some
experience in C (as well as a few other languages). Bearing in mind my
experience -

- What would be the most suitable development environment for me to use for
developing a Windows application?

The one that you can afford (to buy and to learn). If your experience
with VB is as good as you make it sound, staying with Microsoft may be
a good choice.

- If I am developing a Windows application I presume I am better using a GUI
development environment as opposed to using just a text editor?

Is that a question? I mean, why are you asking if you already presume?
Are you asking whether your presumption is OK? I think it depends on your
preferences.

- What book would be most suitable for me to read?

There are many. There is no one book that is "the most suitable". Read
more than one, only that way can you get to the bottom of it. If you need
to learn C++ reasonably quickly, get "Accelerated C++". If you need to
learn C++ as it relates to Windows programming, ask in a Windows NG.

- Do you have any recommended web resources for me to read?

and microsoft.public.* hierarchy.
The FAQ: http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/.

V

 

[Victor Bazarov]

[...]
Also - should I consider using Visual C++.NET?

You definitely should. Consider, that is. It's one of the best compilers
available on Windows. If you can wait, in October (AFAIUI) they are going
to release the next version.

> What advantages would this
offer over traditional C++ development?

".NET" is just a product designation. They have "traditional C++" as part
of the package. Just like with any other product, they offer something
"over" it, too. You can ask more about it in the designated newsgroup:
'microsoft.public.vc.language'.

> If I was provided a C++ API for
another application, can I use this with C++.NET?

It depends. Often C++ API is specific to the compiler used to create that
API, especially if it's in the binary form (libraries, object files).

V

 

[tmartsum]

Also - should I consider using Visual C++.NET? What advantages would this

offer over traditional C++ development? If I was provided a C++ API for
another application, can I use this with C++.NET?

Maybe - depending on what programs you want to write. I would
"normally" recommend QT (also makes your code crossplatform - it could
be compiled on linux / mac ...).

This can be used with Microsofts C++ compilers (with IDE) - but you can
also just download the MS commandline compiler free. (However you will
then not have an IDE)

There is some costs in setting up QT up, but it is real smart once you
get to know it.
(So if you make real tiny programs then forget it - but if you building
a big project then you should look at it)

www.trolltech.com

 

[Gabriel]

Hi,

Please keep in mind that all my answers will be highly subjective.

I am completely new to C++. I have good experience in Java, VB and some
experience in C (as well as a few other languages). Bearing in mind my
experience -
>
- What would be the most suitable development environment for me to use for
developing a Windows application?

If it needs to be free, my first choice would be eclipse with the
CDT-Plugin (C/C++ IDE) and the mingw compiler (You will need several
packages from the mingw project: mingw, msys, gdb if I recall it
correctly). Cygwin will give you a little more troubles.

My second choice would be Bloodshed DevCpp.

If you can afford to spend money, I can't answer the question. Might
take a look at Comeau?

Don't do it. Or if you do, use their environment, but not their
compiler. The MIcrosoft compiler may be the compiler with the worst
standard compliance, so you will get into troubles often.

- If I am developing a Windows application I presume I am better using a GUI
development environment as opposed to using just a text editor?

definetly.

You will need a library that takes care of building a GUI. Maybe QT
(Trolltech)?

- What book would be most suitable for me to read?

Bjarne Stroustrup: "The C++ programing language". A learning and
reference book. A must have.

At some level, you will want to read Scott Meyers: "Effective C++".
Might be a bit tough to read at the beginning of your learning.

Given some experience, Sutter&Alexandrescu: "C++ Coding Standards".
Extremly usefull.

- Do you have any recommended web resources for me to read?

Not right now.

TIA.

Another advice: forget everything you know about C. C++ is a very
different beast. Do not structure C++ like you would structure C. C++
has the same control structures and syntax elements but a very different
philosophy.

Gabriel

 

[benben]

This can be used with Microsofts C++ compilers (with IDE) - but you can

also just download the MS commandline compiler free. (However you will
then not have an IDE)

Also, if you don't mind using beta software you can download the Visual C++
2005 beta2 for free with an excellent IDE.

ben

 

[red floyd]

Don't do it. Or if you do, use their environment, but not their
compiler. The MIcrosoft compiler may be the compiler with the worst
standard compliance, so you will get into troubles often.

Gabriel,

That's only VC6. VC7.1 is highly standards compliant.

 

[jussij]

If I am developing a Windows application I presume I am

better using a GUI development environment as opposed to
using just a text editor?

For a non-GUI IDE with a bit more power than a text editor,
take a look at Zeus:

http://www.zeusedit.com/features.html

Zeus has features like syntax highlighting, code folding,
class browsing, intergrated version control, smart indenting,
project/workspace management etc etc.

- Do you have any recommended web resources for me
to read?

IMHO for anyone programming at the Win32 API level the
Borland Win32 SDK Help File is a great source of
information:

http://www.zeusedit.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7

Jussi Jumppanen
Author: Zeus for Windows
Note: Zeus is shareware (45 day trial).

 

[Markus Becker]

IMHO for anyone programming at the Win32 API level the
Borland Win32 SDK Help File is a great source of
information

.... which, by the way, is just a copy of MS's Win32-SDK-File. Which,
by another way, is available online at ms.com for free (as in free
beer).

Markus