Soulstorm

I am not new to programming, but I certainly am far from proffessional.

I am 20 years old and I really really want to learn as much programming as possible. I know that my age is not going to provide me with practical programming (since I'm all alone here with no one to show me), so everything I can learn I will learn from books and internet sources.

my background: Applescript language, applescript studio and C++ (not so high-level knowledge) (I use Mac for 10 years now).

I have finished the book "Learn C++ from the ground up" by herbert schildt, which although at first I thought it was good, I must admit I have never seen such a bad-written book like this (this is my personnal opinion). Although it covers many subject, it failed to make me learn how to implement all these things into my programs. Since then I find sources on the internet, and some old books my co-students have (not so good though).

1)So I am looking for a book that covers everything. I already know the basics, so I'm looking for something that can teach me some real programming, and introduce me to the world of intermediate-professional programming, by teaching me how to effectively manage memory problems, exceptions, templates, and many other things.

Some people advised me into getting "Bruce Eckel's Thinking in C++". I downloaded both volumes, but I am looking for more sources. These sources can be anything: Internet sites and references to libraries, sites with example programs, books for the intermediate programmer... anything would be great.

2)How did you become a proffessional programmer? who or what taught you? I know that practice makes perfect, but I am not so naive to believe that practice makes up for not having someone around to help you with these sorts of things... Not even my friends care for these things, so I feel I'm drowning here... :o

Thank you in advance for helping me rule the world! :p

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Project::Soulstorm (personal homepage)