meverha1

I want to start learning C++ and eventually Visual C++. However, I'm wondering how important it is to learn C before learning C++. Should I learn C first or can/should I just jump right into C++?

Also, what do people think of "C Primer Plus" and "C++ Primer Plus" for learning?

Thanks for your opinions.

Navid

Don't worry about C. C++ is a superset of C. There are no prerequisites for C++. I recommend to jump right to C++. I wish I did that.

meverha1

Thanks for the advice. I eventually want to get into game programming as a hobby and I've heard conflicting opinions from people about the importance of C for this .

Ooble

Well, game programming tends to utilise many C++ features such as classes and virtual functions, which aren't available in C. That said, learning C first will help you gain a deeper understanding of pointers, which are necessary for any large project. Hell, flip a coin or something. :p

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Polyphemus_

for 3d stuff, i don't think you need to know that much about pointers

Ooble

Really? The whole of DirectX is based on pointers, or "LP"s as MS likes to call them.

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DaWei

You don't know C or C++ until you understand pointers. Visual C++ is not a language, it's a compiler brand. C++ very nearly is a superset of C (not precisely, but close). I'd personally recommend going with C++ right from the start -- the C is right there if you need it, a (near) subset.

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Jessehk

I own C++ Primer Plus and I think it is a fantastic book. Just make sure you know a little bit about basic programming concepts, and it will be a entirely worth it.

bl00dninja

no, you don't have to learn c first, it can give you a better understanding of some basic concepts though...BUT you could also learn those in C++ depending on your learning resource. i always say learn c first, but you don't have to, i just think it's a little easier in helping you understand things better (mostly pointers and arrays...and hell, even the usage of primitive data types when forced to use "scanf/printf" instead of "cin/cout"). oh, and those books are pretty good. the SAMS books and the deitel and deitel books are all good (sams i think are cheaper though). go to amazon.com and search for the books USED...you can get very expensive books (albeit sometimes an older edition) for $2.00...literally...i've done it...many times. i really overuse the ellipsis don't i?

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DaWei

Those are all C++, too. That's my point.

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Abstraction doesn't make it impossible to write bad code; it makes it possible to write superior code.
Contributor's Corner: Grumpy on C++ Exceptions DaWei on Pointers