How do you learn the c plus plus language?

Answer 1

The same way you understand any computer language -- by learning the language. However, the learning curve is steep so it helps if you learn a much simpler language first, such as BASIC, so that you are familiar with basic concepts such as variables, arrays, loops and so on.

Answer 2

Get yourself a compiler and IDE (free one available at http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html)

Find some tutorials on the web (might want to start at http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial)

Head to your local library or bookstore and pick up some books

Start coding!

Answer 3

It used to be recommended to learn C first, then tackle C++. These days, most people that desire to learn C++, tend to just jump in and learn it, but that doesn't work for everyone. And some people just don't make it with C++, and end up working with other languages.

A lot depends on how much prior programming experience you have, combined with how comfortable you are with technical oriented subjects.

Those who are totally new to programming, might be better suited to learning an easier language first, such as C, Python, VB, etc. Once comfortable with another language, and enjoying it, then move on to C++

Certainly, learning C first would be the 'easiest' path to C++, as C++ is essentially an extension on the C language. So taking that path would make the most efficient use of your time, outside of starting with C++.

As far as what book or class to choose...

If you think you might want to work for a company (i.e., not self employed), then you're going to need formal education, as companies do not hire people without degrees (don't bank on landing one of those rare exceptions you might hear about). A BS in one of various fields that include a number of programming classes, including C++, will get you on a career path with that language.

If you just want to learn it as a hobby, or to start your own business writing software, then you don't have to have the formal education, you can just get the right books and teach yourself, and as always, pretty much all the educational info you could desire is available free, online.

There are different paths there as well.

1) To just get going quick and have some fun, along with feeling things out, get one of the small, "24 hour" books, such as the one from Jesse Liberty. They're around 300-400 pages, and contain more than enough info to get you on solid ground.

2) For a somewhat slower, but more detailed approach with better explanations, upsize to one of the big books, usually 800-1000 pages. Jesse Liberty also has the larger versions. I recommend his books because I have both the 24 hour book and the larger version. Mind you, they're not perfect, but I haven't seen a programming book yet that is.

3) If you've got fabulous memory, or just prefer massively large books, you can opt for one of the behemoths, ranging from 1200-1600 pages. These books are really not for beginners, as you will drown in information, but a few may prefer it.

As mentioned earlier, there are tons of free material online, and these free sites can easily help you out of a jam when the book you have doesn't explain something satisfactorily.

Answer 4

Read books, write programs, debug programs, repeat until satisfied.

Since C++ is an incremental, more powerful version of C, it might help to learn C first. The biggest thing added in C++ is object oriented programming.