C/C++ frequently asked questions

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Before posting make sure to read the FAQ, and be sure to follow its rules as well.

This thread is meant as another FAQ which is specialized in this forum, the C/C++ forum, particular, and the languages themselves. If you read this before creating a thread or a post you may avoid asking already frequently asked questions.



I want to learn C/C++, what do I do?
Both C and C++ are so-called compiled languages. That means that programs written in C or C++ will be translated directly into machine code, which can be read directly by your operating system. This translation consists of three steps: compiling, assembling and linking. The compiling process is where the sourcecode is translated into the Assembly programming language by a compiler. The assembling process is where the new Assembly code is translated into machine code by an assembler. The last process, the linking process, is where external libraries are linked onto or included in the program, depending on if it's a dynamic or static library, using a linker.
These are the basic tools for every C/C++ programmer. There's a long range of other tools besides the basic ones. These tools are usually more specialized in specific tasks, like a profiler for optimization, a debugger for debugging or an IDE for easily management of sourcecode and compiling process.
When you have the tools you only need to learn the language. This can be done in multiple ways. One can learn a lot completely free directly from the internet, and from this knowledge achieved from the internet being able to create beautiful applications. If you don't mind paying some cash, or need in-depth information, one of the best choices is to get your hands on a book. Books will normally go more into details, than most websites will.
The best choice is to join a programming-class or course. In this way you'll be able to ask your teacher the questions you have on mind, and try out new stuff in a positive environment


How do I make a driver? ...
... and other questions alike can be hard for us to answer, if you're not providing some information about your system. You must always keep in mind that systems are different, and the same code may not work on all systems.
A question like, "How do I make a driver?", is is only a good question if you give us some information about your system. Drivers are very different from operating system to operating system, so we need to know which operating system you are using, so that we can fix a solution which fits you. The same goes for many other so-called platform-dependent questions.
If you are not sure whether it's a platform-dependent question, then just give us the information anyway. Then you're on the secure side, and you don't have to worry about whether we know what you're talking about or not.


Is it okay to use conio.h? ...
... and questions alike regarding platform-dependent libraries are not really questions for us, but more for yourself. You must consider whether you will use a platform-dependent library or not. The advantage of platform-dependent libraries is that it may have more specialized functionality for your system, or environment, than a platform-independent library, and thus will you have more possibilities. The disadvantage is obviously, that platform-dependent libraries do only run on the system or environment it is made for, so it will not run on other systems. You should especially keep this in mind, if you're thinking about making commercial applications.


Is this tool better than that tool?
This is mostly a matter of taste. Different people prefer different tools: maybe because it's faster; maybe because it's easier to use; maybe because it looks good; etc. So, if you're asking such question you must be prepared to get many different replies, which all states different things.
Investigating and collecting information about different tools is a better solution. In that way you learn about the different tools, and you also find out whether they fit you or not. If you finally end up with two or maybe three tools, and cannot choose, then you can go to the forums and ask us for our opinion. In that way you will get specific replies to the tools you're considering, and not some tools you don't even know about.



You can find a list of tools, books, websites, and other general resources for C/C++ in the C/C++ resource thread.