16 replies to this topic

[ahmed]

I have always been looking for some thing to do with C++ but i haven't found anything really . I know all the data structures that you can make/use in it . I want to learn more C++ , but what should i learn?C++ is powerful but it in what : / ?May be i don't know the dark side of C++ o_O

[lintwurm]

Maybe a stupid question, but have you ever screwed around with sockets?
Maybe try write a simple echo server/client...

^_^

[theonejb]

Try creating a program that uses some libraries, because C++ alone isn't as useful as you would think. As lintwurm said, try messing around with sockets and make a client/server app, like a small Chat Program for a network. Or maybe, try creating a small pong style game. Thats what I did when I had learned C++, and game programming is a very interesting field on its own, so you probably won't get bored.

[ahmed]

game programming seems good , but which library to use?opgenGL or directX , correct me if i am wrong anywhere

[lintwurm]

I have never done any game programming, but I know a couple of people that use the OpenGL library...
And as far as I know, OpenGL is for all platforms whereas DirectX is for windows?(Please correct me if I am wrong ^_^)

Maybe you will find this useful?
Why you should use openGL and not DirectX

[theonejb]

OpenGL and DirectX are good, but I'd advice you to start with something a bit simpler. Try Allegro, its a cross platform graphics library that makes programming 2d games VERY simple. Start there, and make your foundation in game programming concepts. Starting with OpenGL or DirectX may be too complicated.

[WingedPanther]

For some completely different advice: Have you looked at the Boost library and any of the GUI libraries? wxWidgets, gtkmm, Ultimate++, and several others are all cross-platform, and use various styles of C++ coding.

[ahmed]

theonejb : have you made any game in allegro ? picking up any library won't be difficult , i just need one that is addictive ;) ,
wingedpanther: i have seen wxWidgets , but when it comes to cross-platform gui , isn't java good for it?

[WingedPanther]

Java is another choice for cross-platform development. As with all things, however, there are tradeoffs. Java is compiled to bytecode and requires the JVM be installed where ever you want to run it. Not a big deal, in most cases, but it's there.

Also, Java and C++ have different design purposes. C++ gives you more control of your data.

Finally, I love playing openarena, which is C++ and OpenGL. I also like several other games that use basic graphics, like Tatum's puzzles. They start faster than the equivalent Java programs.

I'm a big believer in having options. There are java programs, like SQuirreL SQL client and jEdit, that I use constantly. There are also a lot of C++ apps that I use.

For now, I'd check out Boost, especially since some of it is being added to the C++ library.

[ahmed]

thanks again , one more thing is that , as i am doing my bachelors in comp sciences so i want to pick one thing that i can work on it later that also helps me in getting jobs

[theonejb]

ahmed said:

thanks again , one more thing is that , as i am doing my bachelors in comp sciences so i want to pick one thing that i can work on it later that also helps me in getting jobs

I'd say try to learn iPhone and Android app dev. It's quite popular these days. On the other side, there is also web development with Ruby, ASP, Django, PHP. I'd advise you to look into that, as the IT field seems to be headed towards web based applications.

And yes, I've developed a couple of games using Allegro. My first one was a simple pong style game. Its relatively easy to make and doesn't use any complex AI or graphical algos. I'd strongly advise you to start there, as its easy while teaching you the basics of game programming.

One important thing. Since you're doing your bachelors in Comp. Sci., it would be better to take a look around you and see what the market is demanding these days. I said that the IT field is moving towards web based applications, but that might not be accurate for the region you live in. Talk around with professionals in the field and see what interests you.

[Moudi]

I keep learning stuff in C then i go like " thank god now i know alot of stuff "
10 minutes later " Okay need alot more stuff to learn O.o "

try GUI, Sockets , OpenGL, those are the most interesting and most fun :)