5 replies to this topic

[cotjones]

I basically want to learn everything I possibly can about computers and programming.
I've been told to start by learning a programming language and I've been studying C++.
I don't have everything down perfectly but I definitely have a basic grasp of the language.
Up until now, I've really only built simple console applications in code::blocks.
I'd like to take the next step, but I'm not sure where I should go or what i should focus on next, and I don't want to wast a lot of money on books that I might not end up finding useful.
I'd rather concentrate on free learning resources, or things I might find at the library.

So since there is a lot of convoluted and controversial information, and i assume there are quite a few accomplished programmers on here, What would you guys recommend learning next or what course of learning would you recommend? I don't really know what the next step should be for me.

thanks for your help!

[nicckk]

If you want to keep programming, there are plenty of e-books out there. Free Computer Books, Download Free eBooks and Books Online

[WingedPanther]

I've been programming off and on for about 20 years, now. I still have a LOT to learn :) One of the blessings/curses about programming is the field keeps changing. New languages pop up, hardware changes, OS's change, etc.

With that said, data structures, algorithms, OOP strategies, and learning additional languages are all options.

[LuthfiHakim]

To me it's simple. Don't let the tool guide you! It's you who's in charge. So ask yourself, what do you want to do next? If you are interested with system programming, go get some books about system programming. If you are interested to build web application, maybe it's time to peek into C#, ruby, php, etc. If programming is your job, just see what is your job will need you to do in near future. :)

I'd like to add that I agree with WingedPanther. Usually when you are in advance level you no longer ask how to do something, but how to do it in simpler way yet more effective, more efficient, and also easier to maintain. Here you need to understand OOP strategies. So I recommend you to start learning Design Patterns. It's applicable for every OO language.

[cotjones]

I think the biggest think I need right now is just simple GUI programming. I've done plenty of console applications but the 2 books I've read have not covered GUI programming at all. When I open a win 32 gui project in code blocks, I don't know what anything does, thats what i'd like to learn next. To manipulate actual windows for applications.

Any suggested E-resources for this? I've looked at a few but they all seem a little different and none of the examples explains in enough detail or works when it plug it in to be complied.

[WingedPanther]

For C++, GUI programming depends on the toolkit/API you want to use. It's external to the core language. Another direction that is also helpful is the boost library.