The book is on order :)

I am hoping this will help sharpen my skills. I have been programming C++ on and off since 2001. The last two years I have really been working on game development, but tend to run into things I don't understand such as enum and explicit. I kind of have a grasp on enums now but explicit is still one that I can't find a good definition for.

As there have already been several questions about the textbook...I'll just answer them all at once, and then update the primary post so people who come afterwards can just read it there.

Q. I own a physical copy of a previous edition of the book. (likely 3rd or 4th edition) Do I still need to purchase the 5th edition?

A. No. It looks like the previous editions are close enough to the current edition (5th edition) that if you've got a physical copy of a previous edition, there probably isn’t a need for purchasing the latest edition, unless you find it necessary as we advance. In general, just keep the edition you've got and see if you can follow along. If you find that you cant follow along or aren’t able to get your questions answered, then it might be best to “upgrade” to the 5th edition.

Q. I don’t have a physical copy of “Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days,” but I found that there’s a free version of the 2nd edition online, is that acceptable?

A. I'd like to discourage it. Not because the 2nd edition won’t be close enough for you to follow along with, but because there's just no replacement for having a physical copy of a book. It gives you the ability to go sit down and read it, fully absorb yourself in it, and then come to the computer only when necessary for doing exercises. It means you can read it while your friends/wife/parents are driving and you're in the car, you can read it at lunch, on a plane, at the park, while waiting in the dentist office, etc...As well, it comes with nifty reference cards on the inside covers. Finally, having the books means you can prop it on your desk and do the exercises with the book open without having to Alt-Tab back and forth between your compiler and your web browser. In general, a physical book is just an easier way to learn.

Q. I don’t have a copy of "Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days," but I have another textbook that was highly recommended to me and I feel comfortable using that book instead. Is that ok?

A. Yes, but there’s a catch. You wont be able to follow along closely with us and we wont be able to answer your C++ questions as effectively. So I encourage you to purchase the textbook. If you don’t, you're still welcome to ask/answer C++ related questions as they relate to the current topics, use our questions as a way to measure your own understanding, and complete our projects as an exercise to help you develop your skills. If your lack of textbook becomes an issue, we'll politely let you know and ask you to either purchase the textbook, or direct your questions to either the "For Beginners" or "General Programming" forums. This workshop is ultimately for people who want to learn together by reading a common textbook and then answering each other's questions. It only stands to reason that if you don’t have the textbook, this might not be the best forum for you.

Cheers!

I'd love to join, but can we use the second edition for this workshop? is the 5 ed that much different?

Please read the post just before yours.

Cheers!

Hello Mr. Walsh,

I've been wanting to get into video programming now what seems like forever, and never found the right venue until your post.

I'm really excited about this and think I will learn a lot.

Thank you for doing this, I'm sure many others have expressed their enthusiasm about this workshop.

Hi!

I completly aggree with C++ in 21 days. It may not be the best book for the language, but it definatly has an exellent structure, and having a support base like this will turn it into the best book, simply because of the support behind it.

I disagree with the idea of only supporting Visual C++ EE, as far as I'm aware, it only runs on Windows, and we are not the only people wanting to program games. It isn't all that hard to provide support for other multi-platform compilers, just express how many people can use VCEE, and that it's highly recommended.

Top stuff!

hi,
thx for taking this initiative JWalsh.
I´ve already got a bit c++ expierience,but it was long ago and I´ll definitely buy the textbook and follow the workshop.

amoK

Greetings everyone!

DigitalObelisk: Yes, a few people have expressed interest in the workshop, and that pleases me very much. Its nice to get positive feedback from people. That's what makes it all worth it.

Silvo: If you check the primary post you'll see that it says the following about IDE's.

Quote:

About IDE's: For numerous reasons, Visual C++ EE is the recommended IDE for this workshop. Participants who are already familiar with another IDE, however, are encouraged to use whatever they feel will help them learn most effectively. To keep the workshop moving along, no assistance will be given for installing or configuring any other IDE then Visual C++ EE. Other members of the workshop wishing to submit installation and configuration guides for additional IDE's are welcome to do so.

So basically, you're free to use whatever compiler you feel most comfortable with. I just encourage people to use VC EE, especially those people who currently have no IDE. As for Linux users, they are welcome to use whatever compiler or IDE they choose as long as its ISO compliant. But, in general, there are far fewer Linux users who don’t already know how to program or who couldn’t figure it out on their own quite easily. Linux users are just more accustomed to having to figure things out on their own. And for what its worth, if you're a Linux user or a user of another IDE, feel free to submit a post about installing and configuring your IDE of interest.

am0K: Glad to hear it. Myself and the other tutors will do our best to answer any questions you have.

Cheers!

Though I have taken two C++ classes in college, that was over 3 years ago and I haven't used it much since then so I am going to try and do the classes. I'll probably miss a bit of the first part though because I am moving from England back to the US. I think it's awesome that you guys are doing this, and I hope it helps a lot of people!

well thats a really great idea i will get the book and start with you guys,and i hope we continue in the future workshops.
goodluck all

[Edited by - Samuraijack on May 22, 2006 3:49:15 PM]