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Can't learn c++

Started by November 18, 2015 12:54 AM
36 comments, last by DLudwig 9 years ago
Hello let's get this out of the way. I am a 14 year old in middle school who needs a reletively easy way to learn the coding language c++. I know nothing about programming or coding all I know is that this is the language to learn for the engine Unreal Engine 4. IN School I Have A class in which I am learning c++ but I can't find a site interactive enough to learn it. A site like codecademy would be perfect because of the ability to write and execute programs on the site and how it walks you through what you need to do. I need a site like codecademy that has c++ (nothing like learncpp.com because all that is ,is reading). Thanks.
I don't know if such a website exists, but you should probably get used to learning from reading materials anyway.

Get yourself a text editor and a compiler and you'll have all the interactivity you need.
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I don't know if such a website exists, but you should probably get used to learning from reading materials anyway.Get yourself a text editor and a compiler and you'll have all the interactivity you need.


There's a problem with that. My school has to use Chrome books so for the class I can't install a program to code with so it's very hard to learn c++ like that and I'm not the type of guy who can just read something and then go program the new elders rolls game (metaphorically).

This isn't exactly what you're asking for, but Khan Academy has a great online resource for learning JavaScript:
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming

Learning how to program, and learning a programming language are definitely related. You have to learn a programming language as you learn how to program. And it's really hard. But once you know how to program, learning new programming languages is MUCH easier.

- Eck

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For learning in general C++, here's my advise:
  • Understand that there are different versions of C++. Make sure you enable C++14 in your compiler.
  • You can write code online in IDEone.com, but that's not a good substitute for actually using a downloaded IDE like Visual Studio.
  • Download and use the latest Visual Studio, and make sure C++14 is enabled (if it's not already by default). I don't use Visual Studio myself, so you'll have to google how.

  • This is personal preference, but I find that after coding, I can sometimes "relax" by reading about code, and I can still learn even after learning, by changing my body position and medium of learning. If you think you might be similar, buy a C++ book, or borrow one from the library, but it has to have been written in 2012 or later. That's very important. Read the book on your couch, not at your computer. With the breadth and depth of information online, getting a book is mostly optional.

  • If you do buy a book, don't get one that teaches "game development". And if it says "C++ with <something else>", ignore it. Get a book that only teaches C++. Not SFML, DirectX, SDL, Allegro, OpenGL, Vulkan, or anything else. Just, plain, regular, vanilla C++.

I'm not the type of guy who can just read something and then go program the new elders rolls game (metaphorically).


Nobody can do that, metaphorically speaking or not.

Skilled programmers aren't people who are just work up one day naturally talented. It's not "a type of guy" who becomes good programmers. It's people who study and program who are good programmers.

There's some truth to some people having some natural talents that make it easier to pursue it, but dismissing yourself as 'not one of those special magical people' is a terrible excuse some people use to hide their own laziness or lack of effort, or because they got discouraged that they didn't learn the entire science of computer engineering in 21 days or 24 hours as the books all promise (in actuality, it's a lifelong process, and it takes years to become competent).


My school has to use Chrome books so for the class I can't install a program to code with so it's very hard to learn c++ like that



Yes, it is very hard to learn C++ like that. C++ is not supposed to be learned like that.

If you have a class that's teaching you C++, and you have to use Chromebook computers, ask your teacher what she/he recommends, and what the rest of the class is going to be using.

If you are talking about learning C++ outside of your class, then you aren't limited by the Chromebook shackleslimitation.

Have you already tried Googling "learning C++ on a chromebook"? There seems to be some rudimentary options available. But ultimately, this is not the best way to learn C++.


You can write code online in IDEone.com, but that's not a good substitute for actually using a downloaded IDE like Visual Studio.

Good find, I didn't know about that site.

But what I don't get is wouldn't the class already have resources given to you? Why even have a C++ class if they haven't figured out a way for you to code in it? That really makes no sense.

-potential energy is easily made kinetic-

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You have to learn C++ for a class, but can't use a program to code with (aka a compiler)?

That's like learning to play basketball, but you can't use a ball or a court.

If you've got a computer at home, get yourself an IDE/Compiler and learn on your own if you're interested in it. Otherwise, just do the minimal effort to pass the class. If they aren't providing the software you need (which you can get for free), then the class is a big joke.

There's probably a legitimate reason for not allowing you to have an on-computer compiler. They're afraid student will copy-paste some sort of virus source code and fry the computers, but there are other ways to go about this which don't require such overkill.

Everything above is good advice, but if you just want to make games in unreal engine 4, you don't need to know any c++. Your entire game can be made in blueprint and will be just as advanced and quicker to write, you will need less technical knowledge and just an understanding of the maths. Check out the ue4 documentation on blueprint and have fun :)

Not sure how you can have a C++ class when you are forced to use a computer that won't let you install a compiler. You could install a Visual Studio on a home computer then VNC in to that from the chromebook whilst at school.

Not sure how you can have a C++ class when you are forced to use a computer that won't let you install a compiler. You could install a Visual Studio on a home computer then VNC in to that from the chromebook whilst at school.

If he could install a VNC he could just install Visual Studio :-p

There's probably an admin lock.

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