Frequently Asked Questions about C++
Questions I've been asked in the last six weeks about C++
1. What is C++?
2. Do I have to buy C++?
3. Will C++ run on my PC?
4. Where can I purchase C++?
5. How can I best learn C++?
6. Do you offer any classes on C++?
7. Will a knowledge of C++ get me a good job?
8. Will you be writing any more books on C++?
9. Will you be writing C++ articles like you do VB6
articles?
10. I'm having trouble installing the Borland C++ compiler--can
you help me?
C++ is one of the most popular languages around. It is widely used in industry, and it's taught at just about every college and university. It is also the oldest of the popular languages--about 15 years old now. C++ was one of the first Object-oriented programming languages, and it's the grandson of the C language. C++ compilers are available for just about every Operating System. C++ produces the fastest programs of all of the popular languages, and for this reason is used wherever and whenever speed is important. Just about every piece of important application software (including the Windows and Unix Operating Systems) are written in C++.
Unfortunately, it is probably the most difficult language to learn as well. There are more despondent students of C++ walking the halls of schools than any other language.
No--the great thing about C++ is that there are a bunch of free C++ compilers available. My favorite is the Borland Batch C++ compiler which you can download from their website for FREE. It's also the one I used in my C++ book, Learn to Program with C++.
http://www.borland.com/products/downloads/download_cbuilder.html
Specifically, you want to select the link that reads compiler which will take you here
http://www.borland.com/products/downloads/download_cbuilder.html#
You'll need to register to get to the download page--but it's painless, and most importanly, free
Of course, if you wish, you can also purchase a C++ compiler. Both Borland and Microsoft have excellent ones for sale.
It's safe to say that you can find a C++ compiler to run on just about every computer. The Borland free version requires that you are running some version of Windows--but that's just about it.
Not content with the free version? As I mentioned, both Borland and Microsoft have versions you can purchase. Each vendor has different 'editions' of their C++ package, so be careful what you purchase.
Check out this link for Borland's C++ compiler family
http://www.borland.com/products/index.html
and check this link for Microsoft's C++ compiler family
http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualc/
1. Buy a book
2. Take a class (Internet or real)
3. Buy the product and learn on your own
I have links to books, classes and product information here, and on my C++ links page
http://www.johnsmiley.com/c++/links.htm
Yes I do. Check this link for more information.
http://www.johnsmiley.com/bootcamps.htm
Most colleges and universities believe so--they make C++ a required course in just about all of their programs.
Not likely. My publisher believes that I write the best introductory computer books there are--but prefers that I write books only on Introductory topics.
But, as they say, never say never. Stay tuned, and in touch with me, for more information.
Yes, I hope to start writing some C++ articles in the next month or so. Be
sure to check the link for my Articles page at
http://www.johnsmiley.com/cis18/freearticles.htm
Yes I can--I've written an article (complete with pictures) that will guide you
through the process. It's my September 2001 article and can be found here.
http://www.johnsmiley.com/cis18/freearticles.htm
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