--- In [email protected], "Tamas Marki" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > I don't mean to seem ungrateful, but this project was > > supposed to be fun. Years ago, I had a dream that I > > could get a college degree and get a programming job > > and have a semi-normal life. That's never going to > > happen. This project is simply a distraction to > > keep me from thinking about how pathetic and > > meaningless my life is, or anyone's life for that > > matter. I just hoped that I could finish the Battle > > module before I die. What's disillusioning is that I > > write in with a simple question about syntax errors and > > then am expected to redesign my project. I think from > > here on I'll take my questions elsewhere... > > I don't mean to sound rude, but you have to realize that > programming is not about sitting down and writing code alone. > Without planning it doesn't make much sense. > Don't let this get you down. Just get a few GOOD books and > start reading them (see this list's member pages for hints). > There are very few forums on the net that have the quality > and signal to noise ratio of this mailing list, so I > wouldn't leave if I were you...
Michael, trust me, I too well know what you're talking about. And please also believe me that a "normal" life is the last thing you can expect as a really GOOD software developer. I second Tamas' advice at two points, though from a different perspective: 1) just leave the project where it is; the point is, Java and C++ have their similarities but also HUGE differences. Learn about C++ just for fun and work a bit with it, that's enough for now. When the time is right for you to continue working on the Battle game, you will know. How can I know this? Because all of a sudden, after you haven't pondered this project consciously for (maybe) months, you will recognise that some thought comes to your mind that makes it clear, no, makes it _more than obvious_ what's your trouble here. Don't ponder it in your mind right now; as of my personal experience, you will discover the "secret" because some hidden part of your mind will work on it, night and day, without you knowing it. That's normal. 2) Continue to learn C++ and to have (if at all possible) some fun working with it. Take it step by step, follow the book list (though I think you won't have to work through all of them in an unbroken row), and just let your knowledge and experience with C++ grow. You will see, sooner or later it will become fun. How can I know this? Because you have a solid Java background and seem to love programming. Just personal experience. ;-) Take care, and be patient with yourself. And please also be patient with me, the old know-it-all. ;-) Cheers, Nico
