jay-r wrote: > I'm interested in learning C++ on my own and have started reading a > language tutorial. Is there a free program/(compiler?) that I can use > so I can start running the codes? Thanks.
About learning C++ from a tutorial: Learning C/C++ from a website is considered by those who know this industry to be the second worst way to learn C/C++. Websites that attempt to teach C++ are generally written by people who are usually not book authors. Learning from a book is the best way to go. When you joined c-prog, you should have received an e-mail containing the group welcome message. In that message was a list of books that you should read. Just in case you missed the message, here is that list of books again and the order in which you should be reading them: "Accelerated C++" by Koenig and Moo (ISBN #020170353X) "Safe C++ Design Principles" by Thomas Hruska "The C++ Standard Library" by Nicolai Josuttis (ISBN #0201379260) "Effective C++" by Scott Meyers (ISBN #0201924889) "More Effective C++" by Scott Meyers (ISBN #020163371X) If you are learning or looking to learn C, consider learning C++ instead. It is much more versatile and offers powerful features that C doesn't offer. If you happen to be already reading something other than the books above, seriously consider supplementing or replacing your book with the above. If you can't afford the books mentioned, Bruce Eckel offers "Thinking in C++" for free from his website: http://mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html And the group owner, Thomas Hruska, has generously donated his book "Safe C++ Design Principles" to c-prog group members for free: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/files/Books/ Beware any C/C++ author who does not adhere closely to the ANSI C/C++ Standard. One very popular author is Yashavant Kanetkar who is the author of "Let Us C". His writing may be simple to understand however his code is non-ANSI Standard. Similar great writers have shown up over the years who tell wonderful stories but don't adhere to the Standards defined by the ANSI C/C++ committees. You should also obtain at least copy of a draft copy of the ANSI C/C++ Standard. Draft copies are free and c-prog links to quite a few of them here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/links/Standards_001012496381/ About finding a compiler: When you joined the group, you should have received the group welcome message. It contained information on how to find a compiler. In general, beginners should have a compiler, IDE (Integrated Development Environment), and, most importantly, a debugger. The compiler suite should also be up to date and ANSI C/C++ Standards compliant. "Up to date" means that the compiler component itself was updated sometime in the last three years. Finding a new compiler is quite easy. c-prog maintains a massive 'Links' section on its website. One of those sections is entitled "Compilers (free)": http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/links/Compilers_000986587674/ There are hundreds of free compilers to choose from. However, there are just a handful that are popular, well supported, ANSI Standard, and free: Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express wxDev-C++ MinGW gcc/g++ C++ compilers are usually backwards-compatible and will also compile C code. Of the compilers listed, Microsoft Visual C++ (including Express) currently has the best debugger on the planet - period. If you are learning C/C++, the ability to step through code line by line and see what is wrong is invaluable. Other compiler suites have debuggers but aren't nearly as good. Should you choose to learn C++ using Microsoft Visual C++, the following video tutorial on using the IDE is highly recommended material: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/bb964629.aspx There are two commercial (non-free) compilers worth mentioning as well. Compilers that are not free have to provide a LOT of added value to justify their cost. Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional - In general, if you plan on doing Microsoft Windows-specific GUI development (e.g. involving COM, ATL, MFC, Office, Vista, etc.), this is the development suite to have. Many developers enhance the environment with third-party tools such as Visual Assist X. Also, a number of popular open source projects (e.g. TortoiseSVN) will completely build only under the latest version of Visual Studio Professional. Be prepared to pay Microsoft prices though. Comeau C++ - This is the most ANSI Standards compliant compiler in existence. Period. And it is available for virtually every modern platform. They have an online code compiler so you can see if code that doesn't compile under your compiler, but should, will compile under theirs. -- Thomas Hruska CubicleSoft President Ph: 517-803-4197 *NEW* MyTaskFocus 1.1 Get on task. Stay on task. http://www.CubicleSoft.com/MyTaskFocus/
