C++ programming?

I'm very interested in taking up C++ for a hobby, but I just wanted to know, how much time do I have to expect to put towards programming until I am fairly good at it? I don't really want to go to school for it, but I have like 20 C++ books lying around...


I also wanted to know, since I have Java books lying around as well, does anyone find it more fun to write Java rather than C++?

C++ programming?
download the Visual Studio express editions from microsoft.





Go to course.com and see if any of the books you have on C++ are listed there, chances are you will find at least one. (use the isbn # to locate the books) Download the student files for that book to your HDD and work through the books. Be sure you do all of the lessons at the end of each chapter, doing a couple here and there will not give you the experience you need. Start with the beginning books and work you way thru advanced, dont start advanced programming first, you will be lost and won't understand a thing.





Move from beginning books to advanced C++, this will give you a concrete beginning in this language.





I cannot speak on Java, I have no experience with it, But C++ and Visual Basic are very interesting and functional. You can also use Visual Basic for web page creation, javascript, ASP, IIS and databases.





You have to have up to date books for use with the express software, for example.....Programming with Microsoft Visual Basic 2005





hope this helps and good luck,





mavin
Reply:i think you will like c# better than both and you get download a free version of visual studio from microsoft to do it.





http://www.microsoft.com/express/
Reply:I would suggest C++. Infact there are books like Learn C++ in 21 days, if you can get any of those books and a Visual Studio to practice out. Then you could really learn quickly and infact if you follow the schedule then in 21 days.





The key to learning any language is PRACTICE...PRACTICE....PRACTICE
Reply:It is just purely learning one part of it like functions then going over and modifying the program a bit to make a few more calls and make it interesting, if you just use the examples the book/website gives you then think "right ive done that, next chapter" you wont get very far. Also try and think of a project you could make using all the knowledge you have learn't, then if you get stuck ask questions here or a computer forum such as daniweb.Like in school revise revise revise but code code code
Reply:I"m into C++ too. what got me into it was this class over in Redmond, Washington. it's put on by digipen institute of technology and the program is called project fun. you can take classes on creating robots, making games, or internet pages or like 3 other things. Check it out maybe if your close to Redmond. it was really an eye opener to how fun C++ really is.