C++ Good or Not Good ?

I was talking to someone the other day and they mentioned that C++ is a poor coding language and that I should use that new Java program. Does anyone think C++ is a poor coding language.

I'm currently into Web Design but here lately I have been trying to further my education in computers by teaching myself how to program and I need someone that is experienced to tell me where is the best place to start.

My brother programs in C++ and Java, I started to learn C++ but I found it to difficult, so im learning php and then perhaps going to have a second attempt at learning it. For some reason most people think that Java is going to replace C++ in the future, I dont know why though?

I agree with ^ you to an instant. Though I still don't understand why people the sole purpse and possible things to outcome from C++ Coding. So far I know these things......

- It can makes programs
- Progams games

My list is short on what I know. So please someone that knows alot about C++ fill me in on a list of things it can do or just explain what it can do because some people have told me it can do anything but it can't really do anything with out other things. Like if you want to make a game you still need to make graphics with a different program.

I love the basic syntax that I learned in Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 but it was rather difficult to program any big applications, I think I will stick to Visual Basic.

Coty it makes the functions of the game, just like HTML makes your site function. But you still need a graphics program to make all the graphics.

Haha... I love this forum! C++ is the most powerful language in all of the languages you have access to except for C#. C++ does not require a graphics program, you can write your own with C++, but the problem is that the graphics rendering program itself is already designed and excellent so why try and re-invent something that is already perfect.

The problem with C++ is that it is a very difficult language to learn and most give up before they can see the real power behind the language. PHP and C++ can not be compared because PHP has limits to its power as it is a language that has a specific function and C++ doesn't. Also, Java isn't replacing C++, this has been misquoted from a Pocket PC Software company ("Handango" Good Company "). Java is the language being used to code Cell phones and PDA applications instead of C++.

Visual Basic is a great program for beginners, but it can't take you everwhere you want to go. While you can program some basic apps and games with Visual Basic, on newer computers especially Visual Basic apps run extremely slow. With C++ you can harness the power of the memory stick, and even delete windows variables in real time... (don't do this, your pc will die... lol <I did it accidentally!!!>)

But if you are trying to learn C++ you will most likely end up with a gaming position now-a-days. Gaming programming is nothing like application programming and the languages are going a completely different way. Where I am from .Net is being used for all the new apps (mostly C#) and C++ is the gaming standard.

WHO SHOULD LEARN C++?!
If you are a person that wants to excel in webdesign, learning C++ will not do you any good. If you are looking into working as a programmer for a medical company or telephone company C++ is one of the major programming languages. Also, anyone going into Inventory Programming will be using C++ most likely. Also game programmers... lol

C++, Java, PHP?
Any of the three are great languages to learn and will take you far. PHP is a very demanding language as it is easy to program and pretty powerful. PHP is used mostly by Workgroups and Webdevelopers, but it is a great language that can take you into a great career.
Java is a language that 3 years ago people would have laughed at you and said it was a dead language. Java has made a new comeback and people are beginning to use Java for Websites (Shopping Carts) pc applications, but mostly switching to Portable Devices. Learning Java will be advantageous to you no matter what field you are going into.

C++ is mostly for the hard core programmers. Your not going to find drag and drop interfaces here. The programming syntax really isn't that hard, there is just so much to learn. Unlike other languages C++ has libraries that it uses which helps keep the coding down and easier. If you are a serious programmer then this is a great language to learn. If not, your never going to get far enough with it to do much of anything usefull or "cool" . In that case, try Visual Basic.


Sorry for the length of this thread, but I hope that it was helpful to those of you interested in C++ technologies.

Hi,

I am recruiting for C++ Software Engineer based in Sheffield, UK.

Looking for somebody with a strong maths background, 3D Computer graphics, Geometric modelling and a 2:1 in maths, computer science, science or engineering.

Interested? Foward cvs to amber.greer@circlerecruitment.com

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I definately agree with LearningToProgram although I have seen my fair share of arguments on c++ vs java but LearningToProgram has definately hit the nail dead on if you ask me. I mostly use VB but that is because (as mentioned) I am not a profesional programmer although I do know c++ just nothing too advanced but I did do my fair share of research and reading on the topics.

LearningToProgram, I don't quite understand the limitations you put on the real-world uses for Java. Surely there are still companies out there developing apps, even games, in the java language?


All of this could be equally said about Java. And if any development language didn't have a decent library then it likely wouldn't get very far at all.

The only reason I would use C++ was if I needed to create a very efficient program, but I think that the same features that make it efficient also make it less appropriate for learning in. What new programmer wants the hassle of garbage collection? And I wouldn't fancy having direct access to memory when I still haven't figured out exactly what can be done. I would agree that it is essential to know these things eventually - but I think it would just be overloading a beginner.

The other thing is that C++ isn't a purely, strictly enforced OO language. OO is one of the most important concepts that a new programmer needs to learn and I'd say that C++ isn't the place to learn it.


Anyway, I could be talking rubbish - and Coty, if you feel inspired to start learning to code with C++ then I'm sure you'll do just fine and be a great programmer with a really firm grounding. I just feel there are other options out there that may be slightly more suited to learners.

Personally, if I was re-learning to code, I would start with Python. It's just such a beautiful, elegant little language and so very powerful. But what do I know!


Snow