C/C++?

[FieldDoc]

Hi,

What's the difference between C and C++? I'm currently learning VB.NET but am considering dabbling with one of the above two. I don't intend to make a living from programming...more of a hobby.

Syrtis,
you are always saying how you are the VB 1337 man, I have a question for ya. I'm using VB.NET 2002 and wanna program my Pocket PC. I need the "smart device extensions" add-in (which comes as standard with 2003). Can't find it anywhere.....don't suppose you have a copy? (Not looking for warez PB.....SDE was a free download)

Thanks guys

[Stewsburntmonkey]

C++ was designed as an improved C but also a major structural change.  The biggest difference is that C++ is object oriented where as C is not.  There are also many little improvements in the library as well.  :)

[ReflectingGod]

FieldDoc: I'd go with MS Visual C++ as it is easy to use and if you are used to the VB development environment, will leave you feeling just about at home....

I use VC++6.... I don't know if anyone finds .net better... never tried it....

[FieldDoc]

Thanks,
Although, i'm a little worried about using Visual products, expecially as i'm (tentatively) considering writing a program for my newly acquired copy of Redhat

[JohnWho]

In that case you're bound for problems, as the user interface stuff and some of the internal libraries in Visual C++ are limited to MS Windows.

If you want to do cross-platform programming (write programs that can be compiled on or ported to different platforms), then you'd have to use some other library for stuff like user interfaces, etc.
You might want to try wxWindows or SDL, though the latter isn't object oriented and doesn't bring stuff for user interfaces with it. Several games use SDL, though.

All in all, it might be best to first write programs just on one platform to learn C/C++, and since Visual C++ contains a GUI-builder and stuff, I guess it would be easier to use that for a start...
Check out sites like Code Project or CodeGuru for examples and tutorials on C/C++ stuff...

[Stewsburntmonkey]

Although you can write and compile non-Windows (non Visual) code in MS Visual C++.  Its a great compliler and IDE.  :)

[ReflectingGod]

Another thing is, a book on the language is a very useful tool. You can learn from it, then use it as a reference when you need it later.....

[Captain Chickenpants]

I learned C from a book called Mastering C Programming http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0333498429/ref=br_lf_b_h__4/202-5829260-2284630 and was pleasantly surprised when I got to university that it was the recommended text, and only cost about £5.00 at the time (it has since doubled in price but is still pretty cheap).

I would recommend learning C before progressing to C++ as C++ is a superset of C.

CC

[elDiablo]

however, learning C first, then C++ means you have to "forget" some of the stuff that is taken out, and re-learn over things

if you use a SAMS book (like me), it teachs as though you have never programmed before, it's very good

[ReflectingGod]

I learnt from Ivor Hortons Beginning Visual C++ 6, which is an excellent choice. The first half of the book is how to program in C++. The second half is how to program for windows with the MFC and ActiveX, and all that other shit...

It is not too difficult to understand, though it helps if you have some past programming experience. I would recommend....

[Captain Chickenpants]

I do think that the book I used was more useful for someone who already knew another language.

What is in C that is not in C++?

[elDiablo]

i dunno to put it simply :biggrin: im only just starting to learn C++, so dont take my word, i is teh n00b

[andrewas]

C is almost a subset of C++, every C feature is also in C++. It is possible to write code that acts differently between C and C++, and I think that C++ type checking is stricter.

But in general, if it compiles on an ANSI C compiler, it should compile on a C++ compiler.

[Stewsburntmonkey]

Most C++ compilers are also C compilers so they will let you mix the two languages pretty freely.  There are some places a C program will not compile on a strictly C++ compiler, ie main declaired improperly etc.  Also most of the changes simply depricate older functions to allow old code to still be compiled.  :)

[Proxy Blue]

download Borland is free and will compile for you.