Looking to get into c/c++ programming

[Conor]

where would i start?

what kind of editor do I need?
what kind of compiler and where can i get it?

thanks for the help.

[PeOfEo]

microsoft visual c++ would be the best, though I am sure you can find a free compiler some where. I would get a book on it at the store.

[Jeff Mott]

I've actually found the GCC and G++ compilers to be the best for general purpose. And as an added bonus they are both free. I would recommend you download Dev-C++ (http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/dev-cpp/devcpp4980.exe?download). It is an editor that comes packaged with these two compilers.

If you are compiling specifically for an x86 machine and want the best optimizations then you should look into the Intel C++ compiler (though this is not free).

As for books, I would recommend:
C Programming Language (2nd Edition) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131103628/qid=1079937329/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-5006382-0636644?v=glance&s=books)
The C++ Programming Language (Special 3rd Edition) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0201700735/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/103-5006382-0636644?v=glance&s=books&st=*)

Each book is authored by the respective language's creator.

[buntine]

I would suggest you choose either C or C++ as the two are quite different from each other. C is procedural while C++ is object oriented.

C is a medium-level programming language so its easy to get deep into the workings of your PC. Its also easier to tweak the language and create your own library functions.

Regards.

[Jeff Mott]

C or C++ ... the two are quite different from each otherHmm, I think these two languages are more similar to each other than any other pair of languages I know. Particularly if you consider that almost any C program is also a valid C++ program. What other two languages can you say that about?

Essentially, C++ is C with classes.

[buntine]

True, they are similar.

Though, there is more than just the addition of classes and other Object Oriented features.

[Conor]

I think im going to go with C++ thanks guys

[PeOfEo]

good choice. I would argue that c++ is more similar with c++.net then c :p!

[buntine]

True, infact, C isnt even an Object Oriented language. Though, still very powerful.

Regards.