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Paul Victorey · 09-05-1999, 08:49 AM

Although I did C before I did C++, it is probably actually easier to start with C++. Reason is that C syntax for commands, though supported in C++, is not recommended. Preferred C++ uses object oriented programming (OOP), wheras C does not have support (at least not good support) for this. So if you start out in C you tend to pick up bad habits, especially as every "preferred" input or output function in C++ is completely different from the equivalent C command. And as C++ should preferably use only OOP, and as C does not, the ways that variables and functions are used in the two languages differs significantly.

If you want to learn C++, but would prefer a slightly easier language to learn syntax, do Java. It's basically a lot like C++, though there are a few major changes.

One reason it can be good to go from Java to C++ is that Java is strongly typed, wheras in C or C++ you can do all kinds of crazy things that you probably should not do by mismatching types of objects. Java will force you to be honest and convert types explicitly, a good habit. Another good advantage to Jave is that all Java programs must be OOP. Unlike C or C++, functions and variables MUST be within an object or a class (a class is like the blueprint from which objects are built). If you want to do OOP in C++, which is the preferred method of C++ coding, being forced to do it all the time whilst learning Java really gets you into the proper mindset.

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Paul M. Victorey
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I am not responsible for any problems that may arise as a result of following my advice. This includes, but is not limited to, computer failure, loss of data, nuclear war, famine, boils, no clean laundry, your daughter running off with a biker gang, or armageddon. Take my advice at your own risk.

09-05-1999, 08:49 AM	#6
Paul Victorey Member (12 bit) Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: MN or WI Posts: 3,017	Although I did C before I did C++, it is probably actually easier to start with C++. Reason is that C syntax for commands, though supported in C++, is not recommended. Preferred C++ uses object oriented programming (OOP), wheras C does not have support (at least not good support) for this. So if you start out in C you tend to pick up bad habits, especially as every "preferred" input or output function in C++ is completely different from the equivalent C command. And as C++ should preferably use only OOP, and as C does not, the ways that variables and functions are used in the two languages differs significantly. If you want to learn C++, but would prefer a slightly easier language to learn syntax, do Java. It's basically a lot like C++, though there are a few major changes. One reason it can be good to go from Java to C++ is that Java is strongly typed, wheras in C or C++ you can do all kinds of crazy things that you probably should not do by mismatching types of objects. Java will force you to be honest and convert types explicitly, a good habit. Another good advantage to Jave is that all Java programs must be OOP. Unlike C or C++, functions and variables MUST be within an object or a class (a class is like the blueprint from which objects are built). If you want to do OOP in C++, which is the preferred method of C++ coding, being forced to do it all the time whilst learning Java really gets you into the proper mindset. ------------------ Paul M. Victorey ------------------ I am not responsible for any problems that may arise as a result of following my advice. This includes, but is not limited to, computer failure, loss of data, nuclear war, famine, boils, no clean laundry, your daughter running off with a biker gang, or armageddon. Take my advice at your own risk.