<p>I am signing up for classes for spring 2015 at community college. I am taking calc 3, calc-based physics: mechanics, and c++ programming. I know nothing about programming and i would have taken "intro to computer software development" this semester but everyone says that class is a joke. So i figure i'll teach myself. How hard is it? Also, has anyone ever taken c++ online? Taking it online was my only option this semester because of my work schedule. Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks!</p>
<p>How hard was it for you to learn to write grammatical English? Were you comfortable with concepts like number agreement, or the correct use of subject v. object pronouns? Do you remember what a “gerund” (/“participle”) is? Was it hard to learn how to write an essay with good paragraph structure?</p>
<p>Learning to program is a little bit like that, but more exacting. A computer program is absolutely unforgiving of the tiniest syntax error. If you omit or misplace a semicolon, it won’t run. Learning to program requires patience and attention to detail. It requires a logical approach to problem-solving. An object-oriented programming language, like C++, also involves abstract concepts that some students find hard to grasp immediately. </p>
<p>However, getting your first programs to run is very satisfying. If you find you have a knack for it, it can be fun and even a little addicting.</p>
<p>I would take the Intro class. A lighter load class would fit well with your schedule and you will at least get some systematic intro. You can get out of it a lot more that the guy who commented, I’ll bet. Are you taking it online through your school? That isn’t exactly self taught. </p>
<p>Take a look at one of these books; C++ by Albert. Jumping Into C++ by Allain. Both come highly recommended by students and professionals whom are not Computer Science majors and are reasonably priced.</p>
<p>Programming classes, above all else, require work. Most need a bare minimum of 10 hours a week outside of class to really master the materials. Make certain you schedule that time specifically and stay true to it and you will be fine. The ones who falter are the ones who think they can put some of that work off or do it quicker at the last minute. You can’t. It happens because you see a teacher write a program on the board in a matter of minutes and think to yourself “That’s easy”, but when you sit down in front of a blank text editor, it becomes painfully apparent that it isn’t as easy as it appeared in class. (Always keep in mind - the teacher has already written the program and is just showing the results of his hours of effort put in…).</p>
<p>Programmers live on the Internet, so there is a TON of programming information out there: tutorials, blogs, references, discussion boards, etc. Anytime your textbook lets you down, you can easily turn somewhere else for a better explanation. Google is a good place to start. Keyword searches like “C++ if” and “C++ class” will lead to everything you need.</p>
<p>I think C++ is actually not a great first programming language. There is too much syntax and it’s easy to miss the important stuff. </p>
<p>I might try to learn python using “How to Think Like a Computer Scientist”, which is an online book. That’s pretty doable. </p>
<p>I’m in a similar situation as you, but I’m only a senior is hs. I’ve tried tons of online tutorials/guides, but non of them help - at least not for me.</p>