C++ [beginner here] Learning c++

[wwnekoneko]

Hi, I'm a beginner trying to learn a coding language.
My aim is to tinker with the apps I use on my computer and overall be able to do stuff with the windows platform. I have read that c++ was a good and stable language to program desktop applications. And I have noticed that c++ is used to modify some apps. My problem with that is I heard that c++ was pretty bad at handling gui's which is contradictory to the first point made about the program. If you can educate me on the subject and help me choose a language to use I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much.

 

[BorkedSystem32]

Hello there, @wwnekoneko.

It's great that you want to know what you want to do when you learn C++, but, I'm sure you know that the journey ahead will be a long one, with many ups and downs. But, stick to it and you'll go far. Anyway, enough with the cheap, inspirational talk: your question.

C++ is a good language for developing desktop applications(especially if it's a game or if it's for tinkering about with the utilities of a computer). It's important to note that despite how widely used C++ is, it gets its bad name due to its complex syntax, lack of garbage collection, slow compile-time, confusing error messages, and due to some areas of it being poorly designed and implemented. Wikipedia has a full page for its criticisms here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_C++

C++ however, wins for GUIs due to how many libraries are available for it, including GTK and QT - both of which are quite popular for GUI development(especially on Linux). The two libraries I mentioned in particular, do have bindings for other languages, including C, Java, and Python, if you'd prefer a different language.

On the topic of other languages, remember that C++ isn't the only one widely used: Java is widely used for desktop and mobile applications; C remains popular for desktops too, particularly on Linux(but, I wouldn't say it's as popular for GUIs).

At the end of the day, find a language that you like and stick to it. That's only how you'll learn how to properly build software - arguing over how sexy C is compared to C++, will not take you anywhere.

Hope this helps.

 

[robertsmith]

hey, I'm a newbie in this, so tell me that do coding challenges make it easier?

 

[wwnekoneko]

Hello there, @wwnekoneko.

It's great that you want to know what you want to do when you learn C++, but, I'm sure you know that the journey ahead will be a long one, with many ups and downs. But, stick to it and you'll go far. Anyway, enough with the cheap, inspirational talk: your question.

C++ is a good language for developing desktop applications(especially if it's a game or if it's for tinkering about with the utilities of a computer). It's important to note that despite how widely used C++ is, it gets its bad name due to its complex syntax, lack of garbage collection, slow compile-time, confusing error messages, and due to some areas of it being poorly designed and implemented. Wikipedia has a full page for its criticisms here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_C++

C++ however, wins for GUIs due to how many libraries are available for it, including GTK and QT - both of which are quite popular for GUI development(especially on Linux). The two libraries I mentioned in particular, do have bindings for other languages, including C, Java, and Python, if you'd prefer a different language.

On the topic of other languages, remember that C++ isn't the only one widely used: Java is widely used for desktop and mobile applications; C remains popular for desktops too, particularly on Linux(but, I wouldn't say it's as popular for GUIs).

At the end of the day, find a language that you like and stick to it. That's only how you'll learn how to properly build software - arguing over how sexy C is compared to C++, will not take you anywhere.

Hope this helps.

Hey thank you for your very detailed and complete response. It motivated me a lot and I can't thank you enough for that!!!

 

[BorkedSystem32]

Hey thank you for your very detailed and complete response. It motivated me a lot and I can't thank you enough for that!!!

Hello there, sorry for being a bit late on a response.

I'm happy to know that you've been motivated to pursue learning C++. Go far and wide, study every corner and edge you can, and cut off as many limbs as possible. It's the only way you'll learn.

hey, I'm a newbie in this, so tell me that do coding challenges make it easier?

They don't necessarily make learning easier, but rather, they prove just how much you really know, and how good you actually are at several skills: programming and critical-thinking in particular.

Do them anyway, as you will learn quite a bit from just doing these alone.

 

[Ethan Smith]

Hi, I'm a beginner trying to learn a coding language.
My aim is to tinker with the apps I use on my computer and overall be able to do stuff with the windows platform. I have read that c++ was a good and stable language to program desktop applications. And I have noticed that c++ is used to modify some apps. My problem with that is I heard that c++ was pretty bad at handling gui's which is contradictory to the first point made about the program. If you can educate me on the subject and help me choose a language to use I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much.

You can find some excellent samples on this page. https://www.programminghomeworkhelp.com/cpp-assignment/