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I'm currently working my way through the last few chapters of the microsoft-provided 'C++ beginner's guide' found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/cc305129.aspx I'm enjoying the language and want to take it further (beyond the scope of the guide). I'm guessing that the use of the language can stretch into many areas of computational programming so to make my goals clearer, here's a bit more information on what I want to achieve: My goal is to be able to programme a simple simulation of an economic environment (like 'Sugarscape'). For those who don't know, Sugarscape is a very simplistic model that illustrates interactions between trading agents placed on a virtual 'grid'; Sugarscape takes initial values to create an economic environment (including the characteristics of the economic agents) and then lets fundamental rules of economic activity govern the behaviour of the agents in the landscape, no other inputs are needed - the use of the program is to see how the agents behave collectively as a group. If anyone here knows what step I could potentialy take next to get closer to this aim of mine, I would very much appreciate knowing what it might be. Thanks in advance for the feedback. |
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I don't actually program in C++ but I do in VB.NET which is very similar. I think that a good way to extend your knowledge is to, first of all, read through all of that book your talking about and then think of a program you would like to make. It is very important when programming to know exactly what you would like to make and not just make is up as you go along. Once you've thought of something (maybe try not to make it to complex to begin with) start to figure out what variables you will need etc. Then start programming and the chances are that you'll come across something that you don't know how to do so google it! Make more and more projects like this that target different areas, for example a project that is heavy on maths, a project that requires databases etc. and you should learn a lot! I hope this helps you in some way! Good luck! I tried VB a while back - liked the idea that greater intricacy was available with C++ though. As you were learning VB, where there any support sites/forums that were dedicated to answering programming questions? (a refined way of googling :D) I use http://www.codeproject.com/ quite a lot but I just google mainly to be honest |
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I suggest that you borrow The C++ Programming Language, by Bjarne Stroustrup. If you like it, buy it. It contains commentary on aspects of the C++ language, and advice for designing programs. People who have programming experience can begin learning C++ from this, but take a look before buying. ISBN: 0-201-70073-5. If you feel comfortable enough with your understanding of C++ to skip that book, I could recommend "The Art of Computer Programming" by D. Knuth. It's a very large and extensive series on algorithms (not C++), so it could be quite expensive. If you don't have that much money or you want to only program in C++, you may wish to look up "Algorithms with C++" by Robert Sedgewick. |
