[C++/Java] Programming advice question

[Petros]

I need to have a reasonable grasp of C++ and Java in the next six months. I'm an extremely fast learner and just want to know where to start. Any recommendations on good books or online guides for someone starting from scratch?

What programs/compilers would work best for my needs as a beginner? Money is no object; I can buy anything I need, but if a free program works as good or better, it would be nice to save some cash.

 

[karl_axe]

C++: Bloodshed Dev C++
Java: Eclipse IDE
Netbeans

for code references, everythings lying around somewhere on the net.

 

[Geffy]

Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 24 hours was quite good for me learning C++

with respect to Java I dont know really, I was taught from two books at university. I wouldnt want to force them on anyone else. Maybe look for the Java equivalent of the Sams Teach Yourself book.

Editors, I agree with karl_axe on the C++ one, Java I would preference NetBeans higher. I have tried Eclipse a few times and never really liked it.

 

[X-Istence]

Just don't teach yourself Java. *

As for C++, I had the Standard C++ Bible as my book, there is also the free Thinking in C++, volumes 1 and 2, which are free:

http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html

As for a compiler, depends on what OS you are using. For Linux/UNIX/FreeBSD/Mac OS X I would suggest GCC, for Windows, MINGW, which is easiest accomplished by using bloodshed's Dev-C++ like Karl_Axe said.

* I personally despise Java. Thus I am biased.

 

[mooo]

Java is not fun to learn, at least the books that i have saw don't teach it well. With program. lang. you have to learn by examples and what not and reading doesn't give a good idea on it. For my compiler i use jgrasp, its free and can compile pretty much anything.

Check your PM.

 

[Geffy]

Java is not fun to learn, at least the books that i have saw don't teach it well. With program. lang. you have to learn by examples and what not and reading doesn't give a good idea on it. For my compiler i use jgrasp, its free and can compile pretty much anything.

Check your PM.

the only thing worse than learning Java is trying to make a nice GUI in Swing

 

[Zedric]

Another good Java IDE is Borland JBuilder Foundation. The Foundation version is free as opposed to Developer and Enterprise who are quite expensive.