RFI - C++ information or "Where do I begin?" for the new programmer.

[toric]

You might try starting with C# since it uses C like code but is safer for beginners. You can start making GUI apps from day one by using the drag and drop forms and tools.
If you really are determined to learn C++ though here are some books I used to teach myself C++ .
"A First Book of C++" by Gary Bronson
"C++ How to Program" by Deitel and Deitel
"A book on C" by Al Kelley and Ira Pohl
"Developing Widows Application with Borland C++ 3.1" by James Mccord - I'm sure there is a newer version available now
"GNU C++ for Linux" by Tom Swan
"Using Visual C++ 5" by Kate Gregory
"Visual C++5 Unleashed" by Viktor Toth

That should get you started

[pocketrocket]

I'm a n00blette when it comes to C or C++, I however took a VB course, a COBOL course, and a SQL/access course. VB has it downfall to...well...it can make for bad habits and that was very apparent when I hit cobol, I dont' know what C or C++ is like, but I found COBOL unforgiving when it came to errors. So anyone coming into the programming scene I would urge to follow the advice given here and probably skip VB and concentrate on something that gives you a better understanding of code and what it does exactly. I read an earlier post about once you learn one language, it is easy to learn another, this statement holds alot of weight. Since my formal training in cobol and crap, I have taught myself the basics of XML, HTML and a couple other various less known languages. I have alot of respect for the guys here that are able to keep SEQ going strong month after month, I do not know enough to do it and i'm glad they do

[Rhino73]

This is abit off topic as well but would you guys recommend an IDE for teaching a beginner or a generic text editor and the command line? Being a Java programmer I use netbeans but am curious if / at what point in teaching someone I should start them with an IDE and which IDEs would be best for a beinner (Eclipse has been recommended to me). My plan was to have them do a single hello world app using the command line to learn the basics of how the language works and then get them started with an IDE. Suggestions?

The first language I learned was Java. I would highly recommended it for a learning language (the syntax and semantics are nice IMO) except for some obvious pitfalls such as: you don't learn memory management or the usage of pointers. I do recommend Java however if you want to learn the OOP conecepts.

When I got to high school they had a few programming courses offered in VB but coming from a language like Java I really didn't feel it was a very good learning language.

My university starts its computer science majors off with a course in C. Personally I think a new programmer should learn a language that handles memory management for them first so they can get the basics down before they start with C.

[ieatacid]

I'm mostly self taught (aside from some online tutorials -- and also just do this as a hobby) but I've always used Microsoft's Visual Studio for Windows and KDevelop in Linux when I'm working on SEQ.

I know some people that code for a living that absolutely despise IDEs

[uRit1u2CBBA=]

I'm one of them In my job, I use C and use command-line "vi" to do the work.

I've just never found a good IDE that I like. Now that I'm in school again to learn more languages, I'll be forced to use one or two new ones. I hope I find one that I like lol

[BlueAdept]

Heh I havent touched C since the 80s when I used to use it for writing code for WWIV bulletin board.

I am better at assembly since I used to use it to "debug" software so it would work on my pc or for giving me better stats in the games I used to play. Anyone remember what int 13h was used for in OLD software?

[uRit1u2CBBA=]

LOL! You were one of the people writing WWIV!? I've played with that a little in trying to get my own system up and running in the early 90s. I eventually used Telegard and Regegade. That's funny!