Hello, I''ve been programming with C++ for over a year now on and off. I''ve been using Teach yourseld C++ in 21 days to learn as much as I can, and a number of other free tutorials here and there. I even got to take a C++ course for a semester (I switched schools before I could finish). I feel I got a firm understanding of what I''ve had access to learn, Classes, Linked-Lists, and all that. Anyways, I''ve been wanting to get a little more serious in terms of programming. My goals are to become a game programmer, but I am in no rush. I want to make sure I learn what I need, and due to limited funding, I want to make sure I get the correct books for me. My worry is books, I''ve already seen many books being recommended, but how sure can I be that I have the appropriate Knowledge to pick up a given book? I plan on ordering C++: The Complete Reference, Third Edition by Herbert Schildt as I''ve seen recommended. I also am wanting to order Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus by Andre Lamothe, but I''m wondering if I would undertand it. I''ve had NO prior programming experience other then the C++, I know NO windows api/programming, nor any Direct X/OpenGL. Can I expect to pick this book up and learn from the start, or would there be anything I would need to learn before hand? I''m very scared of buying a book that expects me to know something I dont, and then I have to put it up on the shelf as a result. And like stated before, I have a very limited funding right now so it''s really important to me that I''m getting books that I can learn from. Now, I''m good at remaining determine till I figure something out, but if I can''t figure something out because it requires knowledge of some simpler information not covered, it''s a waste of money (till I can learn the previous info). And thats what I''m trying to find out with my question. Also, I''m wondering what other books I can jump to with my level of knowledge? I would like to learn windows programming (API and whatnot). No current preference on Direct X or OpenGL, though I have no intention of working with 3D for a real long time, Hoping I can stick with 2D till I have a very good understanding with Game programming. I really want to move more and more into game programming books as my knowledge permit. I realise I''m all over the place a tad as well as repeating myself, and for that I''m sorry

Oh, I want to add that I want to stick with C++ as much as possible.

Actually, I already own MSVC++ 6.0 and have had it for a long time.

Though in the end I would like to learn both DX and OGL, I think I''d preffer to start with DX. I generally dont mind messy, as long as it makes sense first, and that I am able to solve the problem at hand with it

Does Teach yourself VC++ start teaching windows programming?

Thank you for your input, I''ll put it to good use.

Little side note, even though I''ve been using VC++ for a long time, I''ve done nothing beyond Console Apps. I''ve never gotten to actually do any form of windows programming (MFC or otherwise)

you will learn with time... since you already have a c++ book i think it would be a good idea to get tricks of the windows game programming gurus... it covers basic windows programming as well as directx... good luck!

Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus will only require knowledge of C++ (or even just plain C). It has a few chapters dedicated to Windows programming. It will teach you DirectDraw, and game structure and other things as well. I think anyone would be crazy not to buy this book (but that's just my opinion). It really is a good choice, plus it teaches other stuff besides DirectX (like AI, and physics).

As for DirectX, I don't find it messy at all. I prefer it over OpenGL, but I think there's few others who share my opinion. Either one is fine. DirectX might be better for 2D since it has DirectDraw, but you still do 2D in OpenGL with the benefits of 3D acceleration, so it doesn't really matter.

If you still want to learn the Win32 API before DirectX (if you do decide on DirectX), then I would definately recommend Programming Windows by Charles Petzold (requires knowledge of only C) or Windows 98 Programming from the Ground Up by Herbert Schildt. But, if you buy LaMothe's book, you'll get an introduction in the Win32 API within the first few chapters.

Also, in my opinion the Game Programmer Starter Kit won't help you much, if at all. Probably the only thing in it that would be of any use, is the Game Design book that it comes with.

Okay, so again, after you learn C++ with the book you have, you can either go straight into DirectX (with Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus by André LaMothe, requires knowledge of only C), or you can learn the Win32 API first, and as I mentioned before, Programming Windows or Windows 98 Programming from the Ground Up are good buys.

Edited by - Midnight Coder on August 31, 2001 2:54:21 PM