simple newbie question

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A

AAA

I'm a newbie and confused: I want to program in C++ but don't know what
to buy. Present leaning is towards gaming, but everybody has to learn
the basics.

C++ What version is the latest? Is it part of MS Studio? There are
lots of 3rd party plug-ins for games.

Visual C++ Is this an easier version of C++? I know VB was vast
improvement over regular Basic. Is this the same 'leap'

Visual C++.NET Is this where MS is going? I don't want to spend 2
years (for example) learning VC.++ to have it discontinued?

Also, I have MS Studio buried in a pile of software (about 5 years old).
Does this qualify me for the 'upgrade' price?

I 'zeroed' on the C language. Could someone zoom me in a little closer?
I also qualify for a student discount (if that makes a difference)

Thanks, in advance.
 
AAA said:
I'm a newbie and confused: I want to program in C++ but don't know what
to buy. Present leaning is towards gaming, but everybody has to learn
the basics.
Yup.

What version is the latest?
Click to expand...

Visual Studio .Net 2003. Don't let the name fool you. With it you can target
the .Net platform or any of the 32 bit versions of Windows. Note however
that the tool itself does not run on '95, '98 or Millenium.
Is it part of MS Studio?
Click to expand...

Yes. IMO (I don't claim to be unbiased, see my sig) it is the preemiment
tool to use if you target Windows.

If however, you just want the compiler and linker without all the bells and
whistles you can have it for the price of a download (assuming you have a
broadband connection)

http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualc/vctoolkit2003/

Just by the way, the next version - judging by it's current name is due
sometime next year. The good news is that you can download the free beta
now:

http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/default.aspx
There are lots of 3rd party plug-ins for games.
Click to expand...

Sorry but I don't know what a plug-in for a game is.
Visual C++ Is this an easier version of C++? I know VB was vast
improvement over regular Basic. Is this the same 'leap'
Click to expand...

:-) Make no mistake. C++ is not easy and it is only going to get harder as
time goes on. The IDE does somethings to take some of the grunt work out of
development but it is still C++ that we are talking about. A new dialect,
managed C++ which targets .Net is somewhat easier to use but still harder
say, than either C# or VB.
Visual C++.NET Is this where MS is going? I don't want to spend 2
years (for example) learning VC.++ to have it discontinued?
Click to expand...

Well, they have made a huge investment in the technology.
Also, I have MS Studio buried in a pile of software (about 5 years old).
Does this qualify me for the 'upgrade' price?
Click to expand...

I would think so but you will have to check for yourself.
I 'zeroed' on the C language. Could someone zoom me in a little closer?
Click to expand...

What do you mean?
I also qualify for a student discount (if that makes a difference)
Click to expand...

Then you should look into the "academic" versions.

Frankly, I'd get myself a good book (or a dozen) on C++ and download either
the toolkit if you are serious about C++ or one of the other free express
betas to determine which language you want to pursue. If you qualify, you
can get the academic versions of whatever tool you like fairly cheaply. When
you have a "professional" need you or your employer can spring for the
professional version of the tool.

Regards,
Will
 
AAA said:
I'm a newbie and confused: I want to program in C++ but don't know what
to buy. Present leaning is towards gaming, but everybody has to learn
the basics.

C++ What version is the latest? Is it part of MS Studio? There are
lots of 3rd party plug-ins for games.

Visual C++ Is this an easier version of C++? I know VB was vast
improvement over regular Basic. Is this the same 'leap'

Visual C++.NET Is this where MS is going? I don't want to spend 2
years (for example) learning VC.++ to have it discontinued?

Also, I have MS Studio buried in a pile of software (about 5 years old).
Does this qualify me for the 'upgrade' price?

I 'zeroed' on the C language. Could someone zoom me in a little closer?
I also qualify for a student discount (if that makes a difference)

Thanks, in advance.
Click to expand...
Adding a shameless plug to the good advice William has given you:
If you are a student at a high school, college or vo-tech, check to see if
your department is a member of the Microsoft Developers Network Academic
Alliance (MSDNAA). If they are, you should be able to get a copy of Visual
Studio .NET 2003 at no cost. If your department is not a MSDNAA member,
refer them to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/academic/

for program information.
 
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