Free tutorials

[Pixelsarecool]

Hi, I'm a begginer in C++, I'm reading the articles of this web, but I want to know if you can tell me about any good websites with free tutorials, examples... . Thank you.

[TarikNeaj]

Bucky does great tutorials on all the basics of c++, You can find all his videos here - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAE85DE8440AA6B83

They're really helpful.

[Pixelsarecool]

Thank you so much. I'll watch them.

[TarikNeaj]

Dont just watch them, but code with him, do the stuff he does, and do something small of your own aswell, best way of learning :)

[Z e r e o]

Dont just watch them, but code with him, do the stuff he does, and do something small of your own aswell, best way of learning :)

While I agree that actually getting out and coding is the best way to really learn how to do it. I do have to disagree with recommending Bucky's videos as a good learning source.

There is several reasons behind this.

First his tutorial videos are extremely short which is a big reason why I don't recommend video formats for learning to start programming. It is extremely hard to explain a subject along with all the logic behind it (What it is doing, why it does that, when to use it, when to not use it, etc.) when you only have a 5-10 minute time span to do so. Specially when the teacher wastes a good amount of that time span on stuff not related to the subject at all.

Second he only very lightly touches the surface of each subject he is going over. This is partly because of my first point (He wants to keep it short to get more views) and partly because I really don't think he understands in depth some of the subjects that he is teaching people, but more on that later. This is the main reason why I don't recommend his videos to anyone who is just starting out. Sure he does a decent job at explaining the bare minimum to have a slight understanding of the subject, but just only knowing the bare minimum can be dangerous specially in programming.

Though I will give him a break, because in order to explain a lot of the subjects that he is trying to teach each of his videos would need to be hours long at the minimum. It is just right now video is not a great medium to teach programming in. It can work for experienced programmers wanting to hear the theory behind stuff but for beginners who are just starting out articles and good old fashion textbooks will be far superior in my opinion.

And lastly since you are probably sick of hearing me go on ;p. From the videos I have seen (Which I admit were quite awhile ago) he taught quite a few bad practices, would constantly skip over stuff and tell his viewers "Just do this, you don't need to know why just do it to make it work" and because I really don't think he is an experienced programmer and shouldn't really be teaching others with his level of knowledge. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that beginners can't help each other learn but in my opinion a beginner teaching other beginners will just cause everyone more harm then good.

But that is just my 2 cents on Bucky's videos. Just my opinion after all and I am sure others disagree with it.

As for some good sites with articles I have always liked these sites.

http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/cpp/
http://www.drdobbs.com/cpp

Though since you are just starting with C++ it sounds I would highly recommend picking up a good beginners book to learn with. It will provide you with a more structured learning experience then a bunch of articles can. Here is a good book list for C++ if you do need suggestions http://stackoverflow.com/questions/388242/the-definitive-c-book-guide-and-list .

Personally I would recommend Accelerated C++ but that is just me. Anyways best of luck to you!

[TarikNeaj]

I mean. I totally understand where you are comming from, but for me, watching his videos totally gave me a headstart. Its not like I just watched all of his videos and then that was it. I made projects aswell. But watching his videos gives you, in my opinion, a good understanding of the the subject, and from there you can much easier understand when a book is explaining it, or article, and it allows you to easier go in depth.

[Dylan Remington]

That Youtube lesson is useful!

[2LzbRXSz]

Bucky's videos are probably better for people who'd like to touch up on their skills, or people who already know a thing or two about programming/computer science. I've used the tutorials on this site, and Google's always a click away! Reading forums, and asking on forums are other ways of helping with any specific questions you have. Though, always try to find your answer in tutorials (or archived posts) before posting.

[TarikNeaj]

I always tell people That. A lot of people don't realize that most of their answers, if not something very specific, you can just google it. Ive spoken to a lot of programmers and they all say Google is a great resource that you should use. And I do agree with you a bit on the fact that his videos are better if you know a thing or two about programming. But that can be solved by actually doing things rather than only watching his videos like a marathon.

[2LzbRXSz]

Yeah, if you're following along with the programming it truly helps, since it gives you the opportunity to discover a few things yourself. I also like programming exercises. I found a really great site a long time ago that had practice exercises for beginners, intermediates, and experienced programmers. I can't find the site now, but here's one that looks pretty promising for beginners: http://www.worldbestlearningcenter.com/index_files/cpp-tutorial-variables_datatypes_exercises.htm

[megatron 0]

I have to +1 Z e r e o's comment.

Only yesterday did a friend ask me about programming tutorials on youtube, Bucky instantly came to mind as he seemed popular.

Within the first couple of minutes of his first C++ tutorial, I had to pause it several times because the way Bucky explains programming concepts are, novice at best. I consider myself as a novice too but, perhaps he just lacks the understanding of teaching.

[Pixelsarecool]

Thank yo so much. I'm also going tot buy a book. I'm thinking about The C++ programming language, by Bjorne Stroustrup. Do you think It's a good idea?

[TarikNeaj]

Definitely.

[anup30]

Thank yo so much. I'm also going tot buy a book. I'm thinking about The C++ programming language, by Bjorne Stroustrup. Do you think It's a good idea?

that book try to "contain everything" about C++.
if you are a beginner you won't need many things of that!
i suggest you to "walk smoother". http://www.learncpp.com/

book: http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/beginner/152503/