Hi All,
This question is really a continuation of another question that i asked that turned more into a "debate" betwen experts rather than a direct answer to my question but this time i would REALLY like to get as many opinions, advice, debates as possible because i'm really "confused" on the best way forward - big time!
A bit of background.
I've always "loved" computers - started way back when i was a kid bashing Z80 machine code into my Sinclair ZX81 before moving on to the dizzy heights of the 6502!!
Eventually qualified as an Accountant, and oh boy, do i hate it!!
If i had my time over again, i would definately be a programmer and rightly or wrongly, six months ago i decided to focus my efforts on C++ (seemed like a sexy language at the time?).
I purchased a copy of MS VC++ 6.0 and in a million years i am NEVER going to even come close to utilising the capabilities of this awesome peice of software. Unfortunately the best i will ever achieve is likely to achieve "novice" status and hopefully spend many a happy hour treating it as a hobby producing the odd program that actually works whilst at the same time "learning"
But i would like some help on the best way forward 'cos its confusing the hell out of me and driving me nuts!!
Please can you experts offer your oppinions/ advice etc as to what is the best way forward from a learning perspective, enjoyment, future compatibility isssues - and who knows, (if miracles should happen) employment!
I had orginally intended to learn the simple console stuff, then STL, before moving on to "proper(?)" Windows programming (WIN32API etc) then dabbling in either OpenGL or DirectX.
I have to say that my interests probably lie with "games and fun things" rather than boring "Accconting Package" windows type programs!!
Please can you advise/offer your oppinions/debate the best way forward on how i should progress to learn the language?
I am sure that there is no "correct" answer - just a matter of opinion?
Are my plans sensible (or is Console/STL stuff a complete waste of time)?
I can say that learning the simple console stuff has been useful as its given me a knowlwdge of program control, branching etc but my concern is that at this rate (i can only spend approx 5 hours a week "playing") Microsoft will be on Windows 2020 before i get that far and MS VC6.00 will be a dead duck!
But writing even the "simpliest" of Windows progs generated by the Wizards produce about 70 lines of code!!
Should i just get "stuck in" at the dep end and learn all this stuff?
If only i could win the lottery, i'd jack my job in and do a full time degree in computer programming etc!
I would be extremely grateful for your views, i've allocated 500 points which according to the guide says that its extemely "urgent" and/or "difficult" - i expect the latter is the case?
Thanks in anticipation
Pete
PS Would getting hold of somebodies old college course notes, examples, programming challenges, exercises etc be a good idea? Does anybody have any that they dont what/need anymore? I'd certainly be willing to pay for them!!
OK, so they might not be up-to-date with all the lastest stuff, but in the scheme of things, i dont think that matters! I need a structured course leading me through from the start of a subject to the end rather than trying to follow tutorials in a "hap-hazard" kind of way from Web Sites!!!
Should i prgress stright to WIN32API?
If
