Reaching Ground Zero in C++

C++ experience as a beginner

I have been really confused about what I should write about and have arrived at an impulsive decision,  to blog my efforts in learning various technical aspects associated with the field of engineering.

To begin with let me tell you about myself, I am first year undergraduate Computer Science Student. I hail from India and is of South Indian Origin. My current knowledge is extremely limited compared to what is out there. My goal from this blog is to help other individuals who seek to learn new things but is confused about the approach they should have towards it.

I currently am confident that I have basic skills in

• Python
• Beginner in C++
• Level 1 Codechef 

The experience of trying to learn C+ + from scratch has helped me realize how difficult it can be to find the right resources and the method of approach to be taken. Frankly speaking, almost all information required for learning something has been freely scattered through out the internet, its just that finding the right resources helps you big time, Trust me... Its like finding an oasis in the middle of the desert. 

I initially thought of learning it from a book, YES A BOOK. I know you might be wondering why I chose a book when there was so many resources on the internet. Its just that I thought that using something physical would help me remain more committed to learning it. But I found out soon that most books I tried required some sort of prior experience in C programming, which could be seen as the language which was used for building C. They both have a lot of similarities.

The mistake I made here was that I did not do the required research to choose the right book. I chose it by just reading the preface and title of these books. Apart from this silly mistake from my part I do expect there to be a plethora of books available for learning any programming language as a matter of fact.

If you have prior experience in programming languages:

I would recommend you to use platforms like 

• MIT OPENCOURSEWARE
• NPTEL ONLINE COURSE
• HACKERRANK (for practical learning)

If its your first time dabbling in the field of programming, It would be helpful for you if you could learn about the basic computer architecture, It would prove to be an excellent decision later on as you proceed with learning any programming language.

This is a really good playlist for having a basic understanding of various concepts of computer science

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNlUrzyH5r6jN9ulIgZBpdo

I know all of this may not seem to make any sense at the beginning but trust me it will help you a lot down the road.

For C++ programming basics:

• https://www.learncpp.com/
• https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/learn-c-with-free-31-hour-course/
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/c-plus-plus/             
• Introduction to programming through C++                

This is a really extensive look into the world of programming in C++ , do give it a look if theoretical understanding is what you prefer  :

• https://archive.nptel.ac.in/courses/106/105/106105151/
  

Where do I stand with C++ ?

At the time of writing I am proficient enough to understand the concept of pointers and references and have an understanding of how Object Oriented Programming works in C++.

This article was written only to give insights into how it would feel to successfully begin learning the language. I have just reached  the starting line in the world of programming language.

Thankyou for giving it a read😄