Learning C++ on my own.
Posted by quietus_17y@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hey everyone. I'm 22 years old and I've recently started to learn C++ as my first programming language. I've already graduated from a university (not IT/CS degree, though I'm very much familiar with PC) and am a working person. I'm well aware that C++ is one of the most difficult ones, or at least people say so, but I'm sure this is exactly what I want. JavaScript, Python, C, C#, Swift, and Kotlin - the ones I've considered. So far, I use learncpp.com and freeCodeCamp.org C++ beginner to advice video guide. I've also created accounts on HackerRank and LeetCode websites to practice solving problems in the future. I'm already planning on signing up for a C++ course next year, but for now I think I'm capable of learning the very basic fundamental things on my own.
I have a few questions:
- Is it actually better to sign up for a course ASAP and not wait until 2026 to avoid getting lost while trying to learn on my own? So far, it's going great but I'm learning the very basic stuff like comments, errors and warnings, input and output, and so on, so it is supposed to be easy as far as I understand.
- Is it possible to find a job without any programming related degree but with finished courses and a portfolio of projects? To be even more specific, should I also start planning on getting a second degree or is it not necessary?
- Any more free sources where I can learn C++ on my own? I know there're a lot of them, but from reading forums and dicussions people have different opinions on all sources of leaning, which I guess is to be expected.
That's pretty much it, but I'd appreciate any sort of advice you might have. Thank you for taking your time to go through my post!
Familiar_Track_2855@reddit
Woah! wait there buddy do ya even know what you would use C++ even for?!? If not its not advised to start with it as its kinda a hard programming languageđ đ
guillermokelly@reddit
There are PLENTY of sources for "C family" learning, the "tradeoff" are the languages themselves.
Yes, Cpp gives you knowledges of "basic" programming, like cycles, data structures and some algorithms, but there are A PLETHORA of other languages that can do the same in a shorter way or "smarter" type...
MattE36@reddit
Many c++ jobs really look for credentials. Good work history via coop or post college or advanced degrees. Itâs not to say you canât get one but itâs definitely not as easy to break into a new job/career with c++ as most of these higher level languages. JavaScript Java kotlin etc. Maybe Rust would be better for low level since there is more growth in the demand (it is not higher demand, just increasing at a higher rate and is newer.
All of that on top of higher than average unemployment in this sector makes it sound like a bad idea to me.
cinematic_unicorn@reddit
Nice to see people start with cpp, really refreshing to see people put some effort in learning the art instead of relying on AI.
But to answer your questions:
I don't think you should bother with a course, there are plenty of resources online, all it takes is some grit and determination to learn and you'll be good.
Yes, as long as your portfolio is solid, since you're just starting programming, it might be a while for you to reach that level. Although, you can speed through that if you get an internship somewhere. Don't need a degree.
Youtube. Learn the basics first, I'd even go as far as saying before learning the fundamentals (loops and functions) understand memory allocation, how data is used etc, it will 100x your programming efforts. OS is a good starting point.
Once you're confident with the fundamentals, learn data structures and algorithms, some more reading in OS, networking, etc and you'll be on par with most college grads. But this is a long road, assuming you can put in some hours learning and coding everyday, you should be at a level where you can get through most interviews (I know it sucks but it might be 1-2 years for that). Keep at it!
SignificantBook7099@reddit
I think your focus should be to improve and if that requires a course and such do it. If it's staying consistent with the free resources then that's what it will take. It's like any other hobby, you just have to practice and enjoy the trial and error.
My friends have 8+ years of coding experiences, and while they have stable jobs there are periods of uncertainty. One of my friends furloughed about a two years ago, and it took him months to find a new job. His current position is through a recruiting agency, and he has been with that project since then, but the agency/company always has the opportunity to let him go if they need to stop the project or reduce staff.
I don't work in any computer science field, and while I'm learning different languages my goal is just to build my own personal projects and improve in that way. If you're looking to get into the field you will find it difficult to find a job,
BasicallyImAlive@reddit
You only need learncpp.com it's the goat for learning c++.
RunicWhim@reddit
What degree do you have?
Why not learn python for data analysis and statistics? Because that alone is useful across so many industries and roles, not just IT/Tech.
You can learn programming and leverage your degree for domain expertise and level up with some good python and mathematical data and statistics background.
Add to your portfollio why with your programming skills in python you're better than all these other people with your same degree.
That's I think better than trying to learn a system programing language that really only has jobs for very experienced programmers.
Maleficent-Tart677@reddit
About programming language, ask yourself what do you want to make, because programming languages are very often tied to specific domains.
Still, learning C++ is good, because it's low level and teach you basic concepts. It makes it easier to switch to other languages later. Most colleges teach C++ first.
CarelessPackage1982@reddit
In the age of 300k out of work programmers with 5 years of experience and college degrees? Possible, but you need to look better than the out of work Meta coder. So those portfolio projects would need to be amazing.
No_Chard5003@reddit
C++ is âbad for beginnersâ because you can be ok+ at another language like python and youâll get a job ( maybe ) but thereâs no way youâll get a job in c++ if youâre just ok
remerdy1@reddit
Answer for number 2:
Yes it's possible to find a job without a CS degree, however this is dependent on your portfolio. It's not as easy as it was pre-covid and I think it's only going to get harder. If you really want a career as a software engineer, it'll take at least 2 years of dedicated effort imo & even then it's not guarantee. It's also dependent on location. This isn't meant to discourage you I just want to make sure you know what you're getting into.
Furthermore I don't think self-taught C++ programmer is the move personally. I think you're much better off learning Full-Stack JavaScript (using a front end framework as well as a backend using express) and then learning another popular backend framework such as Java Spring or C# .NET.
These are not only much more popular in enterprise but don't require as much fundamental CS knowledge. C++ jobs are relatively rare, have harder competition & I think companies would be more wary of trusting a non-cs grad in those types of roles.
That's my opinion anyway