What Visual C++ references are worth a look for a Java programmer looking to get up to speed?

Question

I have a lot of experience with Java/OO. There are tons of C++ tutorials/references out there, but I was wondering if there are a few key ones that a Java programmer might find useful when making the transition.

I will be moving from server-side J2EE to Windows Visual C++ desktop programming.

I have googled and found tons of resources, but am overwhelmed and don't know where to best spend my time. I have only a few days to get a good start.

Is Visual Studio Express / Microsoft Visual C++ the best IDE for me to start with?

Also, any words of wisdom from others who know and work with both languages?

Answer 1

If to choose only one book for high-quality development - Scott Meyers "Effective C++". Because there are some quirks in C++, and you will definitely hit them without this (or few similar) book. Also reading it is a pleasure (hence you can read it fast), because of a mix of humor and easy to understand insightful points.
But it's not a tutorial though.

I haven't ever tried "fast" tutorial, but here is pretty good looking tutorial. I think it's perfect for experienced programmer - short articles explaining distinct language features with some examples and comments

Answer 2

The widely recommended books here are Scott Meyers Effective series. "Effective C++", "More Effective C++" and "Effective STL".

I would also recommend the C++ FAQ Lite and The C++ Programming Language.

Answer 3

Visual C++ is a good way to go, you can get the express version for free from here

As far as books It really depends what you want to do. I like the Horton book as far as learning Visual C++, GUI, CLR and Database programming. The Lippman book is a very good tutorial on C++, but it only covers the basic language, which is large.

• This will get you going with basic constructs.(Lippman)
• This will get you going with Visual C++.(Horton)

Once you get past the basics then look at the Meyers books, as stated in other answers.
Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs (3rd Edition)

There are a couple of others from this author, they are real good but have not been updated in a long time.

A real good online C++ FAQ is here.

If you put a comment stating what you plan to do with C++, we could give you narrower guidance to point you in the direction you want to go in

Answer 4

I have been in these shoes before and I constantly find myself referring to two sources:

The first is C plus plus reference

Here you will find the basic standard C and C++ libraries that you will always need. They are the bread and butter.

The second is Microsoft's Visual Studio Development Center.

Here you'll find the linker error support for Visual Studio and their built in libraries.

Don't forget to give Visual Assist a try! Quite often intellisense breaks in VS2005 if your doing some serious business, though I can't speak for newer versions.

Good luck!