C++

[woot7800GT]

I dabbled in C++ a few years ago and got frustarated, but I think I'm going to pick it up again. A few questions:
1. What's the best compiling software for free or cheap?
2. Is C++ still in common use in most games? Will it be usefull in the future or is it being phased out?
3. Any good internet resources for learning?

Thanks.

 

[Iron_Cross]

For Links:
http://www.techist.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50109

For Info and Resources (like compilers):
http://www.techist.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31371

C is probably used more heavily in game programming than C++. That's not to say C++ isn't used, because it is. As for it being around in the future, I'm sure it will be. Things like simple windows applications (that don't really rely on absolute speed) are being picked up by languages like .NET. But C++ will be around for a good while still.

 

[woot7800GT]

Thanks. Another question: HL2 is in C++ correct? What exactly would I need to start modding for the Source engine? Just a compiler? Any compiler?

 

[Iron_Cross]

You're first going to need to get REALLY familiar with C++ first. There is absolutly no way you'll get anywhere before you know your way around the language. I'm not saying this to discourage you, just to let you know that game programming is one of the more complicated areas in Programming. Start out small, then as you get further and further along, you'll start to notice that you'll (for the most part) be able to answer all your own questions

Try the site http://www.gamedev.net/ it's got some excellent game programming resources.

 

[woot7800GT]

Yeah, a few years ago I got C++ for dummies, lol. I just dug that out and am trying to comprehend it.

 

[Iron_Cross]

"Thinking in C++" by Bruce Eckel is a really good one as well.