Beginning C++ Through Game Programming

I have bought a number of books to learn computer programming in C++ and C#. I started of with Mike McGrath's book C++ Programming in easy steps (fourth edition). This was fine for the first few chapters, but then the examples wouldn't compile, so I looked around for alternatives. I tried Beginning Programming with C++ for Dummies which comes supplied with a CD for a quick installation of code blocks (for the compiler); but the book got rather theoretical after a few chapters. I eventually settled on two books, namely: Alex Allain's book "Jumping into C++" and Michael Dawson's book reviewed here. The former is very well written and forces you to think for yourself and make up your own programs. Michael Dawson's book majors on the format. Most of us have played computer games of one kind or another - so we understand the format and the reasons for it. This enables me to understand the rationale of C++ in relation to the game requirements and learn a lot about C++ programming as I do so. There are cheaper books out there, such as SimpleNeasy Learn C++; or C++ Programming for Beginners; but i need the hand holding I get from Mr. Dawson's book. Most of the books rely on Code Blocks for their compiler. This is free and works fine. The C++ Programming for Beginners book uses a more primitive compiler. Mr Dawson's book uses Microsoft's 'Visual Studio' Express Desktop which is also free and gives you an insight into a really sophisticated compiler which in its professional guise can cost over $12,000. If you are interested in the Visual side of things you could look at Visual C# as illustrated by John Sharp's book "Step by Step with Microsoft Visual C# 2013 which costs about £20.00. This needs a copy of Visual Studio 2013 which costs about £300.00. However, if you join Microsoft's Community you can get this for free for a limited period while you are learning how to use the C# techniques!

Although I agree with more critical reviews that this is a beginners book & covers only the basics where all of the examples are firmly within the console app, I would question whether there was another way to approach this subject's learning curve. So far so good for us, the exercises are do-able without going too far off topic. This is a huge subject and the book title does say 'Beginning C++' so happy thus far. Onwards and upwards we go.

After starting C programming at Uni I wanted to expand my knowledge to C++. This book is great for a beginner to the C++ language with good use of examples it covers a lot of the basics. It starts slow but builds up after about half way. Covers the absolute basics from the start and leads up to more advanced ideas. It covers the principals of OOP well with Inheritance and Polymorphism present and the language used is very good. Overall this book is great for the absolute beginner and for some one who is familiar with the very basics (like loops and variables as well as setting up the game screen) and wants to learn some new ideas and advance in the language (with pointers and OOP ideas). All the games are text based so don't expect to be creating a wonderful looking 2D or 3D game, this book is to get the reader to understand the fundamentals of C++ with game development examples. If you already know how to program C++ and want to get on with some game development this isn't the book for you, however if your new to programming or C++ and want the basic before cracking on with creating games this book is great.

Already knew a little c++ ordered this book to get into game coding and half way through my knowledge of c++ has grown great book and a must have to any new people getting into game coding easy to understand and explains each part of code along the way glad I brought it five stars

I learnt a great deal from this book which was well written. Not like the boring lectures I had at school but from someone who really cared if I learned anything. Downloading the code was a piece of cake and in all a pleasant experience. Heartily recommended to anyone who wants to learn C++

The book arrived in great condition and is very helpful for my university course

I mean, I'm no professional in C++, I wouldn't even class myself as an intermediate. I studied VB in college for 2 years so I've got an average grasp of general programming.. I just expected this book to really delve into directories and grasp the essence of creating a simple game engine. I was left pretty disappointed. 80 pages in and we've just started loops... loops?! Come on! let's get started on the game side of things! I want physics creation, collision detection and 2D sprite animation! This was an ideal book for someone who has no concept of coding what so ever. The entire book is just focussed on making EXTREMELY simple console applications. Heck, this isn't to say it's not a useful reference for when I'm stuck with something now and then, If given the opportunity I wouldn't refund it.. It's just not as 'game programming' as I'd expected it to be.

I saw a review below saying that the code examples cannot be accessed. This is indeed the case - the webpage is no longer accessible which is frustrating when you keep reading 'The code for this section is available at...'. Just do a search for the book's title on github. My book version is 4 and I found version 3 code but it's close enough; there might be an updated codebase, I haven't checked. Gave only four stars only because I haven't finished the book yet. For seasoned programmers the style is really for beginners, but if you haven't really done any serious c++ programming I think it's not a bad thing to go right back to basics. I like the easy pace so I like this book, and the print is quite large too, which is nice and refreshing if you want to get away from staring at small fonts on a laptop for hours.