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Project ideas to become good at C++

Asked 2010-08-27T03:48:38.077
17

I want to get into C++ team at work. Their job is to write CGIs in C++ (mainly but not limited to). I know basic C++. Reading the list at C++ book guide question on SO, I've got three books from a friend (I actually had the first one).

  1. The C++ Programming Language - Bjarne Stroustrup - for reference
  2. C++ Templates The Complete Guide - David Vandevoorde / Nicolai M. Josuttis
  3. Modern C++ Design - Andrei Alexandrescu

  1. I would like to know if there are any projects or ideas you can tell me that I can implement so that I get better at it.

  2. The setup I need. I have a Macbook and a personal crappy Ubuntu dev server machine. I can bootcamp to install any OS if need be.

  3. Can you please also give me some suggestions on how to begin writing CGI (or any tutorial)?

c++ cgi
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The best way to become better at C++ is... writing C++ code. Start with a simple raytracer without any external dependencies (just write output to a PPM file).

  1. I think this is an interesting enough problem and will let you get started with the language core,
  2. The lack of dependencies will reduce distractions with potentially complex third-party library idioms which you can't appreciate yet and annoying things like libraries and linking. Plus, you will have less C++ quirks blow up in your face.

Build on that after you have more experience. Go back, refactor your code, add more complex features, third-party libraries (e.g. write a JPEG output, start using bits of boost, like smart pointers).

Rinse, repeat.

answered 2010-08-27T04:05:12.563

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