C++ Question Which package for a newbi ( C++)

[paddy2]

I would like to learn C++ with a view to putting together my own craft.

I understand that a free copy is Visual studio is the way to go to get a IDE / complier and the like. ( Documentation / tutorials being a separate issue)

Which version of VS should I get. If I am to download 500/600mbyte of files I really would only like to do it once.

If I just pick up whatever MS offers first, will I have any backward compatability issues.

In short, what are you guys using?

As always, Thanks

 

[orb]

In short, what are you guys using?

From Visual C++ versions, I'm using Express 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012 Desktop, from which the most used for Orbiter is 2008.

 

[Hlynkacg]

You should be able to download Visual Studio 2010 Express, for free from the Microsoft homepage. Some version of windows even come with it pre-installed. That package in conjunction with the SDK included in Orbiter download should have everything you need, in order to get started.

It's also what I use in my tutorials. Speaking of which, here is some shameless self-pimpage. :tiphat:

Coding a .dll Vessel for those who don't know how to code.

Coding a Lunar Lander from the ground up

Comment on the tutorial threads if you have questions.

 

[jedidia]

You'll also need the microsoft platform sdk. TBH, I have no Idea if the windows 7 SDK works for orbiter add-ons, so I just linked that ancient thing I'm always using because it always works...

 

[orb]

You'll also need the microsoft platform sdk.

I think you only need it if you have only the VC++ 2005 Express version and no another of the next releases. The Windows SDK should be included with 2008 Express and newer.

At least I didn't install it separately, but instead pointed in the settings of the VC++ 2005 to the Windows SDK installed by higher version of the Visual C++ Express.

 

[SiameseCat]

I only have VS 2010 installed (without the Platform SDK) and I don't have any problems compiling.

The only issue you might have is if you get the error "cannot open include file afxres.h"; a fix for this is given in http://www.orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=18829

 

[jedidia]

The Windows SDK should be included with 2008 Express and newer.

damit, here I am downloading it every time without even trying when setting up visual studio

 

[paddy2]

wow went to cook and eat my tea and come back to all this input.

To you all a real big thanks

Special thanks to Hlynkacg as its your blog I intend to pick up and follow as a worked example

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

You should be able to download Visual Studio 2010 Express, for free from the Microsoft homepage. Some version of windows even come with it pre-installed. That package in conjunction with the SDK included in Orbiter download should have everything you need, in order to get started.

It's also what I use in my tutorials. Speaking of which, here is some shameless self-pimpage. :tiphat:

Coding a .dll Vessel for those who don't know how to code.

Coding a Lunar Lander from the ground up

Comment on the tutorial threads if you have questions.

I also find VS 2010 to be the best compiler, maybe one of the best applications Ive seen microsoft produce. Im not sure what VS 2012 is like though, so I would stick to 2010.

Definitely worth taking a look at the tutorials he posted, he really did a good job on them.

 

[Izack]

I also find VS 2010 to be the best compiler, maybe one of the best applications Ive seen microsoft produce. Im not sure what VS 2012 is like though, so I would stick to 2010.

Definitely worth taking a look at the tutorials he posted, he really did a good job on them.

I use VS 2012 Pro for school, and there's no real benefit to upgrading, as far as Orbiter development goes. There are UI changes which make previous tutorials harder to follow.

 

[paddy2]

Downloaded and installed. I really like the idea of learning C++ through learning to make a vessel, so will be working through the Blog.

So what with Gantry mk2, Redoing my Base, Learning C++, Learning more about Wings3D, and making a vessel, I think I might have time to fly to the Moon!!!

 

[orb]

I really like the idea of learning C++ through learning to make a vessel, so will be working through the Blog.

But that's not a good idea of learning C++ in general. That's only a way for learning how to make an Orbiter vessel in C++, i.e. what to put where to make a vessel appear and do what you want, without explaining why this and not something else. For learning C++, you should look for generic C++ tutorials, and not Orbiter specific.

 

[PeriapsisPrograde]

Start here: http://cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

It gives a good explanation of how C++ works. This should get you a decent enough understanding to have a crack at orbiter.

 

[Izack]

Of course, if you're intending to learn programming in general, C++ is arguably a terrible place to start.

 

[paddy2]

It gives a good explanation of how C++ works. This should get you a decent enough understanding to have a crack at orbiter.

Thanks, Its nice to get more than one view on a given subject.

---------- Post added at 04:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

Have done some programs before, Z80 ASM, Basic, Visual Basic so I feel happy, time is going to be the real issue

---------- Post added at 04:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------

But that's not a good idea of learning C++ in general.

For myself I think it will act as the hook to hang my learning on. I am never going to be a C++ programmer but it would not be a bad line to mention in a job interview.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Of course, if you're intending to learn programming in general, C++ is arguably a terrible place to start.

I dont know if its that bad, coding for Orbiter is relatively easy. The downside to it is how picky the syntax can be. At times its like playing minesweeper in wingdings.

 

[Urwumpe]

I dont know if its that bad, coding for Orbiter is relatively easy. The downside to it is how picky the syntax can be. At times its like playing minesweeper in wingdings.

The syntax of C++ isn't picky. It is precisely defined... the problem is just, that the definition of the C++ syntax is pretty large and complex. I for example can't remember all rules regarding the operator order of precedence. But if in doubt, I just use parantheses, instead of writing more elegant and shorter code.

If somebody average needs to look into a manual to understand your code... you have commented it really badly.

 

[Notebook]

If somebody average needs to look into a manual to understand your code... you have commented it really badly.

Yea, thats me.

N.