Where to get started with (advanced) C++

[sicko]

Okay I already know C++, I've been a studying it for a few years now (CS student) and I want to get a part-time job/internship doing basic C++ coding. The only thing I fear is that I'm going to get a job/internship and then suddenly realize that my college classes have taught me NOTHING (besides basic C++ syntax) that is useful in the real world/work place. Where can I go to test myself, and what books do you suggest? As for books I don't want anything that teaches me the basics, cause I already know that. I want to learn more about the libraries available and hardcore programming, so that when I walk into a new job I'll know that my kung-fu is at least up to par or better. Also, how important is it for me to know something like Visual C++? I can move around and work with/in it but I'm not that good with it yet (I've only been using it about 2-3 months now, and even that's been part-time playing around with it at best). And lastly (sorry I realize this is getting long), whats the fastest way for some one like me to bring themselves up to par? Thanks for any help you guys can give me, sicko

[Galen_of_Edgewood]

I'm not a sicko! Oh wait, that's your nick. Sorry. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (Hey, look at the way your wrote your last sentence.)

Well, I knew that my C++ skills were not and still aren't up to a level where I find them to be of use to many companies.

You'll end up getting a great deal of on-the-job training and experience. Where ever you get hired, just remember, ask questions when you don't know. Ask questions if you know of a solution but that there might be a better one out there. Chances are, there will be someone there who will know. Basically what I'm saying is jump on in with both feet. Just get ready to try to stay afloat.

Knowing Visual C++ would be a good thing, but not necessary in all cases. Oh, if you go into a company that does anything with embedded chips, get used to C. I got that shock, and it hurt. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The difference between C++ and C can be pretty big, since you'll have to toss the OOD and stay with Function-based Design. Great fun. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif

On the book thing, I'd go to the library of the city you're in or into the college library, and they'll likely have some advanced C/C++ books. So that's a good place to start (and it's free! http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/biggrin.gif). Do a search on-line, and you might find something. In the realm of naming any books that I think that you'd definitely find challanging, I can't. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/frown.gif

Bonne chance!

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"You're mother's a fraggin' aardvark!"

[sgentry6]

From what I have heard many people who have had internships, they fell that they learned much more from the internship. However they say they wouldn't trade the experience for anything, I personally plan on doing an internship after next year, or after junior year. The experience will definately help me out and it looks good once you get out of school.

[Galen_of_Edgewood]

Well, here's another supporter of Co-Ops/Internships.

I've been a Co-Op at the company that I'm at since Jan. '98, and I've actually learned stuff! http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

If you can, Co-Op or intern. That'll test what you're made of.

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"You're mother's a fraggin' aardvark!"

[Sol]

One thing about school is, they don't really teach you how do to the up to date stuff in the work force. Most of them give you a good foundation on understanding the foundations used for programming. This way you can adapt your knowledge to any language if possible, then you only have to learn the syntax, which is the easy part. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif When I graduated with my degree (CS) I had the same worries, but I have learned a ton here at work. http://www.sharkyforums.com/ubb/smile.gif Good luck.

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"You know, I have one simple request, and that is to have sharks with frickin laser beams attached to their heads. Is that too much to ask?"