Advanced Minds

In most books about C++, you get to learn the basics, how to make small console apps. But how does one learn how to make a 'real' program? How did you go from novice to skilled programmer? I'm almost halfway through Teach yourself C++ in 3 weeks , and I get the feeling that they expect people to know how to make Windows 3000 or Doom 4 just because they've learned what a pointer is... So, what's your advice?

pointer is... So, what's your advice? After you learn ANSI/ISO C++, then you will learn to use specific system extensions (libraries). Like .NET _base_ Class Library, or MFC, or Win32 so as to make advanced winblowz applications. If you want to do graphics you will have to study a graphics library like DirectX, OpenGL, etc.. Yes there is much effort and beauty on the road ahead.

In most books about C++, you get to learn the basics, how to make small console apps. But how does one learn how to make a 'real' program? - Experience, though as Ben Fraklin says, it is an expensive teacher. - Working with people who do know how to write such things. - Omnivorous reading, not just on books about C++ but on computing & business in general. - Learn at least two other programming languages & use them. - Teaching. Once you get to a certain level, teaching others is a great way to learn NeilB

to learn Hear, hear.  The best teachers are those whose teaching causes them to learn more than their students. -Mike

In most books about C++, you get to learn the basics, how to make small console apps. But how does one learn how to make a 'real' program? How did you go from novice to skilled programmer? I'm almost halfway through Teach yourself C++ in 3 weeks , and I get the feeling that they expect people to know how to make Windows 3000 or Doom 4 just because they've learned what a pointer is... So, what's your advice? (*) Master a few programming languages.  Don't aim to become a great C++ programmer , to do so is to take a fast route to mediocrity. Learn a functional programming language, and an interpreted language. Doing so will help you look at problems from several angles, and help you get the most out of C++'s multi paradigm power (eg functional/generic/ OO) In particular, I'd recommend  mastering a good interpreted programming language (for example, Python or Ruby), and at least trying out a functional programming language (eg: ML) (*) Learn how to use appropriate development tools and/or code libraries for the work you are interested in. These may include core operating system libraries, libraries for GUI programming, network programming, inter process communication, etc etc. You can't learn every library