Is learning C++ at the age of 14++ gud or is it just waste of time?

I have been learning c++ for about few months and know I gave it a little break because my High School finals are about to take place. I just don't read the stuff in the books. I remember them and try to build things out of it. SO far i have build a calculator, multiplication table, math games, and ,url opener.

Is learning C++ at the age of 14++ gud or is it just waste of time?
14, what is that, 9th grade? That's about when I started with C++ (my first programming language). If you're made out of the same stuff as me, then you won't learn it all--while I could use pointers and objects, it was quite some time before I ever did. But it certainly will give you a solid foundation, which will not only help you to pick up new programming languages (like Java, which uses virtually the same syntax), but also to learn new problem-solving techniques (especially useful in math). Moreover, as you learn more sophisticated algebra, and eventually work your way up to calculus and then differential equations, you'll see just how closely the two--math and computer science--relate. As you learn these, keep thinking about how they apply to computer science. That's an advantage that few others will have.





And I couldn't recommend a better programming language to start with, so long as you're willing and capable. From C/C++, it will be mostly downhill. Java and any of the web-based languages will be a cinch, as will BASIC, etc. Many undergraduate degrees in engineering or computer-related fields don't even cover C++, not because you don't need it but the contrary, because it can be difficult and time-consuming to learn. Thus, it may even be an unforeseeably large advantage.





Good luck and stick with it! And keep up your grades as well; programming beautifully compliments math and science, but is a rather poor substitute.





P.S. Oh, and don't let pointers get you down; they're tough for virtually everyone. After trying to understand them for the longest time, I eventually just cast them aside, only to come back to them years later--and then with much more success.
Reply:If you have a GPA of 4.0, why can't you spell a 1st grade word? It's "good," not "gud." Report It

Reply:Keep learning. Its never a waste of time.
Reply:My advice is definately learn whenever you have the chance! I am actually a BSc Applied Computer Science student at university and believe me the more you know before you even start the course the much bigger advantage you will have in the long run. Last year I wish I'd known more C++, if you go out of your way to learn the extra concepts not taught within your course, it will make you a better programmer, you'll find the work easier and ofcourse with more practice you will train your way of thinking as a programmer.


Good luck !
Reply:WOW so COOL i have been tring to learn HTML for several months now i am 14 and i think it would be awesome to know.
Reply:Yes it's a good thing. I learned C++ several years ago, though I rarely use it now. However, many other languages are quite similar and I believe easier to learn having already learned C++.


C++ is still used often today.
Reply:yes its good! learning a programming language at an early age creates a way of thinking in your mind that will allow you to much quicker pick up and learn other languages. i taught myself some qbasic when i was relle quite young and now at uni i have picked up LISP and Java with far greater ease than anyone else.. its not about knowing the commands but understanding how to put them together and use them creatively, and learning any language will give you this.
Reply:terning of c++ is not just a waste of time..i tell you this because i have a lecture the same on you.. this c++ is difficult to cope up especially if don't what is the used of c++ in programming..this c++ is pure mathematically is hard to understand it. but if you are interested then you can got it
Reply:Generally, there is no right age to learn things. If you're ready to learn C++, do it. Doesn't matter if you're 14 or 84.





By the way, I recommend an excellent book called Accelerated C++ ( http://www.acceleratedcpp.com ). It takes a different approach to teaching C++ than any other book I've looked at, and it seems to work very well. (The authors are friends of mine, but that's not why I'm recommending the book.)
Reply:It's good! I've been learning HTML and website stuff for 8 years (I'm 16 now) and I'm STILL learning. So, keep it up!
Reply:indeed it is gewd to learn. i learned to do that stuff when i was 13 and it was fun keep on going.