what is a good book for programming?

[killwithpower]

I need to understand programming to improve my skills and become a great game maker. Anybody know of any good books to get so I could start to really understand C/C++?

[He360]

I'm going to go ahead and say something controversial here. If you want to learn programming, specifically on how to make games and to see how programming works, I recommend a book called "Game Programming for Teens" or "Beginning Game Development with Python and Pygames." While these books are not in C/C++ programming languages (in fact, Game programming for Teens regards the BlitzBasic programming language and the Beginning Game Development with Python and Pygames regards programming with the python/pygame programming languages). These books cut right into program games. They're helping me tremendously and I'm learning very fast on how to program period. These books contains the theories, the math, etc. that will get you started. Then, after you learn how to program in easy languages like Python or Basic, the skills from those will transfer to helping you with C/C++ if you would like to study in that. Again, this may be controversial what I'm saying, but it's what's helping me.

[Fuzzy]

I will go even further in the controversy. Read "the Elements of style" By strunk and White. It is a tiny book. Borrow it or take it on loan from a library.

No, it is not about programming. Yes, it predates computers. First edition written in 1935. What it has to say about brevity and sentence structure correlates to concise and minimalistic programming.

Read it after you become proficient in coding, or anytime you want to be a better writer.

I purchased a copy - new- for 11 dollars. Because of it, I make cleaner posts on forums. I strongly believe that it helps my coding.

[j2graves]

I reccomend "absolute beginner's guide to C"

[j2graves]

depends on your level. I personally prefer "absolute beginner's guide to C" (second edition) because it teaches you very complex things in such a way that is fun and easy to remember.

[krenisis]

ok let me give u best direct advice that will quickly help u now than later
1)go on google type c programming tutorials
2)click on web they ask if u want c or c++
3)choose c language
for there it explains best way to code for truely begining to end if u try it and like it give me a point peace.

[DST]

I agree. Google will give you much more up to date examples and scripts for all types of programming languages.

Google is the best book out there.

Honestly, I'm kinda confused on the whole 'book of programming' thing. Isn't that kind of like a mechanic who rides a horse to the automotive shop every day?

[Fuzzy]

I agree. Google will give you much more up to date examples and scripts for all types of programming languages.

Google is the best book out there.

Honestly, I'm kinda confused on the whole 'book of programming' thing. Isn't that kind of like a mechanic who rides a horse to the automotive shop every day?

No its like a machinist that learns how to measure diameter before using the lathe.

[DST]

bah i program it into the autocad system before using the laser cutter to cut it precisely. Maybe it's because you're canadian...

[krenisis]

honestly the way i learn the best was to follow step by step tutorials on game editor....there are not many here but i got one in general topics.They are make with the beginner in mind of course there more advanced way to code but my tutorial is simple. goodluck in game making

[GeoGia]

http://www.scribd.com/doc/280426/Assemb ... ep-by-Step

Here is a great book I just finished reading. The author is a very good teacher, and teaches you the foundations of programming. It's for Assembly but it applies to any language and your time would not be wasted by reading it!

[speckford123]

http://www.scribd.com/doc/280426/Assembly-Language-Step-by-Step

Here is a great book I just finished reading. The author is a very good teacher, and teaches you the foundations of programming. It's for Assembly but it applies to any language and your time would not be wasted by reading it!

Ooh! An E-book! Something free to read, I like that,
I'll be sure to look into it, It might be a good read, great post Geo!