VANITY - Help Needed - Need to find C++ classroom training ASAP!

None ^ | 02/21/2003 | freeasinbeer

[freeasinbeer]

Hi everyone. Ok this may sound bizarre, but I need to find C++ training, and as fast as possible.

I am 'between' jobs right now, and have a great new job lined up, BUT I need to learn C++. Now, this is not a huge stretch, as I have been programming in Java, Visual Basic and various web scripting languages for years. I simply need an intensive C++ course that will cover syntax and how the language implements various programming structures.

Now, here is the thing... I am willing to pay a small finders fee to anyone who can find something:

• in the greater SF Bay area (i.e. in San Fran, on the peninsula - preferred!, south bay or east bay)
• that is intensive (i.e. not a four month course, something shorter, more condensed)
• That is in-class training (no web-based courses)
• that starts within the next month AT MOST (starts by end of March, hopefully)
• And it under $1000 for the course (this is more flexible)

Please help me get a job! As I said, I will pay a finders fee to anyone who can recommend or find a place that meets the above.

Thank you!

[freeasinbeer]

Bizarre!! I never placed it there, I placed it in Editorials.......

Sorry all!

[Mr. Buzzcut]

Agreed!

[SwordofTruth]

If you know Java you should have no problem learning C++. I hope you really don't think a class on C++ will help you much, if you do, then forget about the Job.

[Drango]

Also don't assume that your local community college won't fit the bill...They have weekend classes and "short term" classes that can be intense. I took an MCSE class that way.

[1stFreedom]

If you will need MFC etc then I suggest the following:

Split your studying in half.

First, capitalize on your strengths. Learn how to handle the following in VB via *API* calls:

Filling combo boxes
GetOpenFileName: Box that comes up when you click "Browse"
Messaging: Send keystrokes etc to other windows via API (not sendkeys command)
Window Manipulation: Move, resize, minimize the window, move the mouse, etc.
Callbacks: A good example is how to find the address of a function in VBA (an unsupported feature)
Memory Management.

This will give you an understanding of the underlying libraries / GUI.

The other half of your study should focus on the syntax and theory of C++

At some point you'll be ready to merge the two areas of study. Take the concepts you learned with VB and API calls and the C++ syntax and start working on writing simple applications in VC++.

I think this will be much easier then learing the C++ syntax and then trying to learn how to program apps with it. It will give you both C++ and exposure to the concepts of the GUI etc.

[Arkinsaw]

You are correct. If it's simple command line programs which process text files and so forth then it's no problem.

If it's application development, it's much tougher.

I do server side .dll's (that are actually database triggers), some CGI, XML, and a Windows Service here and there. The system I'm working on at the moment has around 30 to 40 relational database tables with associated triggers at the core. I have agent software running on a host of Windows, UNIX (multi-flavor), and Linux boxes. Probably 150 programs total doing complex scheduling work. Our clients basically run in the browser making javascript and XML knowledge necessary but Windows messaging........nope.

Our stuff is not simple, and its not command line programs reading text files. By building web applications we avoid spending our time on arcane Windows code and concentrate on the business logic. The browser handles all our display needs.

[Crusader21stCentury]

You might want to check this book out.
Link

[Arkinsaw]

I am heading towards the windows mfc stuff, so I think I will try to learn C++ first.

Do you have a good understanding of Object Oriented Programming? It really helps to have the abstract concept (without necessarily having the programming knowledge) before trying to code C++. When I first heard OOP programmers talking it sounded like Charles Manson....inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, etc. But once the abstract concept is clear its easy.

I enjoyed MFC programming a lot. Its just a collection of building blocks that do handy things. Once you use one of the classes you know how to use them all. You just have to read the manual entry for the one you are using to see how to call it.

I was an old mainframe programmer (IBM 360/370 Assembler) and was scared to death of moving over. But I picked it up really quick and you should have a leg up already.

Good luck!

[FreedomCalls]

Sorry to be so blunt, but you really have to be pretty stupid to want to learn C++ yet not know how to use Google.

[MarkeyD]

You are assuming he understands Object Oriented Programming. Most programmers I know, don't really get OOP.

[Michael Barnes]

I don't do heavy programming, but have you considered heading over to freshmeat.net, or any other plethora of open source sites and grabbing some source and studying it as well? Might do you some good to pick a project that borderlines what you will be doing and grab the source...

Good luck with this. I hope the job goes well for you.

[Yossarian]

Oh, great, so I can assume you lied on your resume?

Wonderful - in C++ to boot, a language which rewards ignorance with buggy programs from hell. The languages you listed don't have the memory issues that C++ has, the issues that make a poorly written program a ticking time bomb for users and follow-up programmers alike.

There are so many people in the Bay Area out of work (myself included) that don't lie on their resumes (myself included) that know C++ like the back of their hand (myself included) that you MAKE ME SICK!

Go to Hell.

[UnBlinkingEye]

I am 'between' jobs right now, and have a great new job lined up, BUT I need to learn C++.

Forget programming, you should be a politican.

There are thousands of expert C++ programmers looking for work, good luck.

[Arkinsaw]

You are assuming he understands Object Oriented Programming. Most programmers I know, don't really get OOP.

See my other post. To really do C++ correctly you need to understand the abstract concept (which has nothing to do with C++). Without that OOP lightbulb coming on first it doesn't make a lot of sense. You can still program C and call it C++ though.

[ChuxsterS]

This isn't exactly what you're asking for, but I have a few book suggestions.

I learned C++ after several years experience with C, so I'm not sure how to best go from VB to C++.... but I can very strongly recommend that after you've got a basic grasp of C++, that you get acquainted with Scott Meyers' Effective C++ and More Effective C++, as well as anything by Stroustrup.

Good luck!

[freeasinbeer]

I have three years on formal training in OOP, mostly all in Java, but some Modula 3 and other useless languages as well.

Most, if not all the training was on a theoretical level, so really once I get over the "How is it implemented in C++ vs Java" stumbling block, I should be OK.

[freeasinbeer]

Luckily I do. I have a formal University education in OOP, mostly with most of the hands on experience being in Java.

Thanks for the support!

[Arkinsaw]

Luckily I do. I have a formal University education in OOP, mostly with most of the hands on experience being in Java.

You should have no problems at all.

[time4good]

You have to focus. #1. Buy two books, maybe three and just do nothing else on nights/weekends/lunch but read and try.

1. Wrox Publishers book(s) on Visual C++
2. Charles Petzold book on Window Programming.
3. C++ FAQ (forget the author).

[Mustang]

Re: your above #13 question...yes.

If you have a college degree and meet the age/physical requirements...it's worth the try.

Mustang sends.