Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#1

Post by abhimskywalker » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 1:49 PM UTC

Having searched multiple places, it seems there are mixed opinions on best way to start learning C++ across time and internet forums.

For experienced programmers (Python, JS, Java, Kotlin, etc.), what's the best way to pickup modern C++?

What are best resources you have come across for C++?

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#2

Post by PaulHoule » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 1:57 PM UTC

You sure you want to?

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#3

Post by scombridae » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 2:16 PM UTC

For experienced programmers

Start with getting an entry-level job doing C++, which 1. financially incentivizes, and 2. gives you something concrete to work off of. I am an experienced programmer.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#4

Post by jstx1 » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 3:41 PM UTC

scombridae wrote: post #3

For experienced programmers Start with getting an entry-level job doing C++, which 1. financially incentivizes, and 2. gives you something concrete to work off of. I am an experienced programmer.

What do you mean by entry level job that financially incentivizes? It seems a bit contradictory.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#5

Post by AnimalMuppet » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 3:42 PM UTC

I would start with Stroustrup's A Tour of C++.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#6

Post by pajko » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 4:06 PM UTC

http://tmplbook.com/ and study the source code of some good-quality open source project, for example https://github.com/fmtlib/fmt/

and this could be also handy: https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/meta

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#7

Post by maldev » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 4:36 PM UTC

You need to choose a domain. Find software and libraries in that domain and then work off of that. "Modern C++" can mean alot of things. Most people conflate this with the STD library, but alot of people don't use that. Core language feature wise it's not that much. Some "Modern" c++ domains don't even use the STD.

This is similar to asking "What is the best way to learn modern Java", where the answer will vary vastly based off what whether you're doing embedded, desktop, server, serverless, websites etc.

Possibilities for "modern" C++ domains. HPC, Machine Learning, Finance, Gamedev, Crypto, Scientific... Also keep in mind most are going to be writing C with Classes and target C++11 at most.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#8

Post by hazyc » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 5:15 PM UTC

If you want a thorough reference of C++20 and enjoy 1000 page textbooks (I do), then I can recommend 'Professional C++' by Marc Gregoire.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#9

Post by frou_dh » Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 8:06 PM UTC

AnimalMuppet wrote: post #5

I would start with Stroustrup's A Tour of C++ .

Third Edition just published. I think that's a sign that this is the way to go.

Re: Ask HN: Best path/resource to learn modern C++ in 2022?

#10

Post by soheil » Thu, Sep 22, 2022, 12:45 AM UTC

Dive into a project like Firefox, build it on your platform, then focus on a component that you can visually test, start hacking, make silly changes and just go to town.