How to start C++ learning with no prior knowledge of programming?

[Jia]

As the title stated, how should I start learning C++ with no prior knowledge of programming? By no prior knowledge, I mean I have ZERO understanding of programming. I don't know the terminologies or anything. What should I teach meself first or should I just dive right into the C++ materials since many people say it does not require any prior experience. I want to hear your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

In a word: no.

You need to start with the basics, like variables, function, what is a compiler etc.

I would advise VBA or VB.NET in combination with a book on basic terminology.

The analogy is judo; first learn to breakfall and not hurt yourself before you start engaging others and silly things that are hard to repair.

 

[tfors]

I am also trying to learn programming (interested in java and vba for excel) for the first time. Just started a course on codecademy.com in javascript. My plan afterwards is to go over the tutorials here: http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/young_dev_learning_path/ . If that doesn't work maybe a Java for dummies book? Anyway, also interested in opinions ;-)

 

[Sushant]

Personally, I think the following is an amazing course for people getting started with programming. It uses (and teaches in the process) Java.

http://see.stanford.edu/see/courseinfo.aspx?coll=824a47e1-135f-4508-a5aa-866adcae1111

 

[AMIRHAMED]

Stanford SEE is great, but you can also use MIT Introduction to C++ here

 

[Sushant]

I sometimes feel that something is lost in lecture notes (often minor things about which a word will be given in class, will be assumed as such and not explicitly mentioned in the notes) , that can be gleaned by watching the lectures. That's why I'd side with watching the lectures. I wish MIT OCW provided lecture videos of more courses, at present most just have lecture notes.

EDIT: I just went through these OCW notes and they look very, very good. Thanks.