I'm just starting out with C++, what do I need?

If there is a sticky somewhere please feel free to point me in the right direction, but I'd also be interested to know of any pitfalls you experienced users and newbies alike had when starting out.

For example, should I buy an Object Oriented version of C++ or start out with the raw coding I see dotted about in these forums.

Alternatively just tell me how you started out and I'll learn from that too.

Thanks for any advice.

All C++ is object-oriented. The language is the same, no matter what compiler you use. I use Code::Blocks, which is a nice, free IDE. And this set of tutorials should help you out a lot.

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Gamer_2k4

There doesn't seem to be a manual with the Code::Blocks App, and he tutorial doesn't seem to have a bearing on Code::Blocks. Am I doing something wrong here?

Try this link. Code::Blocks wiki

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That's because Code::Blocks is simply a tool to turn code into an executable file. Open it, type your code, click the "Build and Run" button, and there you go. There's no real trick to it. The tutorials are to help you learn C++. The complier that you use (like C::B or Dev-C++) has no bearing on how you write code. It just makes the compiling and linking processes smoother, and often makes your code easier to read (context specific color, etc.) That's all. You still have to write the code the same way.

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Gamer_2k4

Thanks for those links and the advice... this is really good, thanks again.