C++ Programming Help ?

[The Rising Sun]

Could someone please give a link to a sit or book, preferably a free site that teaches me the latest version of C++ ?, and also a site that teaches video-game programming ?, every where I go online is too confusing for me to understand, I have no previous programming experience.

I would like to learn a form of C++ that could give me a lot or all the knowledge on itself that could be transferable to multiple platforms, like Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Would it be better to learn OpenGL for cross-platform development as opposed to Microsoft's Direct X language/3D modeler due to it's abilty to run on virtually all platforms ?, is OpenGL hard to learn ?, what about Direct X ?.

I just don't want to be bound to a specific platform.

[ulaoulao]

Man you opened a can of worms here my friend..

First c++ is c++ there is not really a version so to speak. more like c then c++ the c++++ AKA c#. If you know the c syntax c++ would still be a hurtle if you don't know object oriented programming. But lets skip the c++ talk and assume you do know your OOP... Because if you don't, stop reading now and get a book, lots of c++ books out there and the thinker the better ;)

Ok game programming, well I do it for a living. First off it wont hurt to learn a bit of DX coding. Lots of tutorial out there just google.. Once you have done a few you will know if its your cup of tee or not. Next I would suggest a game engine. like OGER 3d or irrlitch, if you have money get GDK for starters. As for books you will find diving in and getting on the forums for that game engine is the best way to go. And if you truly like c++ for the love of all that is holey stay away for TORQUE!!!

and that is the short of it, I know you going to get nice lengthy posts on this one.... Oh and if your thinking of starting ground up from dirrectX as a beginner think again.. Game engines have there limits but they there job. Make sure to choose the right engine for your task.. I suggest asking this on devmasters.net.

[Desert Drifter]

Man you opened a can of worms here my friend..

I didn't know you knew about C++. Guess I might have to get my eyes checked. :p Yeah, this guy knows his stuff, seen his work. ;)

PS: PMs are private my friend. ;)

NOTE to Ulaoulao: Just joking here. ^ Pulling ya leg. :p