The Founder of C++ On How Long It Takes To Learn The Language

00:02:24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIFkg1zQE-0

Summary

TLDRThe time required to learn C++ varies significantly depending on one's prior programming knowledge and objectives. For those who already know programming in multiple languages, basic C++ can be learned in a few days to weeks by reading guides such as 'A Tour of C++' and practicing with different libraries. However, for complete novices, acquiring a professional level in C++ may span several months or even years due to the necessity of understanding fundamental computing concepts as well. The analogy used compares learning C++ to mastering a musical instrument: if nobody's listening, or if only personal satisfaction is required, it might take less time. However, achieving a level suitable for high professional standards requires more years of study. Overall, the time dedicated to learning should reflect one's targeted competency and understanding of related computer science areas.

Takeaways

  • ⏳ Learning C++ timeframe varies based on existing knowledge.
  • 📚 Programmers can quickly grasp basics using guides like 'A Tour of C++'.
  • 🛠 Experimentation and library learning enrich C++ skills.
  • 🏁 Beginners require more time, spanning months to years, to master C++.
  • 🎻 C++ learning is likened to learning a musical instrument.
  • 🔍 Dedicated practice is essential for high proficiency levels.
  • 🎯 Time spent learning aligns with desired C++ competency.

Timeline

  • 00:00:00 - 00:02:24

    Learning C++ depends on your background and goals. If you're already experienced in several programming languages, you can grasp the fundamentals by reading 'The Tour of C++: 2nd Edition' over a weekend, followed by practice and deeper learning in specific areas. For complete beginners, reaching professional competence can take months or years, akin to mastering a musical instrument. The time investment varies based on existing knowledge, desired proficiency, and whether you aspire to reach expert levels akin to top musicians in their fields.

Mind Map

Video Q&A

  • How long does it take to learn C++ if I'm already a programmer?

    If you're an existing programmer, you can learn C++ basics in days or weeks by reading resources like 'A Tour of C++' and experimenting with programs.

  • What if I'm a complete beginner to programming?

    For beginners, reaching a professional level in C++ may take months or years due to the need to learn computing fundamentals.

  • What factors influence the time needed to learn C++?

    Factors like existing programming knowledge, goals, required proficiency level, and familiarity with computing concepts influence the time.

  • Is learning C++ compared to learning a musical instrument?

    Yes, the speaker compares learning C++ to playing an instrument, stating that proficiency and background greatly influence learning duration.

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  • 00:00:08
    how long does it take to learn
  • 00:00:11
    C++
  • 00:00:12
    depends what you want to do and what you
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    already
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    know um if you are already a programmer
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    in quite a few
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    languages um my recommendation is to
  • 00:00:26
    read the tour of C++ second edition you
  • 00:00:29
    can do it in the weekend and now you
  • 00:00:32
    have the fundamentals and you have to do
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    some experimentation and probably dig
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    deeper into the areas your interested in
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    if you want to do anything you have to
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    pick up some libraries and learn them
  • 00:00:43
    but we're talking days or weeks but that
  • 00:00:47
    assumes your a programmer if I have to
  • 00:00:49
    explain to you what a link list is or
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    what a vector is or what a hash table is
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    uh then it takes much longer so if you
  • 00:00:56
    start from the beginning to reach the
  • 00:00:59
    professional level
  • 00:01:01
    we're talking months and
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    years um and and and one question I
  • 00:01:06
    sometime ask is how long does it take to
  • 00:01:08
    play a violin to learn to play a violin
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    well if nobody's listening it's easy if
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    only your mother has to appreciate it uh
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    maybe it'll do fine um but otherwise
  • 00:01:21
    it'll take years now if you're already a
  • 00:01:25
    violinist and you want to play a viola
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    you can probably do it in a couple of
  • 00:01:29
    weeks depends what you are uh what your
  • 00:01:33
    background is what you already knows and
  • 00:01:35
    then how good do you want to be at it if
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    if you're if you're thinking about uh
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    the Lincoln Center you better spend
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    years and the equivalent for uh a
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    programming language if you want to be
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    the ace programmer uh building the Next
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    Generation infrastructure or the next uh
  • 00:01:54
    absolutely great um uh sort of
  • 00:01:58
    application you better spend some Years
  • 00:02:01
    Learning not just the programming
  • 00:02:03
    language but your basic computer science
  • 00:02:06
    and your application areas
Tags
  • C++ learning time
  • programming basics
  • computer science
  • programmer background
  • learning duration
  • musical analogy
  • proficiency development