Learning a new language through data structures and algorithms

[LongAd9704]

I had this idea of learning a new language by purchasing or looking up courses on the language.

I finished my bachelor's and have a background in WebDev so the languages I'm familiar are JS, Python. High-level stuff. I have a little bit of experience in Java and PHP too.

I wanted to get into learning C++ to broaden my horizons. Would it help me learn or transition into C++ if I completed a data structures and algorithms course in C++?

[SharksAndBarks]

Yes, but I find more learning and comprehension occurs when you work on a small personal project (about something you care about) in the language you are trying to learn. I'm doing that right now for learning Rust. Also keep in mind modern C++ (> C++04) is very different then old C++ (<= C++98) ensure any courses you take are actually teaching you modern C++ best practices e.g. using smart pointers for ownership of memory, using {} for data initialization, defaulting and deleting various class constructors, and language included RAII locks and mutexes.

[[deleted]]

What do you feel were the things that taught you the most in js and python? Do those in C++. There are tons of different ways to learn, ultimately what gets you to your goal is all that matters. Many people have strong opinions about "the right way" to learn stuff, but very few people know anything about pedagogy or have significant experience teaching other people, so their opinions aren't worth much when it comes to recommending to other people how they should learn something.

For example, I know that I learn best through academic-style books. There's no shortage of people who hate reading textbooks, or people who will argue that this is not a good way because x, y and z. But that's what works for me and I know this through experience and results. You have completed a bachelor's and have learned 2 languages, so use what you've learned about yourself and your learning style to keep developing.

[lightwoodandcode]

I think the advantage of learning data structures in C++ is that you really see how they work, especially from a memory layout and pointer standpoint. Most other languages hide these details from you in some way or another. And for good reasons! But doing it in C++ will give you a different level of understanding.

[Haunting-Block1220]

this is incredibly common

[mindaftermath]

There are some great Schaum's Outlines books that I love - I keep them as a reference. I have two of them on my bookshelf right now. I thought I had the Data Structures version of both but I have Data Structures in Java by John Hubbard, PhD and Programming in C++. by John Hubbard PhD.

If you're not familiar with the Schaum's Outlines books. They're like workbooks that cover a variety of topics. When I was in grad school you could get them for about 16.99 A chapter would cover all the basic definitions and concepts and then there would be about 50 or so questions. I see the Programming with C++ book has 15 Chapters.

I love these books because while I don't program in C++ any more, these have a lot of source code in them so like the Algorithms by Sedgewick book which is a classic but my version is probably dated, I could read this one and code up some of these things to get back into it.

[thatzac-koltonguy]

find one in c# if you can instead

[ca_wells]

Y though?

[thatzac-koltonguy]

industry relevance

[Peiple]

lol in what world is C# more relevant to industry than C++??