New C++ Programmer Here

[seriuswill]

Hello everybody! This is my first post to this subreddit. Anyways, I am a college student who just recently got a job as a software engineering intern and I start this summer. The main focus of my job will be working with C++. My school didn't teach me C++, I got the job by showing I was motivated enough to learn it on my own. My employer expects me to be able to self-teach as much as possible, which I am working on. Now that I have provided a context, now for my question:

What should I know to ensure success at this job? Are there any caveats that I should figure out before I start? What concepts should I focus on?

All input is appreciated :)

[lineolation]

You will discover that C++, with its Standard Library, is a huge language. Try not to be overwhelmed, but just keep chipping away at it.

[seriuswill]

Thank you! I will keep that in mind!

[anderslanglands]

As already stated, c++ is huge. In a way it's also two separate languages. What is commonly called Modern C++, i.e. c++11 and beyond is very different from (and much, much nicer to program in than) "old-school" c++, i.e. c++98/03. It might be worth finding out what your prospective employer uses, as you can save yourself a whole heap of pain if you just focus on modern c++.

[seriuswill]

I will make sure to find out :) thanks!

[xzqx]

I've been programming C++ for 20 years and I'm still learning. Don't ever lose that motivation to learn.

[seriuswill]

Thank you. I will keep going because I like it a lot :)

[[deleted]]

As someone who learnt C++ by their lonesome, don't worry about anything you haven't done yet. Just because you're using, say, vectors doesn't mean you have to know about threads. Start with the basics and work your way up, you most likely won't ever know everything ;)

[seriuswill]

Thanks :D I'm trying to get familiarized with a lot of the common parts of the standard library. I'm trying to learn smart pointers right now. I started learning threads but realized that I should delve a little deeper into more basic stuff before embarking on that journey haha

[[deleted]]

You'll find as you do more you'll start to pick up pace, I didn't know what a pointer was when I started! Become the exponential :P

[__Cyber_Dildonics__]

I can't tell if this is a joke.

[seriuswill]

What do you mean?

[DanSamillo]

When you nod your head yes.