I'm completely new to programming and recently switched from a pre-med track. My university starts in about a month, and one of my courses will teach C++. I'd like to build a basic foundation beforehand. What beginner-friendly video series, tutorials, or study approach would you recommend for someone who genuinely has no programming experience?
4 Answers
C++ can feel pretty overwhelming as a first language because it has a lot of features. If your course allows it, starting with basic programming concepts in Python or C can make variables, conditionals, loops, functions, and memory easier to understand before tackling more advanced C++ features.
For a structured introduction, LearnCpp.com is worth checking out. It’s written as a tutorial rather than a collection of disconnected videos, so it covers fundamentals in a more complete order. Try to write and run the examples yourself instead of only watching them.
The Cherno’s C++ series can be a useful video-based starting point, especially if you learn better by watching someone explain concepts. Just keep in mind that no single video series will cover everything, so use it alongside practice and a written reference.
You don’t necessarily need to learn another language first. Focus on the fundamentals: how source code is compiled, variables and types, input and output, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, pointers and references, structs or classes, and basic debugging. C++ courses usually introduce these gradually, so practice small exercises rather than trying to memorize terminology all at once.
Thanks! I’ll definitely check it out.