Hey everyone! I've been a Java developer for quite a while now, mainly focused on creating APIs with Spring Boot, but I've also dabbled in Python, C#, and even a bit of Go. I have a good grasp of frontend technologies, especially Angular. Though I've worked with C before, I know C++ is more than just C with classes. I'm looking to pivot into C++ because I'm interested in engine design and system integration in the game development industry. I understand pointers, memory management, and data structures pretty well. So, my main questions are: how long should it realistically take for me to make this transition? Is it reasonable for me to expect to land a job in this field with my background? What level of proficiency should I aim for, and what kind of portfolio projects would impress hiring managers?
2 Answers
C++ has definitely evolved beyond just being C with classes, so you'll want to dive into all the modern features. To get started, just jump in and begin learning; there are great tutorials online to help you out. The quicker you can start writing C++ code, the better!
Honestly, the fastest way to learn is by writing C++ code yourself. I’ve built a small game engine over several years, starting with 2D and then moving to 3D graphics. With your background, you could probably do something similar in maybe six months. Just be prepared for some sticker shock in terms of salaries when you start looking for jobs.
That sounds amazing! I’m all in for building my own projects. I'm okay with earning less initially to break into the industry—like 30-35k in the UK. What's the job market like right now? Am I being realistic about landing a job after I build my skills?