Should I learn C++ after C? Any recommendations for resources?

August 23, 2025 4 answers
Asked by basket_weaver_
I'm currently diving into C and using Obsidian to take notes and organize information from the freecodecamp beginner's manual, which claims to help you learn 80% of the language in just 20% of the time. I really enjoy C and want to grasp it well before moving on. Once I'm comfortable with C, I plan to switch to C++. I've come across resources like learncpp.com and was wondering if they're effective for learning C++ effectively. Any thoughts?

Answers

parallax.4mas
Honestly, I think it's not super useful to learn C if you plan to jump straight to C++. If you really want C++, just start with that instead! But if you prefer to get a solid C base first, that's cool too. As for learncpp.com, it gets a thumbs up from me! There's also a lot of great free stuff on YouTube if you're looking for more options.

!titrantEnd: Nah, learncpp is awesome! I've gone through some parts, and it's really well written. Just remember, without actually writing code, you won't retain much of what you learn.

!+turn the page~: I mentioned before that I still want to become good at Cโ€”you mightโ€™ve misunderstood my approach. I promise I'm not abandoning it anytime soon!

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MERCY RULE
I feel like thereโ€™s a misunderstanding about your approach. You donโ€™t really need to collect programming languages. Focus on what you want to achieve with C or C++ and maybe think about coding a project in C to solidify your knowledge first. Learning C++ can be done without prior C knowledge; however, both languages share similarities. Take it slow and make sure to apply what you learn!
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!+shuffle the tiles
I've been in your shoes and planning to learn C++ after getting comfy with C. C makes you think at a lower level, which is a great skill for programming! While I find the 80/20 rule questionable, I can recommend starting with the first chapter of Kernighan and Ritchie's book on C. It has some practical exercises that could really help deepen your understanding!

33rpmNotes: Right? I think the advice given here is solid, not negative! Everyoneโ€™s just trying to help based on their experience.

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~kelpTransect
LOL, trying to learn 80% of a language in 20% of the time seems kinda unrealistic! Programming isn't just memorizing the syntax. To really grasp it, you need to write programs and practice a lot. When it comes to C++, Iโ€™d recommend learncppโ€”it's pretty much the standard go-to resource!

+8 points behind: Totally agree! You can't just skim and expect to understand. I get what you're saying about freecodecamp's approach, but the real learning happens when you code more.

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