[Proposal] Add a lecture introducing C++ for Qt programming

sfilippidis · wrote on 19 Jun 2010, 16:27

I think it would be interesting and useful if you would add a "Lecture #0" ("L0") to the current "Qt in Education Course Material" with a subject similar to "Introduction to C++ programming for the Qt framework". What I have in mind is something similar to the appendix of the official book for Qt.

Of course, C++ is a language with MANY things to learn and it would be (in my opinion) utopian to suggest that someone could learn C++ using this "L0". However, it could be a good point for programmers familiar with languages such as Java, C#, etc, and even a good lecture to pinpoint the aspects of C++ mainly used for programming with the Qt framework. With the second approach, it would be useful for C++ programmers as well.

I repeat that what I have in mind is the appendix of the official book for Qt, which I find very useful for both cases I mentioned above.

Zlatomir · wrote on 16 Jul 2010, 21:58

I voted for "Yes" too, because it would be nice to have, but this also can encourage some people to "forget" that they need pretty good C++ knowledge (more that anybody can learn in one lecture) before starting with Qt.
By that i meant that many people miss-use C++ concepts (or do C++ mistakes mostly pointer related ;) ) and believe that it's Qt's fault when the application crash.

So maybe the Trolls will make a complete "Introduction to C++ programming for Qt" course, not just a lecture.

And the advice i give to anybody: learn C++, read at least one C++ book (even a beginner one, but with OOP topics and EXERCISES) and maybe one of STL, and after that the Qt framework will be a "piece of cake".

sfilippidis · wrote on 25 Jul 2010, 10:47

[quote author="Zlatomir" date="1279317505"]...

So maybe the Trolls will make a complete "Introduction to C++ programming for Qt" course, not just a lecture.

...[/quote]

You set an interesting approach. However, I guess that the approach I initially proposed above is easier to be implemented, and within the scope I described it would be highly valuable. Having said that, I should point out that what you propose (and I quoted above) is a more complete approach. :)

troubalex · wrote on 26 Jul 2010, 10:04

I like this discussion and the usage of a poll. I am curious what will come out of this.

Hanne, who is moderating this forum and who is responsible for the Course Material is currently out of the office. I am sure she will have an opinion on the matter when she's back. ;)

Zlatomir · wrote on 26 Jul 2010, 11:05

@Alexandra: We are looking forward to hear Hanne's opinion on this topic.

@Stavros: I admit it's not likely that the trolls will make a C++ course, but one lecture it's definitely not enough.

A better suggestion (and most likely to become a "solution") is a Wiki page with C++ topics, that Trolls consider "absolutely necessary" for Qt development and we can add to that (i'm not sure what are the permissions to edit wiki, but i guess members with good "reputation" can edit wiki, or all of us can suggest topics)

troubalex · wrote on 26 Jul 2010, 11:23

[quote author="Zlatomir" date="1280142312"]
A better suggestion (and most likely to become a "solution") is a Wiki page with C++ topics, that Trolls consider "absolutely necessary" for Qt development and we can add to that (i'm not sure what are the permissions to edit wiki, but i guess members with good "reputation" can edit wiki, or all of us can suggest topics)[/quote]

The wiki is open to anyone who wants to edit it. Currently, I don't see any reason to change that. If you would like to start thinking about possible topics for such a lecture, please, go ahead and dump your thoughts into a wiki page.

Would be a good idea to link to it from here, I guess...

sfilippidis · wrote on 26 Jul 2010, 17:27

[quote author="Alexandra Leisse" date="1280138644"]I like this discussion and the usage of a poll. I am curious what will come out of this.
...[/quote]

Yes, I am curious as well! ;)

[quote author="Zlatomir" date="1280142312"]...
@Stavros: I admit it's not likely that the trolls will make a C++ course, but one lecture it's definitely not enough.

A better suggestion (and most likely to become a "solution") is a Wiki page with C++ topics, that Trolls consider "absolutely necessary" for Qt development and we can add to that (i'm not sure what are the permissions to edit wiki, but i guess members with good "reputation" can edit wiki, or all of us can suggest topics)[/quote]

I personally find your wiki idea interesting, and (as Alexandra proposed) you should give it a try, but the needs that will be covered with the wiki and the ones covered with my initial proposal are different. :)

hlinaae · wrote on 5 Aug 2010, 11:53

Hi, I'm back :)

I say good idea about the C++ for Qt development lecture! And cool use of voting. I have received suggestion about this from others too previously, so please keep on voting, and I will get a better feeling for how high up it should be on the priority list.

In the meantime, feel free to start a wiki-page with suggestions.

Thanks!

sfilippidis · wrote on 5 Aug 2010, 11:58

[quote author="Hanne" date="1281009191"]Hi, I'm back :)

I say good idea about the C++ for Qt development lecture! And cool use of voting. I have received suggestion about this from others too previously, so please keep on voting, and I will get a better feeling for how high up it should be on the priority list.

In the meantime, feel free to start a wiki-page with suggestions.

Thanks![/quote]

Nice to see that my proposal is positively received! ;)

ivan · wrote on 5 Aug 2010, 12:05

There is a textbook that is being used at Suffolk Uni at http://cartan.cas.suffolk.edu/oopdocbook/

I'm considering to use it during the next-year's course (I'm teaching OOP in C++/Qt)... will have to take a more in-depth look though.