FAQs for readers of A Beginner's Introduction to Computer Programming in C++ by Francis Glassborow

FAQs

What are FAQs?: FAQ is an acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. FAQs were invented by and for newsgroups plagued by people asking the same questions repeatedly. You can find out everything you never really wanted to know about FAQs at the FAQs about FAQs page

How long will it take me to learn to program?: You will be able to program after completing Chapter One. You will be learning for the rest of your life! (That was Roberta's response and I agree with her.)
Will I be qualified after completing the book?: Qualified for what? Seriously, you will be a much better than average newcomer to programming and will likely be better than some with formal qualifications or certificates. But to obtain the latter you have to do a formal course and/or examination.
I'm stuck! Can you help me?: Yes but first check if there are any mentors available. If not go to the Contact Us page and use the form to send in your problem.
I cannot get my first program to compile.: If you keep getting 'unsuccessful build' when you try F5 for your first program you have probably been confused by the instructions at the bottom of page 4 and the screen shot at the top of page 5. Unlike most screen shots, this one shows you the screen before you follow the instructions at the bottom of page 4. You need to show the compiler where the includes are. If you installed from the CD in the default location (C:\tutorial) that will be C:\tutorial\fgw_headers. If that does not solve your difficulty use the form on the Contact Us to send in your problem.

What is XHTML?: XHTML is the latest version of HTML introduced in 2000. It forms a bridge between HTML and something called XML which will eventually be all over the place. Many people who already know HTML don't like XHTML because it is stricter. For example, HTML can be written in upper or lower case or a mixture but XHTML must be written in lower case. There are a few other rules which must be followed. Many people cannot see any advantage in changing over. But as a beginner I think it is easier to learn the slightly stricter code sooner rather than later.
Who or What is W3C?: The World Wide Web Consortium,W3C, are the people who set the standards and specifications that are used on the Internet. The free W3C validation service will check any web page, site, or even files on your computer to see if they are 'valid' to the standard specified in a DTD and tell you exactly where any mistakes are. On my first attempt I had loads of mistakes mainly for not including 'alt' image, forgetting to close tags and using upper case for code. I found it very useful for picking up errors and making me more careful as I continue. It doesn't tell you whether the website looks good - but simply tells you it is written correctly.