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How long does it take to learn C++?

Companies like Paradigm Shift, Inc. successfully teach standard industry "short courses", where we compress a university semester course into one 40hr work week. However true mastery takes experience; there's no substitute for time. Hands-on projects are essential, since they allow concepts to "gel."

It takes 6-12 months to become proficient in C++/OOP. Less if the developers have easy access to a "local" body of experts, more if there isn't a "god" general purpose C++ class library available. To become one of these experts who can mentor others takes around 3 years.

Some people never make it. You don't have a chance unless you are teachable and have personal drive. As a bare minimum on "teachability," you have to be able to admit when you've are wrong. As a bare minimum on "drive," you must be willing to put in some extra hours (changing the way you think [a paradigm shift] is a LOT more painful than learning a few new facts).

  • Basics of the paradigm