Hi Haden C++ is grate. Very powerful and you can do loads with it. To answer your questions. Q: 1. What are header files? I see these used in a lot of source code, but can't figure out what they do. A: Header files are a way of telling the compiler what a class looks like with out having to writing all the code. This is called prototyping. Its useful because you can include the header files in other source files. For example, say you have 2 source files, file1.cpp and file2.cpp and a header file called file1.h. File1.h has the definition of the class found in file1.cpp. So that file 2.cpp can use the file1.cpp class all it has to do is include file1.h. This means that file2 can see the class functions but doesn't have to know how they actually work. Put simply it's the normal way of managing classes. (this is a pretty simplistic answer, header files can be more complicated than this but for now while your still getting your head round the ideas it should do.) Q: 2. I also find makefiles in all of the source code I have looked at? What exactly do these do. A: a make file is used on most Linux/Unix platforms and it basically is a set of instructions to the compiler. Stuff like compile file1.cpp and file2.cpp and then make them in to a program called files. They can be very complex. Q: 3. Are there any good cross-platform gui libraries for c++? A: yes, quite a few. Just do some reading on Google. For non GUI stuff like networking, threading and a lot more my favourite one is boost, http://www.boobst.org. HTH. Nick. -----Original Message----- From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Haden Pike Sent: 19 December 2009 01:34 To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: c++ questions Hi all. Very soon, I am going to have to start working in c++ for school. As I have about 2 weeks off school right now, and nothing better to do, I thought I'd start my travels down the road of c++. I have a few questions. 1. What are header files? I see these used in a lot of source code, but can't figure out what they do. 2. I also find makefiles in all of the source code I have looked at? What exactly do these do. 3. Are there any good cross-platform gui libraries for c++? I know these are pretty beginner like questions, but well, that's exactly what I am. Thanks for any help. Haden __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind This email and any files attached are intended for the addressee and may contain information of a confidential nature. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that this email was sent to you in error and you should not disclose, distribute, print, copy or make other use of this email or its attachments. Such actions, in fact, may be unlawful. In compliance with the various Regulations and Acts, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited reserves the right to monitor (and examine for viruses) all emails and email attachments, both inbound and outbound. Email communications and their attachments may not be secure or error- or virus-free and the company does not accept liability or responsibility for such matters or the consequences thereof. General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, Registered Office: 100 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6JA. Registered in England and Wales No: 1911653. __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind