In article <2p5v2q$qsm@b30news.b30.ingr.com>, <dianne@ddf.b30.ingr.com> writes:

> A friend of mine, assuming me to be some sort of C++ Guru (I know C, sure,
> but C++??) sent me this desparate plea for help.  Since I do _not_
> know C++, I am, of course, turning to you  netgurus.
>
> Any help is appreciated.  Thanks
> -----------------------------cut here-----------------------------------
> Help!!!!!!!
>
> I was given a C++ assignment by my professor on Monday.  I have been
> trying my best to figure it out.  I'm really stuck!!!  He has made the
> assumption that we all know C.  That's the class that I'm taking this
> summer.  Do you know anything about C++?  Can you help?  This is the
> project description:

Dianne:

Although I sympathize with your friend's state, it has been a tradition of the
Usenet news not to do someone's homework for them (after all it has a long
academic tradition).  Besides, I believe it is unlikely to complete such a task
by Monday for someone who is a complete beginner and doesn't know C either
(other languages like Pascal help, but the matrix problem can be implemented
rather elegantly with a good understanding of C in C++, whereas without the
shortcuts you certainly wouldn't make it by Monday).  For instance, I have been
working on (IMHO) an elegant matrix class library for months.  Admittedly it
has not been full time and I am no guru, but C++ (as well as any other OO
language) requires thought instead of mindless coding a'la COBOL (no flames
please, I actually liked COBOL, but I'm trying to make a point).  I believe
that if your friend can come up with a good skeleton and have a few very
specific syntax questions, some of those on this list might be willing to
answer (actually, you should probably post to comp.lang.c++).  Why don't you
have her get the C++ FAQ?  It has some beginner's info and also recommend that
she go to the library and try to find a good book on C++.  Oh yeah, C++ FAQ:
sun.soe.clarkson.edu:/pub/C++/FAQ/comp.lang.c++.  It also tells you where to
get the C FAQ, which might be a good idea in this case.

Rodney