I took computer science A AP so I know a bit about coding... in java.

But java and C++ are kind of similar, at least from my perspective, so I think I will have no problem picking it up.

but a couple things.... needs to be clarified....

1. What tools are required to code in C++? a simple textpad?

2. How do you apply the plugin into SC?

From someone who took the same AP, I highly recommend you get yourself a good C++ book, or even look for some classes nearby. Trust me, they're extremely different in implementation and functionality. In terms of writing plugins, you'll need a hellofa lot of a knowledge of pointers (a concept which does not exist in Java) to be able to grasp a lot of how plugins work.

For anyone else that reads this, I'm just starting to delve into plugin writing myself and I'm wondering if there are any examples of plugins available. I'd like to take a look at how other people are writing them so I get can get a better idea of what to do. (TZ I'm looking at you )

EDIT:
Oh in response to your first question, you'll need a plugin template thingy that I found somewhere. You'll also need Visual C++ 2008. You can get VS C++ Express (the free version) from the microsoft developer website. Google it.

2ND EDIT:
Here is where you can get the General Plugin Template thing. That will help alot, and it comes with a simple tutorial.

modcrafters.com has some example plugins you can look at once you get GPTP running. Alternatively, I can make your plugin for you.

Ah, thank you TZ. I found the tutorials and they look to be very helpful. Oh and thanks for the offer to make me a plugin, but I'd like to figure it out for myself