LibCurl and C++ - How much head exploding am I in for?

[The Unintelligible]

If you're simply trying to dive into bot making why is C++ your lang of choice? Personally I think you should start with something more beginner friendly -- like AutoIt, Visual Basic, Python, etc. More documentation, support, tutorials, etc. Also myriads easier.

If you want to use it as a general purpose language, that's understandable, but for the niche of bot making it doesn't seem like a very apt selection. If I were you I would wait until I get the hang of bot making/coding in general before trying to just delve into C++ for bots. Or use it if necessary (i.e. you need a more powerful, compiled language). That's my opinion anyway.

Anyway to the point, there are many libraries/APIs for HTTP requests and web interaction. cURL is not your only option. There's the Qt Framework libraries, there should be a winhttp wrapper somewhere around the web, etc. I assume you're using Visual C++, so GUI applications shouldn't be too difficult to manage for you. But it's still more of a pain than just using a simpler language like VB.

So to say the least, the headache should be greater than taking an easier approach.

To answer your questions:

• Yes, see above.
• Not necessarily, no.
• I dropped a few sources at the bottom of my post.
• Post issues you run into in the Programming forum and I'm sure someone will assist you.
• 6. On a scale of redundancy, 9. You could use something else. But if you're absolutely sold on using C++/LibCurl, then that's entirely your choice.
• Ad infinitum. Just kidding, depends on how well you adopt all of it. If you're fairly experienced in C++ and know a bit of web programming in general, then I imagine it couldn't be too difficult.

Tutorials/Sources:

Qt HTTP requests - Creating an HTTP network request in Qt - Nokia Developer Wiki (google query "Qt HTTP requests in C++")
Google - Google
General HTTP requests in C++ - httprequest - How do you make a HTTP request with C++? - Stack Overflow

Apparently this is a WinHTTP wrapper in C++? A Fully Featured Windows HTTP Wrapper in C++ - CodeProject

What you're looking for is cURL tutorials/a LibCurl wrapper, though. In which case refer to the links above.

Additionally, Stack Overflow is also a helpful site if you experience problems in your code and need detailed solutions.

Edit: Also I recommend creating easier bots and working your way up to the more difficult ones. That way you've got some know how under your belt before you try making something bigger. But that's common sense.