How do i make a C++ program(i.e. what programs do i use).

Are there any significant differences between C++ and GSC that i would need to know before scripting?

Do all functions have to be defined individually, or is there a common database that i can pull things from to help make scripts(i.e. the equivalent of the World at War engine based functions)?

Do i need to have experience with creating and editing visuals for applications?

You should start with something more straightforward and less datatype-strict like C#. Hands down, industry standard for programming in any C language is Visual Studio 2008+. I use 2010 personally. You can get student editions for free depending on what school you go to.

It's really nothing like scripting other than a similar syntax. For instance, cod does not use datatypes for function declarations and does not have OOP class structure. Another key difference is that programs not based on a game loop (unless you are making a game) cannot have any waits - in other words you do not use wait statements in your programs unless you are making a game.

All the functions are on the MSDN site (microsoft's scripting reference if you want to think of it that way).

What version should i download? They offer a web-based version, Desktop version, and Windows versions. All of these are "express".

What version should i download? They offer a web-based version, Desktop version, and Windows versions. All of these are "express".

Express is fine, that's the cheap/free version. Not sure what its missing vs Ultimate. Use whichever edition you want - I use Windows I would assume.