So I want to make universal apps. Where to begin?

[TLRtheory]

I've got programming experience on desktop with C++/Java, but never done anything on mobiles whatsoever.

Where to start? What tools do I need?

 

[ven07]

https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy...g-universal-windows-apps-with-c-and-xaml-8363

 

[myrcello]

Developing in C# is as easy as Java.

 

[carraig]

I don't know if you've already found out by now, but you can also leverage your C++ skills.
You can download the C++ samples here at have a look at how they're put together:
https://code.msdn.microsoft.com/windowsapps/Universal-Windows-app-cb3248c3

 

[anon(9236402)]

This series is pretty basic for someone who's already a programmer, but it will give you a good introduction to app developing.
This is a more advanced course, which gives you a better introduction to the whole idea of the UWP in the first few lessons and presents a few examples that have helped me a lot.

What tools will you need? Visual Studio Community is ideal for developing Windows Apps -- it has a great code editor, a good debugger, and nice visual design tools (check out Blend for Visual Studio) and previews.