I'd suggest looking into SDL. It's a very easy to use graphic library.
https://www.libsdl.org/
There are many tutorials online, LazyFoo being my favorite.
http://lazyfoo.net/SDL_tutorials/
On lesson1 you can choose your operating system, then compiler, then set everything up, and then they give you tasks including code to test around with.
Although it may be better in the long run, if you're determined, to start with console, then calculators, then making a 2D platformer, I would recommend going straight into the above tutorials after you learn the basics of coding.
~This is because if you don't have the dedication and time to learn coding, you will increasingly become bored or un-motivated. However, going into making an actual program you can be proud to call yours is an achievement and encourages activity to continue.
Lastly, try to stay away from Visual Basic
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I know-
Basic Python and HTML.
Professional C++ and Java.