3 comments about Schaum's Outline of Fundamentals of Computing with C++.

1. This is the C++ guide in the famous Schaum's outlines series. It teaches you the foundation's of C++ fairly well, as usual with a great load of examples and code snippets. We are used to this by Schaum.

   What I am missing is in-depth information. How do I use make to compile bigger programs? How do I use the STL? How do I use glib?

   This book will scratch the surface, and will probably be an ok guide for a novice. But if you want to take a step further after the first weeks of learning C++, you will have to look elsewhere.




2. I am a 12 year old male who just happens to be interested in learning C/C++. Someone showed this book to me and highly recommended it. I have found that the text is simple to understand even to a novice starting for the first time, and that it is completely stuffed with useful examples. I am going to buy this book -- you just wait!



3. If you don't already know the C programming language, this is probably a pretty good book on C++ programming basics. It goes into control structures, arrays, strings, pointers, recursion, and abstract data types, among other topics. It even has a good introductory chapter on the basics of computing that even includes information on the binary and hex number systems. In that sense, it is good enough to stand alone as a pretty good textbook. However, there is one major component missing from this outline that is essential for anyone who claims to know C++ in any meaningful way, that being any mention of object-oriented programming constructs as expressed in the C++ language. If you don't know object orientation as it is expressed in C++, then you are just a C programmer programming with C++ notation. Thus, this outline is not wrong, it is just woefully incomplete. I still give it three stars because for the right audience it is a good beginner's text at a very cheap price. For those who are interested in learning object orientation as it is expressed in the C++ language, I instead recommend "Schaum's Outline of Programming with C++". In that book there is less of an emphasis on algorithms and computing and more of an emphasis on teaching the complete language with all of its components.

5 comments about Problem Solving with C++: The Object of Programming, Fifth Edition.

1. I'm a CS/Math double major at Cameron University and this is, quite fortunately, the book we ended up using for my C.S. I class. Except for Dietel' excellent book (which I recommend even more than this one), there is no other book out there that explains the basics of C++ so clearly, at least that I have read. Topics difficult to the CS I student, such as classes, pointers, and virtual functions are explained eloquently with well-written examples. The sample code is a lot more simple and straight-forward than in many books but still illustrates the topics in detail.
   
   The ordering of the book is one thing that may throw some people off, however. Arrays are introduced surprisingly late, and classes are introduced earlier than I have ever seen in a c++ textbook. This may be untraditional, but being introduced to classes early gives you a good jump-start into serious c++ programming. Although our class followed the chapters sequencially, the material is flexible and the order can be changed up to something more traditional (some suggested orderings are given in the introduction). Our class happenened to follow the material sequentially, so it was something I took note of.
   
   The only real beef I had with this book is that it covers most, but not all of the basics. Macros and pragmas are not included and inline functions are only mentioned very briefly in the appendix without full explanation. Macro guards (#ifndef,#endif, etc.) are presented in chapter 9 but the concept of macros really isn't covered. The basic cin/cout streams are used and many stream functions are explained but a full explanation on handling streams and buffers is not included. Additionally, the STL libraries are barely touched on except for <vector> and <string>, but I guess, like us, that can be saved for a later course. Overall, I highly recommend this book for learning purposes, but eventually get a second reference.



2. It's a mediocre book and I'll tell you why:
   1. an alternative title could be: C++ for Idiots.
   2. VERY intro level text - get ready to learn (yet again) how to use a "for" loop.
   3. Very wordy and obtuse writing style: I found myself trying to scan/skim for some actual information - most of the text seems like fluff. The good news is that they do give you more concise colored boxes throughout; these give you syntax rules and a brief description of new commands/functions. But if this is all the book is giving you, you wasted your money - this book fails as a reference.
   4. Chapters on things like namespaces completely lacked any real world context - this stems of course from the fact that you aren't going to be dealing with lots of files/libraries in an intro level course.
   To conclude, stay away unless you are a complete newbie - if you are, this text won't hurt you if you want to have your hand held contantly, but there are far better books out there for teaching programming, though I don't know any about C++ specifically to recommend.



3. I have looked over a good number of C++ books for several of the undergraduate courses I teach. The wrong introduction can turn students off a language for life. Finding an introductory book with just the right pitch and level of difficulty is difficult. Savitch's book seems to fit my needs in this respect. It is accessible, readable and the examples are clear enough for students to work through without having to look over their shoulders continuously. yes, it is a litle on the wordy side, but it is a small defect overall. If you will continue to use C++, Savitch is a firm foundation for moving on to other more advanced texts. The bottom line is that you have to start somewhere in learning programming and this is as good as I have seen in C++.



4. [A review of the 5TH EDITION.]
   
   Savitch updates his successful C++ text into this 5th edition. Since I never used his earlier editions, I won't speak as to the differences between this edition and those.
   
   He explains C++ in sufficient detail that a reader completely new to programming should be able to follow. It should be emphasised that the reader does not even need any procedural programming experience. Whereas in some customary teachings of C++ or other OO languages, it might be assumed that you have first cut your teeth on C or something similar.
   
   There is a good discussion of namespaces. Which the new reader might not appreciate the importance of, initially. But for scaling your code, especially if several programmers are working on the same project, and to incorporate external code, namespaces are a crucial enabler.
   
   When he discusses inheritance, the emphasis is on single inheritance. Which is probably all to the good, for a newcomer to C++. The fancy manipulations possible with multiple inheritance can also led to code that is very hard to maintain. Here, perhaps, there is an unspoken influence of Java. Prior to Java's existance, C++ texts often spoke of how powerful multiple inheritance is. But Java demonstrated that you can have a useful OO language with only single inheritance.



5. I start learning programming at age 23 and I have still not mastered it as yet after 26 years. I like this book and I hope I have read it earlier. This book bridges the almost "inconquerable" gap between natural languages and programming languages. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is still trying to cross the bridge.

No comments about Algorithms in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly)).

No comments about C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design.

5 comments about Learning C++: A Hands on Approach: A Hands on Approach.

1. 1. This book does not teach you C. You should be knowing C in order to study this. 2. Essentially, this book explains the C++ concepts and coding syntax, and this it does very well. 3. The author takes up an idea, presents it clearly, both in words and with examples (very simple example, at that). 4. It is not pedantic; the ideas are presented crisply. 5. If you know C and want to learn C++ QUICKLY, then go for this book.



2. I must say I strongly disagree with the other readers, this book is a waste of money. It does assume knowledge of C which is fine (I think anyone trying to learn C++ without prior knowledge and experience in C is in for a difficult journey) and the book generally does an okay job of explaining the differences between C and C++ but after chapter 4 it goes downhill quite fast. For starters it possibly has THE WORST INDEX I'VE EVER SEEN IN A TECHNICAL BOOK. For a technical book I consider the index to be the second most important feature aside from the actual content. Let's say for example I want to find information on the setf() member function. Good luck because it's not in there (it's in the book it's just impossible to find). This book has LOTS of code examples which wood be wonderful if the author could actually write an example of code without always using his favorite /* other details omitted */ comment. You can piece together the omitted details if you don't mind constantly flipping between pages. I however prefer to see a complete idea presented and executed. If you want a good C++ book that has in depth examples and teaches good coding practices get C++ How to Program from Deitel and Deitel. This book is fantastic for learning and for reference. In addition it covers BOTH C and C++.



3. My college uses this book to teach object oriented programming, so I've been elbow deep in it quite a few times. It's not bad, but it's very concise.

   It's not a bad book, but Nagler only tells you something once, and if you don't understand it, you're out of luck. And usually, what you miss is something you need to understand the rest of the chapter. Also, it seems like a lot of important subjects aren't covered in depth, and some subjects are covered more than they really need to be.

   I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn c++ unless they're already familiar with the language. If they weren't familiar, I'd suggest adding another book as a reference, since the index in this one isn't that great, and some of the most important parts of the book are only a paragraph or two long.




4. This book is great for intermediate to advanced C programmers who want to learn C++. I'm in my second year of computer science coursework and have taken 3 quarters of C programming, 1 quarter of assembly, and a data structures class and am using this book in my C++ for C programmers class. The first 5 chapters led me through the differences in using C++ to program procedurally vs. using C. The next chapter introduces objects and does an excellent job of transitioning from procedural thinking to objective thinking in addition to teaching the syntax. The book pretty much continues on this path, shedding more light on why the differences between C and C++ exist and how to use C++ to objectify problems and write solid classes.

   If you already know an object oriented language and are looking for a C++ reference manual, don't buy this book. If you know procedural programming, preferably C, and want to learn Object Oriented programming, BUY THIS BOOK.




5. Every book on a scientific or engineering topic such as C++ is written for a specific audience, and it is generally the responsibility of the Esteemed Reader to assess the fit between the book and his or her familiarity with the topic the book covers. Is the book too advanced, of appropriate difficulty, or not advanced enough? If the book is used as a textbook in course, then it is the responsibility of the instructor to assess this fit. In the case of Eric Nagler's "Learning C++: A Hands-on Approach" the book presupposes a thorough knowledge of the C programming language and experience writing C programs using all features C programming offers. It does not review C, focuses instead on important differences between C and C++, then presents a thorough treatment of C++.
   
   There are books-a-plenty out there on C++. Why choose Nagler's text? First, Nagler's text is up-to-date. As C++ has evolved and been standardized by the ANSI/ISO C++ committee X3J16, Nagler has updated his text and put out new editions. The first edition appeared in 1993, the second in 1997, and the current third edition in 2003. Second, "Learning C++" is thorough. It covers each topic from the generalities and major issues down to the details that may become pitfalls for C++ programmers. The pitfall examples are particularly interesting. Third, this textbook is a well-balanced presentation. It provides clear and succinct explanations of C++ language features and then balances those explanations with concrete C++ programming examples which illustrate the general concepts. Fourth, Nagler's book is a very efficient read. One C++ book after another takes over 1000 pages to explain what Nagler covers thoroughly and clearly in just over 500 pages. Why would anyone want to read over 1000 pages when they could acquire the same insights faster reading just 500? Finally, if the reader has a background in C appropriate for "Learning C++", the book reads and learns like butter. Page for page the text is just packed with valuable information and insights.
   
   Every text book implies specific methods of assimilating its content. In the case of "Learning C++" the method is "active engagement with the material". I found it useful to read the general explanations, study the concrete programming example (sometimes typing it in and running it), and then, if it's a difficult topic, possibly iterating through the explanation and example again to make sure I understand it. Nagler offers a number of study aids throughout. Important points are emphasized with "Caution" and "Summary" boxes in the margin so that it is easy to go back and review a chapter or a topic. If the "Caution" or "Summary" is not clear, it is easy to reread the explanation and example(s) which precede it and get back up to speed. In my experience it would be a mistake to read the explanations and then skip over the concrete programming examples because they complement each other very nicely and hasten the learning process.
   
   All in all, Nagler's "Learning C++: A Hands-on Approach" is a well-written, classic presentation of C++. It is far easier to work with and learn from than many books on the same subject. Just be sure you have a solid background in C.

5 comments about C# Primer Plus.

1. If you are looking for practice problems to learn C#, this book is a must buy. The practice problems are well thought out and are useful to understand C#. Also, most of the elementary topics are covered. So this is a great first book to learn C#. On the downside, the author's writing style is wordy. Finally, the author does a poor job of explaining WHEN to use certain features of C#. The benefits of using one approach over another is not apparent to the beginners. For example, I wish the author had spent some time explaining when to use inheritenance and polymorphism, especially when one can write perfectly decent C# code without them.



2. I thought it's a basement of C# programming , It also tells you lots of Class detail...I use it as reference and futher more programming...



3. I specially entered amazon to write this review to gratitude the author of this book.
   I think guys, this is the best book over there, since I bought many other intro books on C# and had chance to compare.
   This book gives almost everything you need about core syntax of C#, explaining why particular technique became part of C# syntax (I think it is very important to really understand the language), and showing wise ways of using it. Examples are very excellent.
   The book is very comfortable to read, despite of its size, sentences are simple and craftly bring you to point, and you do not get tired until you understand (I think it is very important about programming books, since it takes much brain energy to read and understand them). I myself finished this book in about a month, having some experience in C++, and at the same time being busy with other things.
   I think (really, in my opinion) you will not regret if this will become your first C# book.



4. If you are a novice like and never programmed before this book is NOT for you. All the reviews claims it is a beginner book for novice programmer. This is totally untrue. The athor starts with an advanced example of elevator and expect you to understand all the nuances of it with a few explanations. Trust me if you are a novice try either absolute beginner C# or C# 2005 for dummies , those are real books for beginners in programming & C#.
   
   This book is for programmer trust me. The author write a simple program "hello" explain with 2 pages. Then he goes and pass with an advanced example of Object oriented with his elevator program.
   The program is FAR to be as simple as you think. And it is poorly explaned.
   
   From the reviews I am reading either those guys are liars when they claim to be novices or they are genius to be able to understand this book as first book.



5. I used this book to learn C# a few years ago and I still pick it up from time to time. C# Primer Plus is an easy read that I reccomend to anyone else learning C#.

5 comments about A Retargetable C Compiler: Design and Implementation.

1. I bought this book several years ago, and still haven't managed to make my way through it. The text is sometimes hard to follow, the code fragments even harder, requiring the reader to jump back several (sometimes dozens of) pages to references made. This text seemed more suited to University level Computer Science students than to the average Joe Schmoe who just wants to write a C compiler. Overall, this is a good book that details the gory insides of a compiler very well, and the added bonus of being able to get the source code is essential, as viewing the complete code while reading the book is almost a necessity, but it's not for the average/intermediate level coder.



2. I bought this book several years ago, and still haven't managed to make my way through it. The text is sometimes hard to follow, the code fragments even harder, requiring the reader to jump back several (sometimes dozens of) pages to references made. This text seemed more suited to University level Computer Science students than to the average Joe Schmoe who just wants to write a C compiler. Overall, this is a good book that details the gory insides of a compiler very well, and the added bonus of being able to get the source code is essential, as viewing the complete code while reading the book is almost a necessity, but it's not for the average/intermediate level coder.



3. This book is definitely _not_ for beginners, but compilers are not supposed to be written by novices -- if there is rocket science in computers, it is compiler development. Crystal clear style and language make this book easy reading, and LCC is the best non-optimizing compiler I've seen (and believe me, I've seen many compiler sources): orthogonal, easy to follow design, well-thought data structures and overall architecture.

   I treat this book as a perfect collection of brilliant ideas, many of which you will find implemented in most commercial compilers.

   Whether it helps to write your own compiler? -- sure. Are you thinking about IR (internal representation) that will be easy to create and, most important, walk through and manipulate? -- take a look how Fraser et al did it; they did it well. Think how to write a front end or code generator? -- it's all there. Sure, blind copying won't work -- optimizing compiler will call for way more sophisticated BURG-like technique (one of the best known code generation techniques by now), but, all in all, it'll be BURG-like, and it's in the book as well.

   So, if you want to show your students (or learn yourself) how compilers should be written, you cannot find anything better than LCC accompanied by this book. Fraser's team did it right.




4. First of all, this book is not for starters in the area of compiler design. Starters in the area of compiler design who are looking for a 'cookbook', I recommend to read 'Programming Language Processors in Java: Compilers and Interpreters' by David Watt.
   
   Why do I like this book? Because it is a cookbook for a 'full blown' C Compiler in C itself. Well actually it's a compiler for a subset of C, but it is still very comprehensive!
   
   It offers a lot of code snippets which are really well commented about what/where/how.
   
   A disadvantage of this book is that it doesn't cover advanced topics such as code optimizations. This is the area where the action is right now. All other parts (scanning/parsing/etc) can be bought of the shelf.
   
   But it remain a very nice text, to give you an valuable insight in how a compiler could be implemented.



5. This book lays out the compiler's source code in Web (think Knuth), in which instead of seeing an entire program, you see a small fragment, and notes to look up the rest on a different page. In my opinion, this makes the book nearly impossible to read.
   
   In its defense, however, the book addresses many of the engineering concerns with writing a compiler, such as data structures or memory management strategies. This is cool.
   
   Also lacking in this book is a good description of advanced optimization techniques and modern intermediate representations.

5 comments about Ivor Horton's Beginning ANSI C++: The Complete Language, Third Edition (Expert's Voice).

1. This book is great for the beginner. It assumes that you have no prior programming experience and sets about getting you some. By the end of the book you will be able to understand and program with simple objects. The only bad part is that Wrox is now denying that they published this book on their web page and no longer have the sample answers to the exercises. Luckily I found a copy that I backed up before they took it off the web page.



2. Despite the book having relatively quite a number of errors here and there (considering it's now in the 3rd. edition) and coming with a slightly steeper price tag, it's still a book every professional C++ programmer should have on their reference shelves.
   The overall flow is very logical and sensible. Presentation is clear and with simple reinforcing illustrations. For e.g. the concept of Namespace has been explained in such a simple and clear manner, the method to pass-by-reference and it's difference with using pointers is well explained. I've searched for details about the notation - function_name<data_type>(arg_1, arg_2) - i.e. template parameters in Deitel's C++ text but to no avail. I found it readily explained in Horton's book. This may not be a one-on-one substitute for Deitel's text but if you're serious about C++, then get Horton's along with Deitel's.



3. It looks to me as though this edition is just a rewrite of Horton's previous edition. This book covers the ansi/iso std. of 1998, not the current standard. They seem to have put a new cover on the book and raised the price. BAD, BAD, BAD!!!!
   
   The same applies to his new "Beginning C Programming". This has no reference to the new C99 standard at all.



4. Ivor Horton does the incredible job of making learning C++ enjoyable. The book is very-well measured in terms of the pace with which is increases in complexity. The amount of detail is extraordinary, and yet the presentation is engaging and entertaining. Horton's got all the hallmarks of a world-class trainer. I fail to understand how anyone can give him less than five stars!



5. After a review of 12 different textbooks for Beginning C++ I have selected Ivor Horton's Beginning ANSI C++: The Complete Language, Third Edition for use in my semester length college level Intro to C++ programming and my Intermediate C++ programming class. This is a community college and most of my students have NO programming background or experience. This text provides comprehensive semantics and syntax analysis of all examples. None of the confusing "shortcuts" and partial explanations found in most books. The author consistently uses "good programming" practices and provides clear and concise explanations for his use of specific constructs. I am especially delighted with the breadth of coverage and the well constructed index. Horton wrote the text that I used to learn C and I am happy to see he has continued to write with the same attention to detail and clarity. Highly recommended!
   Can be used with any ANSI C++ compiler/IDE.

3 comments about Practical .NET2 and C#2 Second Edition: Harness the Platform, the Language, the Framework.

1. This books covers a lot of territory, but does it efficiently and in an easy an easy to read and follow style. This is NOT another one of those C# books that regurgitates the Microsoft documentation. This is the C# book I would have written except that Patrick got around to it and I didn't. Useful for beginners and experienced C# programers.
   
   Contents:
   Introduction to .NET
   Assembly, module, IL Lnaguage
   Build, Deploy and CInfigure your .NET applications
   The CLR (Common Language Runtime)
   Processes, threads and synchronization
   Security
   Reflection, late binding, attributes
   Interoperability between .NET and native code/COM/COM+
   Fundamental conepts of the language
   The .NET type system from a C#2 point of view
   Classes and Objects
   Inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction
   Unsafe Code, exceptions, anonymous methods, iterators
   Collections
   Base Classes
   Input/Output Streams
   Windows Form Application
   ADO.NET 2
   Transactions
   XML
   .NET Remoting
   ASP.NET 2
   Intorductions to web services development with .NET



2. Even if you've sort of moved more into C# 3.0 and ASP.NET 3.5, GET THIS BOOK. That's all I have to say. Again, another code Bible to add to your best collection of books to have on hand at all times.



3. I have first edition of the book for about a year and half. Only start to read it recently when I am trying to get some foundation concepts of LINQ in C# 3, such as delegates, anonymous methods, iterator etc. I have only read small portion of chatper 14 of this book and I am completely blown away. In only about 30 pages, the book explained the intricacy of anonymous methods, iterator and delayed execution, which are very difficult topics to explain. Then I flipped through the other parts of the book, and I realize that this is the book I will come to again and again. Patrick explains difficult concepts clear and thorough with to-the-point code samples, and he expands on the concepts with concrete real-world implications. Also I like his sharing some of the reference URL with rest of us. A must-have. Now this book sits side by side with Juval Lowy's Programming .NET Components on my desk. Even if you are moving to .NET 3.5 and C# 3, get this book and read later part of chapter 14, it will make all those LINQ magic more understandable and accessible.

5 comments about C++ from the Ground Up, Third Edition.

1. I learned C++ programming from the first edition of this book, and browsing through the 3rd edition it seems that the quality is just as high as that first edition from which I learned the language years ago. Schildt excels at teaching by keeping the concepts simple and straightforward. If you hope to learn object oriented programming from this book, by the way, you will not. This is strictly a book for learning the language. The only negative thing I can say about the book is that the last three chapters that have been added since the first edition on more advanced topics are rather thin and seem tacked on. Regardless of that, I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about learning C++. I notice that the table of contents is not shown by Amazon, so I show that here for the purpose of completeness:
   1: The Story of C++
   2: An Overview of C++
   3: The Basic Data Types
   4: Program Control Statements
   5: Arrays and Strings
   6: Pointers
   7: Functions, Part One: The Fundamentals
   8: Functions, Part Two: References, Overloading, and Default Arguments
   9: More Data Types and Operators
   10: Structures and Unions
   11: Introducing the Class
   12: A Closer Look at Classes
   13: Operator Overloading
   14: Inheritance
   15: Virtual Functions and Polymorphism
   16: Templates
   17: Exception Handling
   18: The C++ I/O System
   19: Run-Time Type ID and the Casting Operators
   20: Namespaces and Other Advanced Topics
   21: Introducing the Standard Template Library
   22: The C++ Preprocessor
   A: C-Based I/O
   B: Working with an Older C++ Compiler
   C: The .NET Managed Extensions to C++



2. The book was easy to read and the examples were clear. Came in a very timely manner



3. In my quest to find a really good teaching guide to learn C++ from scratch I was quite attracted to the title of this book. I checked out the author's credentials and thought this book would be an excellent way to get started. I wanted to "Learn C++ from the Master", as is written on the top right corner of the book for me to plainly see. I personally do not think that the title "C++ from the GROUND UP" is an appropriate one by any means. I found it hard to learn the basics of C++ programming using this book. I didn't find much in the way of detailed teachings to go along with the code examples. As an example, when writing my first program it would have been nice to know something about "headers" other than just the fact that they are necessary or useful for the program. Many more pages of explanations are needed for this book to be "beginner friendly". After all, this book boasts on page XVII that no previous programming experience is required. Now, I have had prior experience albeit many years ago, with C and Pascal. I found this book quite tedious to work through. I think many essential explanations / examples were lacking before advancing to, and running, various types of program code. After struggling through this book all the way to chapter four I got frustrated and invested in C++ Primer Plus, Fifth edition after checking several reviews. It would have been helpful to have more practice exercises with answers. The cost of this book is too high for what you get, ( I paid $59.95 CDN on the date of my purchase, although I see the price has diminished ). There is much, better value out there for your money if you investigate. On a positive note, I think the code examples do demonstrate excellent programming syntax and structure. I also believe that the book's description is correct about the fact that the author is a Master Windows Programmer, etc. I will use the examples of code shown in this book eventually. I would like to get some more use out of it. To sum it all up in a sentence: Had I known back then what I know now about this book, I would never have purchased it.



4. Programmers-in-training have this nasty, nasty tendency to purchase a slew of books only to leave half (or more!) of them virtually (if not literally!) untouched.
   
   I am such a culprit -- I bought quite a few C++ books, including this one, when I started out, but left it collecting dust on my bookshelf. However, when I'd been away from programming for a while and wanted to relearn C++, I decided to give this book a read. I'm glad that I did.
   
   The book is geared toward those with some conception of programming and how programming languages are used (I still remembered a bit o' C++, but nothing quite fancy), so I didn't find myself bored out of my mind when reading the initial 10 or so chapters on the C subset of C++ (which, I may add, are extremely well written and have practical examples -- like a bubblesort!) Then when I got to the chapters on OOP (of which I recalled almost nothing), I found myself in for a real treat. Everything was lucidly explained coupled with an ample number of full example programs to aid in understanding.
   
   I particularly liked the sample programs because they tended to be serious and were overall very, very useful and facilitated learning rather than obstruct it.
   
   If you're just coming off of a language like BASIC, Java, or C#, then I reccomend this book wholeheartedly -- you'll be programming C++ like there's no tomorrow within a reasonably short time. If you're a programming neophyte, you can probably go through the book and be fine -- but be prepared to work, experiment, and practice (although you'd do that anyway -- just moreso if you're a newbie).
   
   So, yeah, excellent book; definitely worth buying.



5. 
   Many of the reviews of this book mention the background of the reviewer.
   If you are considering learning C++ from this book, I suggest you consider
   carefully the reviews by those with a background close to yours. Pay
   less attention to those with a substantially different background. But.
   read this review because I will try to offer several different perspectives.
   
   I earned my living from 1960 to my recent retirement programming digital
   computers of many kinds, in many languages, and for many applications,
   including about 15 years using C. I used this text in a just finished C++
   course as part of my "mind rot delay program." I knew some things about
   C++, but had not used it.
   
   The instructor has taught the course for many years, and I believe has used
   the same text for several years. It seems to have passed the test of time
   for that environment. The second sentence of the preface states "No previous
   programming experience is required." The school requires either a two
   semester sequence of C programming, or a one semester C course for those
   with previous programming experience. The instructor said those without
   a solid background in C would be lost. I do not know anything about the
   other students in the class, but almost half were gone by the final night.
   
   One of the good things about this book is the large number of complete
   sample programs. These illustrate and demonstrate features of the language.
   You don't even have to type them in; you can get them from the publisher's
   web site. One of the bad things about this book is the large number of
   complete sample programs. Often the portion of interest is two or three
   lines out of a page or two. The book is much larger than it could be.
   
   There are a few questions in the text, but not many. There are no problem
   sets or review questions to test your understanding. At the end of a few
   chapters there is a suggestion to review certain topics. There are frequent
   suggestions to play with a program, make changes and understand what
   happens.
   
   Almost all the provided programs are complete in one file. Real C++
   applications are usually file intensive, even more so than applications
   written in C. Even toy homework problems from my class often involved
   five or seven files.
   
   The book is remarkably complete for a work aimed at novices. There are
   omissions, but most are minor. Some reviewers, and my instructor, said
   the coverage of member initialization lists is particularly weak.
   
   The Standard Template Library (STL) is one of the newer features of the
   language. It is covered in the longest chapter of the book, 46 pages.
   Other reviewers have complained that the coverage is scant. They are
   right. It is scant. The chapter is called "Introducing the Standard
   Template Library." The book explains a few of the container classes
   and a few of the operations you can do on them. The explanations are
   at a level similar to the rest of the book. It is enough to get you
   started. Similar operations on other container classes have similar
   names. There are several lists of function names with very brief
   descriptions. For an introduction, it is adequite.
   My instructor said it would take more than a semester to cover the
   entire STL. I think that would be a very dull class. Look through
   the STL from time to time; perhaps you will notice something that
   seems useful. Then learn the immediately useful parts.
   
   Here is a tip that I learned the hard way. The functions listed in
   the ALGORITHMS section of the STL are not member functions. You can
   tell if you study the sample program closely enough, but it is not
   clear from the main text.
   
   The preface promises you (the novice) will be an accomplished C++
   programmer when you finish the book. I disagree. You may know a lot
   about details of the language, but the book will not help you design
   a solution to a problem. Not recommended for a novice.
   
   If you have some experience programming in some language, the book
   could be useful. Read it while you rework the problems from your
   old text, using C++. Warning: I'm not a teacher; this is just my
   suspicion.
   
   The current edition is the Third Edition. Some of the reviews here seem to
   be of an earlier edition. The Third Edition was published in 2003. That is
   long ago for many computer books, but the C++ standard has not changed since
   1998, except for some corrections in 2003. Most of the changes for the next
   version of the standard are expected to apply only to the library.