1 comments about Reliable Data Structures in C.

1. This book, copyright 1985, reveals the hidden underbelly of the C language -- the Standard Library .H files, why they are there, what they are for, and how to use them reliably. It does this so the reader can know what functions are already in the standard library, so the reader doesn't have to recreate them.

   The book's central theme is Reliablity -- "No Suprises". To reach this goal it covers all the side effects different C useage has -- and presents a set of rules to standardize on reliable use of C.

   I wish I'd found this book 15 years or so. It answers those irritating questions like "Okay, how SHOULD I write a C macro so it's SAFE?". Buy any beginning C language book, but this one is highly recommended as THE second C book you should own.

5 comments about C++ In Action: Industrial Strength Programming Techniques (With CD-ROM).

1. If you want to quickly get your hands dirty this is another book introducing you to C++. If you are easily bored this is a good book. On the other hand if you don't know anything about programming and you are the type who learns by repeating the same stuff over and over, you can try the Deitel&Deitel alternative...



2. The first part of this book might just as well be skipped through, basics of C++ are given there in such a convoluted (iconoclastic as Bartosz puts it) way that those don't know the basics, wont get anything there. Only those who already know C++ will be able to understand this part, but they actually dont need these basics.

   The rest of the book is extremely valuable: explanation of Windows programming, thoughts about writing maintainable and reliable code and organizing software projects. For intermediate level C++ programmers like myself it's a real treasure trove.

   I still cant believe that English is Bartosz's second language, it's impeccable. Nevertheless, the style is a little bit too sophisticated and assumes a very bright reader. For example Bartosz often gives you a lot of new material and saves all the explanations for later, so you have to go back and forth trying to piece it together. I would give explanations first, and also slow down a little, offering new concepts one at a time.
   Overall - good job.




3. This is the ONLY book I could get hold of that actually attacked head-on the problem of using C++ and Windows without abandoning object-oriented design and sanity in coding. Maybe Jeffrey Richter has done something as good - I don't know - but I bet he takes three times as many pages to do it. You can work through this book or just read it but either way, your C++ & Win32 skills will be greatly consolidated.

   The associated ReliSoft website is well worth a look, with some lovely sarcasm about MFC that didn't make it into the book (plus extra stuff on threads, etc.)




4. For any developer that have had the displeasure of working with Win32 API and/or MFC in C++, this book strikes a very sensitive cord. For the uninitiated, Win32 is an OO programmer's nightmare, and trying to build a decent OO framework on top of it is a Herculean effort that few has dared to attempt. MFC is better, but marginally so, as it ascends Win32 from a nightmare to a very bad dream. The lack of proper standard libraries for other facilities such as threading, sockets, etc. only adds to the hurdles that a C++ developer needs to overcome in order to implement the most trivial functionality in his or her program.

   And along comes this book with the attempt to build an OO layer that encapsulates the horrendous details of the Windows API. Of course, only a limited subset of this monolithic API is addressed in the book, which is understandable. One might consider the whole subject of the book a case study rather than a shrink-rapped solution, which is well-worth the time and money spent on it. If you have programmed with either Win32 or MFC before, and have being stung by their awkward design, or lack thereof, then consider this book a mandatory reading assignment.

   However, the main problem with this book is that it attempts to be a one-size-fits-all material. The first chapters vainly try to introduce the reader to the C++ programming language. And the remaining chapters are bloated with subsections covering the finer details of the language as they are needed. The whole assumption that a total C++ novice can understand the Win32 API (the problem), the OO layer (the solution), AND the C++ programming language along the way is a very ludicrous one. A novice will struggle endlessly with it, and will ultimately find him or herself given up and reverting to more classical texts on C++ and OOP before being able to stomach reading this book again. Alas, the wasted space on introducing C++ could have been put to better use by adding more depth to the material.

   So, you might ask why the four stars. The subject matter is unique and direly needed. And the coverage is adequate if you realistically set your expectations. By all means, buy it and read it. You might find it useful or at least enlightening. I know I did. But don't come unprepared.




5. Buy this book if you are an intermediate in C++ and want to become a GURU in C++. I know i did.
   
   Thank you "Bartosz Milewski" for making this amazing book.

3 comments about Practical Process Simulation Using Object-Oriented Techniques and C++.

1. This book starts with a description of objects and OMT and UML stuff. It explains the benefits of object oriented techniques and of the capabilities of simulation. It takes some pages to explain how simulation languages work and what needs to be included. So far no problem. Untill it starts explaining about a barber shop and PSIM (the simulation language developed in C++ by the author of the book). All kinds of process flows are modelled, not only in the basics of the library elements of the language, but also in the example itself. Unfortunately the whole object oriented technique is neglected. For the object oriented expert a good laughter, for the novice in either OO or simulation, watch out for this book and duck. (2000-06-29)



2. I teach in the Bay area, my courses are Object oriented programming (C++ and Java) and Discrete Event Simulation. This book has helped me organize projects for programming-in-the-large. I have been using GPSS, this book has also been helpful in my search for an alternative simulation approach and software that is object oriented. I found Psim portable and very useful in applying OO concepts in my simulation projects. Overall I believe this book is a very good as a supplemental book on simulation with OO programming.



3. This book is about an introduction to the process-interaction approach to simulation (first began with Simula, and then Demos), an approach widely applicable in real-time and distributed systems. The approach involves a high level view of a system and is inherently object oriented.

   As a distributed systems consultant in the Java and FORTE space, I have used this approach in developing distributed systems and I find it very useful when dealing with such issues as: synchronization, interrupts, and communications. These topics are simply and clearly explained in the book aided by case studies. I have used Psim (the supporting software) to test my different strategies in developing this sort of systems. Psim is simple and portable.

   In my opinion, the book fulfills its goals as stated by the author in the Preface; it presents the concepts in simple and readable terms, and shows how to implement simulation models applying these concepts. The book is also practical as I say in the title of this review as it avoids unnecessary theory, and it assumes the reader to have some knowledge of object oriented programming (C++). When I train customers in developing systems using FORTE or Java, I make the same assumptions.

4 comments about C Programming in Easy Steps (In Easy Steps).

1. I found the book to be written very clear and easy to understand and covering the basics of C. With many screenshots and code that had differt colorings made following the examples alot easier to follow. If your starting off in C programming and not looking for something intimidating then this is a good book to start with.



2. When it comes to a book like this, one thing I try to do is consider what the book says about itself. Does it claim more than it shows? This is a good book for what it sets out to do - show you C programming in easy steps. It helped me get through my Programming I class this past semester. There were many times when I found myself plowing slowly through my classroom text book. It was a good text, don't get me wrong, but it was also big and contained more lengthy explanations which took me twice as long to read. I simply didn't have that time. McGrath's books hit the nail on the head for me several times throughout the semester quick and easy. It told me what I needed to know and showed me a quick example of how to do something.
   
   Does it show you everything that you need to know in C? Of course not, but then keep in mind that it doesn't claim to do so. A good handy reference book if I say so myself.



3. Last year I had decided to begin learning C programming to prepare myself for a programming class I had signed up for the next year. Unfortunetly my book store didn't have much selection, so the series of 'in easy step' books was the only choice I had. I had paid $20.00 to buy this book.
   
   I began reading it and found that it a bit hard for a beginner like me to catch on. I mean, almost every subject book is give 2 pages or less. For the price you paid you could buy MUCH BETTER C books on Amazon. Buying a great 850 book (While this is 138 pages) only go for 3x cents on Amazon... so why even bother buying this thin book which briefly goes over every topic. At most I'd recommend this as a reference book. As a learning tool... Look around a bit more.



4. I bought this book a few years ago. It has been great. Very helpful in learning the syntax of C. Maybe not so helpful if you are totally new to programming. It doesn't provide challenging concepts.
   
   If you need a quick way to learn C, this book is the best way to go. I help teach kids Robotics and we program in C. This book is by far the most useful for them in learning C.

5 comments about IT Manager's Handbook: Getting Your New Job Done (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Data Management Systems).

1. This book is full of practical examples. It is useful to people who have in-depth programming knowledge but no idea how to do a budget or interview job candidates. I found this book specially timely, given that my team is composed of several technical professionals who are now considering a move into management. The information in the book is well layed out and quite accessible.



2. This is something for a new manager with little experience in not only systems administration but supervision. This book may give a clue to someone who has just stepped into such a position but provides little depth and direction. Unfortunately, there isn't any one book out there as management is a very complex role that encompasses many disciplines, any one of which would be a volume in itself. I was very dissappointed and I find the other reviews misleading.



3. Technology can change all it wants but the fundamentals of being a good IT Manager have changed very little. This book hits all the major areas of focus from staffing and budgeting to infrastructure and disaster recovery.

   The section entitled "Certification: How Do I Know Its Worth" applied 10 years ago, and still applies today. Right on the money and a good brief for an IT Manager building a team. Also, small but extremently important policy issues like email and security are included.

   I do think that the book included slightly heavy doses of technical information such as a full page table of different memory technologies as well as an entire section entitled "How Do I Configure a Server". These would service a Network Administrator or Engineer just fine but an IT Manager ? Not so much. Don't let this detract you from the overall picture though. Too much information is certainly better than not enough.

   I have to be honest, I didn't read this cover to cover. But for someone who has spent time as an IT Manager in the past and one who is looking at doing it again, I was able to re-establish concepts and draw on new tools that, no doubt, provided benefits.




4. This book is written only for the very basic beginner in IT. If you have been around an IT department for any length of time, you will find it difficult to pick up any new management thoughts in this book. For example, the entire topic of ERP systems is covered in 2 pages.



5. This was a basic read, for thse already into the methodology explained throught the book. Would be a useful tool for someone just starting out. I would recommend expanding on the disaster recovery portion, and possibly adding a section on managing in the non-profit arena.

5 comments about Teach Yourself C (Teach Yourself).

1. If it weren't for this book, I'd never have thought I could learn C. Unlike some of the techno-geeks here, I had *no* background in programming when I took a required beginning class in C. No BASIC, no Pascal, no nothing. This book made up for a lot of missing background, even filling in the gaps my instructor left out (simply because he personally thought COBOL would one day come back into vogue). It was definitely worth every penny I spent on it.



2. If you are trying to teach yourself C using the standard complier that comes with most Linux versions try another book. A great deal of the code in this book will not compile with the gcc complier. Save yourself some frustration and find another book.



3. I was always buying Schildt's books regarding C, C++, Visual C++ and MFC. He is an excellent teacher for the things someone has to understand in order to achieve a adequate level of programing. And he is using the correct amount of information every time so that you neither get bored nor you get lost. I fully recommend it to anyone who wants to know C by reading.



4. Why did I rate this book five stars? well, I really think this book deserves it.This book is actually a very good introduction to c. The author assumes you have some idea what programming is, but he doesn't assume that you have a previous c experience.
   Throughout the book there are lots of examples that are easy to follow. And the best thing of all the author explains every line of that he writes, and I think that amazing. Also there are lots of spaces between the code.
   
   if you have some programming experience and want to learn c, this book is a great start.
   
   hope this review helps and thank you very much..



5. Very clear and concise, with a LOT of examples and exercises (with the solutions in the back) to help you learn the language. No difficult terminology to obscure learning, either.
   
   I couldn't have asked for a better book. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn the C language.

5 comments about Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ (The Benjamin/Cummings series in object-oriented software engineering).

1. If you already know some C++ this is one of the best books available.



2. This book is one of the most poorly contstructed quasi-textbooks I have seen. I had to buy it for a C++ class, and have found the following:
   1) The text does a bad job of explaining topics fully.
   2) The end-of-chapter questions are written so poorly that they are not able to be done without finding out their hidden meaning.
   3) The appendices are incomplete.

   If you need a real C++ or C book see Deitel and Deitel and leave this waste of trees alone. I find myself constantly having to refer to "C++ How To Program" to figure out my programming projects, and it comes through every time.




3. I would give this book 5 Stars if its title is changed to "Programming Using C++". Read on to find out why.

   Short Summary: The title of this book is way off on what the text covers; you will NOT learn any OOP from this book. If you are looking to learn about OOP than look elsewhere. If you already know some C++ (or know very well some other language) and want to learn C++, you will find this book very promising.

   Long Summary: I don't know why this book was given such a title -- there is nothing about OOP in the text (except for one chapter). However, it does a VERY good job on teaching C++ programming. There are 12 chapters in the book and 5 appendixes (517 pages in all). They are: 1) Why OOP in C++?, 2) Native Types and Statements, 3) Functions and Pointers, 4) Implementing ADTs in the Base Language, 5) Data Hiding and Member Functions, 6) Object Creation and Destruction, 7) Ad Hoc Polymorphism, 8) Visitation: Iterators and Containers, 9) Templates, Generic Programming, and STL, 10) Inheritance, 11 Exceptions, 12) OOP Using C++, A) ASCII Character Codes, B) Operator Precedence and Associativity, C) Language Guide, D) Input/Output, E) STL and String Libraries.

   Well, as you can see from the title of the chapters, ONLY chapter 12 talks about OOP and it is only 17 pages longs. Every other chapter is about the C++ language and they NEVER cover OOP by any means. So don't get this book in the hope of learning OOP, but get it if you want to learn C++ and I found it very healthy in covering C++.

   Finally, for those reviewers who are claiming that this is an OOP book, I see them as mixing C++ and OOP as being equal -- it is not. You can learn about OOP with (almost) any language -- OOP has nothing to do with C++ and this book does NOT teach you OOP.




4. This is a great book, however this is not for beginners. I only started reading this after 2 years of intensive study of the language. I learned the most about OOP from this book. The person who wrote that this is not about OOP only based on the chapter titles obviously did not read the book and has no clue what OOP programming is about, otherwise he/she would have realized that each chapter covers a different aspect of OOP.



5. This book assumes prior knowledge of programming; preferably in C or some C++. Not for beginners. Has the merit of not being too verbose. It deals mainly with the syntax of C++. And, yes, while it certainly covers OOP, this may be why some other reviewers say it is not a good OOP book. The thing is, if you have start explaining the language at the lowest level, syntax, then this necessarily takes up space in the book.

   What some may notice is the lack of diagrams, whether UML or flowcharts or whatever. There is relatively little coverage of higher level design, from an OOP standpoint or any other, for that matter.

   Plus, unlike some more recent programming books, which use multicolours on the text pages to draw the reader's attention, this is very much a traditional text, in plain black and white. Nothing wrong with that, but some of you expecting a more "popular" style should look elsewhere. But if you knuckle down and read this text, you can benefit.

No comments about Complete C++ Training Course.

5 comments about C How to Program, 2nd Edition.

1. Sir(s), I am employed to Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited. About four or more years ago I was sent to their inhouse training school to do a one week course in C programming, I was at a loss, I learned nothing. A couple of months ago, my wife decided to do a computer course (C programming followed my visual basic 6 then java) she is now at the visual stage. When she began, I took out my old manual (from C&WJ training school) and surprizingly I was able to help her in the early stages, but then the tables were turned and I got jealous. I read and read and read until I began to understand. I realized that the manual I had was chock full of information but it is hard to understand without someone to explain. Thank you for helping me to understand. "C HOW TO PROGRAM" the second edition is now a part of my library and I feel very strongly that I have made a worthwhile purchase. I am now doing the exercises at the end of chapter three but it's a pity I do not have "someone" at hand to ask questions when I need to, by the way, writing the pseudocode is giving me a bit of a challenge, so I just go straight into writing the C programs. Imagine that, I am teaching myself. Any advice? P. S. I love C. Devon



2. The book is really easy to understand. It is straight forward and to the point. Most of all technical terminology is defined for the beginner.

   I especially appreciate the fact that the authors have mentioned that they have tried to present C in such a way to be the first computer language for beginners, despite in traditional terms, Pascal being taught as the first programming language because of it's known structured programming discipline.

   In my lower years of education, I have had experiences with QBasic and a little of Visual Basic. However, as a student, I would think that skipping Pascal is a plus since I tend to ask myself, "When am I ever going to use it in life..." Students tend to question the applicable use of something that is learned.
   These days, Pascal is seldom used as C++ predominantly takes the stage.

   In sum, learning C as a foundation and first language seems to be something that will pay off. This book also includes tips and points out common pitfalls such as common programming errors, good programming practices, performance tips, and software engineering observations, which are all really helpful. If you are new to programming, this book is a must.




3. I am an aerospace engineer learning some computational methods in fluid dynamics and I started to learn C programming with this book. I was a complete beginner and with the use of this book I can really say to have a fair knowledge of C programming.



4. This is the best book to learn C, step by step, very well written, easy to follow. It covers all C basics. Highly recommended.



5. This book goes over the basic concepts of C programming, and is ideal for the novice C programmer who wants to establish competence in writing C programs. The material is probably similar to what would be taught in a first or second university-level course in C programming.
   
   Topics covered in this book include program control, arrays, pointers, file I/O, strings, data structures, and other concepts. To top that off, it devotes several chapters to introductory C++ programming.
   
   Presentation of the material is done quite well. The text is easy to read, and contains a good number of examples and diagrams that foster understanding of the concepts as well as the syntax.
   
   Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those learning or refreshing their skills in the C programming language.

No comments about Dos and Windows Protected Mode: Programming with DOS Extenders in C (The Andrew Schulman Programming Series).