Suggested C++ books?

Question

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The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List

Ok, I've had one semester of C++ and will be taking a second semester in it after I have taken a Data Structure class this fall. In the first class, we dealt mainly with C++ syntax and the textbook we used was ok, but now I'm wanting to go ahead and purchase a great C++ book that encompasses a lot of the programming concepts used today. I'm learning Objective-C on my own and was able to get through the whole object-oriented stuff pretty easily, along with other things like pointers, inheritance, delegation, etc. It doesn't have to exactly have EVERYTHING in it, but I do want to buy the book with the most information in it. Money is no problem. So my question is what book did you use or still use for C++? Is it a book that you can reference back to if you ever forget how to do something small, or would you have to go online and find the answer.

Answer 1

Not for programming concepts, but for a real understanding of the intricacies of C++ as a language and how to use it, er... effectively, I recommend Scott Meyers' Effective C++ and Effective STL. They will help you understand how to write good C++, not just average C++.

For the standard library, I often see Nicolai Josuttis' The C++ Standard Library recommended.

For a language reference (syntax, etc)., I find that Google is often as good as, if not better than, a book. It weighs less, too.

Answer 2

I would also suggest Thinking in C++ and the C++ FAQ. If you can find it, Jamsays' C/C++/C# Programmer's Bible covers lots of ground.

Answer 3

• The C++ Programming Language, 3rd ed. - Bjarne Stroustrup
• Modern C++ Design - Andrei Alexandrescu
• Effective C++, More Effective C++, and Effective STL - Scott Meyers
• ISO Standards

Answer 4

Thee C++ Black Book is the perfect book for the level you are at. Easy to read descriptions and cook booking exercises that will take you to the next level of coding.

Answer 5

At my university this book was recommended:

W. Savitch, Absolute C++, Addison-Wesley, fourth edition

I can not personally vouch for it, I have used a dutch book, but I've heard very positive reviews from my peers.

Answer 6

This is a bit dated and has kind of an oddball format but JAMSA's 1001 C/C++ Tips really filled in quite a few practical gaps.

It it more like a reference manual of mini-how-tos....

Answer 7

Stroustrup latest book on C++ (Programming – Principles and Practice using C++) is a really great book if you want to learn modern C++, or as Bjarne puts it not your father’s C++ (unless your name is Stroustrup).

Often overlooked topics (in C++ beginner books) are introduced. I’m talking about topics like regular expression, writing a simple grammar/parser, data structure, GUI, templates, embedded system programming...

A real gem.

Answer 8

C++: How To Program, 5/E, is a college level textbook. It includes several common algorithms, and has nice overviews of std::string and std::vector. It also goes over several common data structures, such as lists and trees (so it will be helpful for your Data Structures class).

It relies heavily on the STL, which for a serious person is a plus, but might be bad for you if you are very self reliant.

C++ Without Fear is another good book, but more a DIY type book. It shows you how to build an extremely basic String class using char* and goes through an entire Fraction class.

Answer 9

Lippman etc.'s C++ Primer is a good choice, as is Koenig & Moo's Accelerated C++.

I recommend checking out the ACCU Book reviews site and searching for C++--their reviews are quite insightful and you'll get the list ranked from "highly recommended" on down.

Good luck with C++!

Answer 10

Deitel & Deitel...

it teaches like you dont know anything before... :)

Answer 11

For comprehensive reference, I suggest going to [cplusplus.com][1] and [cppreference.com][2]

But if you want a book to look up, I suggest C++ Primer.

And as their name suggests, Effective C++, More Effective C++, and Effective STL helps you to write effective and efficient C++ programs.

Answer 12

I'd second the vote for Stroustrup latest book. Reviewed at: book review

Answer 13

Start with C++ Primer Plus from Stephen Prata.