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Subject: Re: (OT) Books on C++

Author: Gareth McCaughan

Date: 12:49:55 06/27/00

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On June 27, 2000 at 01:49:14, pavel wrote:

>Hi guys,
>         I just bought a book from my local book store on C++ programing it's
>called "Teach yourself C++" by AL Stevens. Its for the begginers and
>intermidiate users. It teaches c++ programing assuming that the reader has no
>past experience on any c or c++ programing its printed and published by the IDG
>books. Now my question is, do I have a better option? Is there a better book
>than this one?

  * C++ is a big, hairy language. You will not get good at it quickly,
    even if you're already a good C programmer and understand OO well.
    Therefore, avoid anything that purports to teach you C++ in 17 minutes
    or 23 days or whatever.

  * Avoid Stroustrup's "The C++ programming language". It's poorly
    written and hard to find things in. When you've got to grips with
    the language, it might be a helpful reference, but it won't help
    you learn.

  * Someone recommended the FAQ. If this is Morris Cline's thing, then
    I second the recommendation. There's a book (called "C++ FAQs" or
    something of the sort) which contains the same stuff and more.
    The on-line version of the FAQ is at
    http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/


  * Scott Meyers's books ("Effective C++", "More Effective C++") are
    pretty good. You won't learn the language from them, but the first
    especially would be a good companion for a teach-yourself-ish
    book. I've heard good things about the CD edition of the books
    (it includes the text of both books and some other stuff).

  * C++ has changed quite a lot over the last few years. Some books,
    and some implementations, haven't caught up.

  * Run away from *anything* written by Herbert Schildt, unless his
    C++ books are much less awful than his C books.

None of this is exactly a recommendation of the form "Here's the book
you must read". Sorry.

--
g



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