Recommend a book about C++

[GreenLantern]

My thesis work is taking me through some programming, I don't necessarily have to write a lot of code, but I do need to be able to read it properly and interpret what is happening.

This will require a good reference for C++. I need a book that can break it down for me but also serve as a great fall back when I am confused.

I flipped through the usual C++ Demystified and C++ for Dummies at the book store and I do not feel this type of book is what I need. It is great for a step by step walk through on how to do some light coding, but I am more looking for a textbook style format with great appendices.

Any suggestions?

[manwiches]

If there are engineering students on this forum, they would give good insight into this.

I'm 5 years removed from engineering, so the texts have changed, however I remember the text books that were used when I took programming 1 and 2 at U of C were well written.

If i can scrounge up my old textbook tonight (if i still have it), i will repost the text name. You can have it for that matter if I still have it. I have zero need for it. ever.

[BlackEleven]

The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup (creator of the C++ language) is pretty well the bible when it comes to C++.

It's a great as just a reference to C++ keywords, concepts, etc. Designing in C++ is another topic entirely, but it doesn't sound like need to worry too much about that.

[Wormius]

The MIT coursenotes may or may not be too elementary depending on where you are at with C++

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrica...lecture-notes/

[GreenLantern]

Ya this is all good stuff thanks a lot.

I don't need to be speed writing code or anything, just to be able to read it, or in most cases decode it with a great reference.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Ya this is all good stuff thanks a lot.

I don't need to be speed writing code or anything, just to be able to read it, or in most cases decode it with a great reference.

Depending on the DLLs they use and what not, probably the MSDN site would also be able to give you some insight into what certain functions do. I programmed in C++ once, for fun, but normally I stay within the realm of C.

[kermitology]

C++? Really? I'd focus more on OO development methods rather than focus on any one language.

I haven't used C++ in about 6 years.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by kermitology

C++? Really? I'd focus more on OO development methods rather than focus on any one language.

I haven't used C++ in about 6 years.

He isn't looking to learn to program.

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

My thesis work is taking me through some programming, I don't necessarily have to write a lot of code, but I do need to be able to read it properly and interpret what is happening.

This will require a good reference for C++. I need a book that can break it down for me but also serve as a great fall back when I am confused.

I flipped through the usual C++ Demystified and C++ for Dummies at the book store and I do not feel this type of book is what I need. It is great for a step by step walk through on how to do some light coding, but I am more looking for a textbook style format with great appendices.

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Ya this is all good stuff thanks a lot.

I don't need to be speed writing code or anything, just to be able to read it, or in most cases decode it with a great reference.

[Brotato]

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

He isn't looking to learn to program.

Yeah, which is why object oriented design would be far more useful for him. Anything beyond that, regardless of language, is differences of syntax. Object structure and design patterns are what he should understand, not the actual language.

[OldDutch]

C++ still gives me cold sweats at night, and I haven't done it since college. On a more relevant note, I would say the book BlackEleven suggested will work. I had that one back in the day (1999).

[kirant]

C++ for Everyone by Horstmann I believe was the book I used a few years ago. Basically is a crash course in basic C++ functions...worked pretty well for class. Plenty of examples.

[FlamesPuck12]

Originally Posted by BlackEleven

The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup (creator of the C++ language) is pretty well the bible when it comes to C++.

It's a great as just a reference to C++ keywords, concepts, etc. Designing in C++ is another topic entirely, but it doesn't sound like need to worry too much about that.

I wouldn't recommend that book for someone who's starting C++ programming. Especially for someone who's just interested in learning the syntax of the language.

That book is like one level above the language specifications and most of the information contained goes beyond the scope of a beginner.

Judging from his OP, I don't think he's interested in reading 1000+ pages on nitty gritty details of C++.

Instead of a book, I recommend some tutorials you can find online such as this one: http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

[TurnedTheCorner]

Oops too late

[BlackEleven]

Originally Posted by FlamesPuck12

I wouldn't recommend that book for someone who's starting C++ programming. Especially for someone who's just interested in learning the syntax of the language.

That book is like one level above the language specifications and most of the information contained goes beyond the scope of a beginner.

Judging from his OP, I don't think he's interested in reading 1000+ pages on nitty gritty details of C++.

Instead of a book, I recommend some tutorials you can find online such as this one: http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

He said he wanted a textbook for reference, and that's pretty well the textbook for C++. I was the required book for all my intro-level programming classes and I still keep a copy on my desk today for reference (I program in C++ for a living).