C++ is a powerful, highly flexible, and adaptable programming language that allows software engineers to organize and process information quickly and effectively. But this high-level language is relatively difficult to master, even if you already know the C programming language. The 2nd edition of Practical C++ Programming is a complete introduction to the C++ language for programmers who are learning C++. Reflecting the latest changes to the C++ standard, this 2nd edition takes a useful down-to-earth approach, placing a strong emphasis on how to design clean, elegant code. In short, to-the-point chapters, all aspects of programming are covered including style, software engineering, programming design, object-oriented design, and debugging. It also covers common mistakes and how to find (and avoid) them. End of chapter exercises help you ensure you've mastered the material. Practical C++ Programming thoroughly covers:

• C++ Syntax

• Coding standards and style

• Creation and use of object classes

• Templates

• Debugging and optimization

• Use of the C++ preprocessor

• File input/output

Steve Oualline's clear, easy-going writing style and hands-on approach to learning make Practical C++ Programming a nearly painless way to master this complex but powerful programming language.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 16 Ratings

the best C++ book I have read - 2005-01-29
Reviewer Rating:
This is the first time I am actually writing a review for a book, coz I find this book the best I have ever read for C++ programming. It serves great for sophomore level C++ programming class at my univ. and otherwise as a great book to have on your reference shelf too. It starts with an intro to setting up your programming enivroment in .NET and Borland enviroment. After that it delves into programming styles and techniques in general and then goes C++ fulltime. The chapters about pointers,advanced pointers and the debugging/optimisation are some of the best readings I have ever done on the respective topics. Throughout the book the material stays relevant to the title of the book and thus is a great reading for anyone who is making transition from java to c++ or from a beginner C++ programmer to advanced level. The book is great reading for strengthening C++ concepts. If you look through the contents of the book you might notice the only thing that the book lacks is a chapter on data structures. However dont let that fool you. You will be in a better position to perform pointer manipulation on your linked lists and trees after reading advanced pointers chapter in this book, than any other book that just has the code for the entire implementation printed. Besides the book is about letting you loose to do it yourself (rather than hand feeding you) which I believe is what programming books are about.The book has something about almost everything in C++ and lot more like using the gnu debugger .Highly recommended for anyone who wants to have a strong conceptual knowledge of C++.

If you're looking for a book from which to learn C++, keep looking. - 2007-01-22
Reviewer Rating:
This is not the one. The book is just swarming with typos and programming errors. But don't take my for it, just check out O'Reilly's errata page. The most astonishing thing is that they accidentally omitted an entire chapter. Even after I painstakingly marked every correction in the errata list, I was finding more errors constantly. The other major fault is that it is just too full of ideology, which has its place of course, but he's gone way overboard with it in a book that should be primarily about the language. If you happen to find a copy in the trash, you might give it a skim, but otherwise, I'd avoid it.

Are you learning c++? - 2007-02-15
Reviewer Rating:
Stay. Away. From. This. Book.

This book covers a great deal very quickly, and does so in an easy-to-understand way. Unfortunately, it is riddled with novice programming mistakes, has a poor and unmaintainable programming style, and displays many of the things that are widely considered to be "worst practise" in C++ programming. The coverage of the STL is poor and its proper use is not encouraged as it should be. I'm glad I never had the misfortune of ever having bought it. There are many, many other books that cover C++, and nearly all of them cover it better.

If you're looking for a good book to learn C++, buy anything but this one. It is by far the worst O'Reilly book ever released, and I'm amazed that such poor code quality was ever approved by the editorial staff.

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS - 2009-03-06
Reviewer Rating:
I worked with C nearly 20 years ago and never, ever since. Hence, I consider myself a C++ beginner.
I purchased this book before reading its reviews on Amazon.com and on the Editor web site. Then, I became very suspicious after having red the negative ones.
If you are beginner on C++ do not be biased by those negative reviews! Those may apply for intermediate C++ programmers and for advanced programmers in any language.
As beginner I can say in this book I found answers to any question that popped up while practicing. It is very exhaustive and comprehensive.
Perhaps a bit on the simplistic side when introducing concepts. But greatly detailed when developing them.

I strongly appreciate the detailed content this book provides. Additionally, all code in the book is available on the Editor web site and the autor maintains his own, public web site for advanced topics on C++.

Again: a great book for beginners.

comprehensive, thorough, well set up. - 2008-02-01
Reviewer Rating:
It's very difficult to write a good and clear computerbook, that's proven over and over again when I order books about the various subjects. Enter O'reilly and enter this book. It's follows a clear, logical path. Since programming is all about doing it and experiencing it on your own the many exercises (without them being worked out at the back) help tremendously. The author knows his subject and can translate this very well into easy to read, and lively chapters that are not boring in the least. For everyone that wants to learn C++. Also a note that the buildup of the book is such, that the very beginner can start with this, but also experiences C-programmers of C++ programmers can find this excellent (directions are given at which chapter to start for them). Excellent and truly deserves 5 stars.

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