C++ How to Program (3rd Edition)

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Summary: C++ How to Program Third Edition
Review: I find unfortunate that this book has recieved poor ratings at all. Many people seem to simply not be used to the deitels' style, which does not lend itself to new programmers. Granted, this book, like the other Deitel books say they are for beginners, this book is not easy. On the other hand, I have never found a better book for using as a referance manual for an intermediate to advanced pregrammer. Deitels' examples of code are very good at expoiting features of the language many authors do not touch, and they have a very omplete referance to features. I also never found an inadiquite explnation of anything or had difficulty finding that explination. Though this book si written in a way that best lends itself to a reference manual, it can still teach the diligent student.

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Summary: Typical Fresh/Soph Textbook
Review: This book is an example of the typical fresh/soph university textbook written in a convoluted style where many of the key points are hidden. Like many (if not most) fresh/soph textbooks, the authors expect the reader to search out the key points in other places. At first glance the book seems to have many programming examples, but closer examination of these examples reveals that many of the main points of C++ programming are skipped. This is definitely NOT a self-help text for beginners. Any new student to C++ will have to refer to other sources of information to obtain the details of C++ programming. On the other hand, if one is familiar with C or C++ programming, this text does provide an excellent review. I have the 3rd edition of this text (class requirement) and the authors have written a 4th edition. Who knows if the 4th edition is any better! As for me, texts by other authors (Waite Group, for example) offer better instruction and transfer more understanding of C++ programming. Strongly recommend students new to C++ avoid this textbook.

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Summary: Save your money, look for another book.
Review: I am a contract technical education/continuing education C++ instructor at Dalhousie University in Halifax Canada. I have been using your "C++ How to Program" book as my course text for several years now, simply because it is the best, most up to date basic C++ text that I have ever been able to find!
For most students, it covers enough about this complex topic to get them productive, quickly. I use it myself, along with more advanced books, such as Stroustrup and Alexandrescu, as an excellent reference text.