Learning C++: A Hands-On Approach

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Summary: Learning C++
Review: 1. This book does not teach you C. You should be knowing C in order to study this. 2. Essentially, this book explains the C++ concepts and coding syntax, and this it does very well. 3. The author takes up an idea, presents it clearly, both in words and with examples (very simple example, at that). 4. It is not pedantic; the ideas are presented crisply. 5. If you know C and want to learn C++ QUICKLY, then go for this book.

Rating:
Summary: Learning C++
Review: I must say I strongly disagree with the other readers, this book is a waste of money. It does assume knowledge of C which is fine (I think anyone trying to learn C++ without prior knowledge and experience in C is in for a difficult journey) and the book generally does an okay job of explaining the differences between C and C++ but after chapter 4 it goes downhill quite fast. For starters it possibly has THE WORST INDEX I'VE EVER SEEN IN A TECHNICAL BOOK. For a technical book I consider the index to be the second most important feature aside from the actual content. Let's say for example I want to find information on the setf() member function. Good luck because it's not in there (it's in the book it's just impossible to find). This book has LOTS of code examples which wood be wonderful if the author could actually write an example of code without always using his favorite /* other details omitted */ comment. You can piece together the omitted details if you don't mind constantly flipping between pages. I however prefer to see a complete idea presented and executed. If you want a good C++ book that has in depth examples and teaches good coding practices get C++ How to Program from Deitel and Deitel. This book is fantastic for learning and for reference. In addition it covers BOTH C and C++.

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Summary: Get it the first time because he won't tell you again
Review: My college uses this book to teach object oriented programming, so I've been elbow deep in it quite a few times. It's not bad, but it's very concise.

It's not a bad book, but Nagler only tells you something once, and if you don't understand it, you're out of luck. And usually, what you miss is something you need to understand the rest of the chapter. Also, it seems like a lot of important subjects aren't covered in depth, and some subjects are covered more than they really need to be.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn c++ unless they're already familiar with the language. If they weren't familiar, I'd suggest adding another book as a reference, since the index in this one isn't that great, and some of the most important parts of the book are only a paragraph or two long.

Rating:
Summary: Get it the first time because he won't tell you again
Review: My college uses this book to teach object oriented programming, so I've been elbow deep in it quite a few times. It's not bad, but it's very concise.

It's not a bad book, but Nagler only tells you something once, and if you don't understand it, you're out of luck. And usually, what you miss is something you need to understand the rest of the chapter. Also, it seems like a lot of important subjects aren't covered in depth, and some subjects are covered more than they really need to be.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn c++ unless they're already familiar with the language. If they weren't familiar, I'd suggest adding another book as a reference, since the index in this one isn't that great, and some of the most important parts of the book are only a paragraph or two long.

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Summary: C++ for C programmers
Review: This book is great for intermediate to advanced C programmers who want to learn C++. I'm in my second year of computer science coursework and have taken 3 quarters of C programming, 1 quarter of assembly, and a data structures class and am using this book in my C++ for C programmers class. The first 5 chapters led me through the differences in using C++ to program procedurally vs. using C. The next chapter introduces objects and does an excellent job of transitioning from procedural thinking to objective thinking in addition to teaching the syntax. The book pretty much continues on this path, shedding more light on why the differences between C and C++ exist and how to use C++ to objectify problems and write solid classes.

If you already know an object oriented language and are looking for a C++ reference manual, don't buy this book. If you know procedural programming, preferably C, and want to learn Object Oriented programming, BUY THIS BOOK.

Rating:
Summary: C++ for C programmers
Review: This book is great for intermediate to advanced C programmers who want to learn C++. I'm in my second year of computer science coursework and have taken 3 quarters of C programming, 1 quarter of assembly, and a data structures class and am using this book in my C++ for C programmers class. The first 5 chapters led me through the differences in using C++ to program procedurally vs. using C. The next chapter introduces objects and does an excellent job of transitioning from procedural thinking to objective thinking in addition to teaching the syntax. The book pretty much continues on this path, shedding more light on why the differences between C and C++ exist and how to use C++ to objectify problems and write solid classes.

If you already know an object oriented language and are looking for a C++ reference manual, don't buy this book. If you know procedural programming, preferably C, and want to learn Object Oriented programming, BUY THIS BOOK.

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Summary: Good source to sharpen your C++ skills
Review: This is really a very good treatise on C++. You would find no extravagance in text. The author uses concise but focussed examples to clarify the concepts being discussed. If you already know C++, but could be out of touch for some time, this book does a superb job in bringing you at par with your earlier skills. It, aptly, doesnot harp on stuff that are usual, and waste your time and pages. Even if you are new to C++, but have a background in C, this book can teach you C++ in a week, that can earn you a place amongst C++ literates. You learn the fine points of C++ here. I am waiting for its next edition, where the author would discuss about the new features added to the language. Is the author listening?