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Rating: 
Summary: Still (2004) one of the best introductions to C++
Review: I've been using this book since 1992, and I have yet to find a book that covers so much so precisely and so concisely (about 450 pages). For mature C programmers who want to get into C++, this is the perfect introduction, if there is ever one. If you don't know C, or if you are a novice C programmer, this is _not_ for you. It is clear, to the point and presents code that clearly highlights the concepts. Chapter 6 alone is worth the price of the book. Example: What are the three situations under which the memberwise initialization function is created [by the compiler] and called? If you have read one of those "thick" intro books and don't know the answer, you'll appreciate the clarity and directness of this book. The authors clearly explain why things work the way they do. They also separate what is fact from what is their preference. The production values are high; code in easy to spot boldface, and all white space is there. Within the confines of its target and the page limit, it is a superb book. To master C++ [and its STL], you'll need several books, a lot of studying and a lot of time. But, this one will put you on the right track.Chapters:
1. Introduction to C++
2. Non Object-Oriented Extensions to C++
3. Overview of Data Abstraction and Object-Oriented Features
4. Fundamental Concepts and Building Blocks
5. Classes and Abstract Data Types
6. Constructors and Destructors
7. Friend Functions and Operator Overloading
8. References
9. Inheritance and Virtual Functions
10. Conversions
11. Input and Output - iostream Library
12. File and In-Core I/O
13. Manipulators
14. Formatted Stream I/O
15. Porting C Applications to C++
Appendix A: Program Sizeof
Appendix B: Program to determine implicit conversions
Appendix C: iostream Library Synopsis
Index
Rating: 
Summary: not good
Review: This book is really pretty bad. The index is TERRIBLE. Buy the Lippman book.
Rating: 
Summary: A clear and concise intermediate to higher level text.
Review: This is an excellent book, and it's sad that it hasn't been updated with a second edition. I certainly expected to find one by now, as I've had my copy for several years. As an 'old timer' C programmer looking for a conversion course I found the book to be written at just the right level. When C is brought into the picture it is to compare and contrast, and not as ab initio text. So the book is not at all suitable for beginners, or for those who do not have hands-on experience with C. In fact it is exactly what it says it is in the title, and a refreshing change from some lesser texts that promise more. I particularly like the way this book explains the underlying mechanisms of C++, but in a machine independent way. I've had no problems using the examples with Borland C++ Builder (in a command line environment), and found the best way to learn C++ was to modify, and play with, the extensive code examples. There are a few typos, but these are fairly obvious and don't detract too much. Contrary to other reports I've found the index to be quite adequate, and I have used it (and continue to use it) extensively. Because of the typos and the failure to update I'd like to give it 4.5 stars, but will have to settle for a good 4. As to whether the book is good value for money: Well admittedly it is not as thick as some tomes, but there is little padding, and almost every page has been useful at some point. My copy cost the equivalent of about $40 in England, and that was $40 well spent!
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