Customer Reviews

On to C++

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On To C++ is a very well written book. It describes every topic clearly and completely, and does not skip over anything. However, it is a little short, and it does not explain some non-C++ parts completely (it gives a VERY skimpy paragraph or so on reading data from files). Also, it does not give any recommendations or even basic instructions for buying and using compilers. On To C++ describes and explains C++ very well, but it is somewhat sketchy in describing certain areas related to programming.

Of the many C++ books available on the market, this one does a remarkable job in introducing a beginner to the language. Everything is clearly defined, with all possible scenerios that can arise when using a concept/function. A common problem with programming books is that the student is often left to learn syntax and concepts from the examples of code given, and the accompanying explainations are usually terrible. This is the only book I have seen that avoids that problem. The layout of the book is helpful as well- it is divided into a number of small chapters, so it can be used as a reference guide. All the chapters are followed by short summary of what is outlined in the chapter and templates for using whatever functions are introduced. Without a doubt this one of the best C++ books out there.

In my experience, On to C++ is by far the best introduction, and perhaps one of the best books in general, on C++. It is extremely well written and allows one to move from procedural programming to object oriented programming very quickly, especially if you are already familiar with C.

It is not comprehensive, and is not meant to be, but covers all of the basics of the language quite well. The use of essentially the same example throughout the book strengthens it as a tutorial, but weakens it somewhat as a reference text.

On To C++ by P.H. Winston is a great textbook for those who wish to learn C++ by themselves. It is a nice surprise to see a book which is very efficient in teaching C++ and OOP (Object Oriented Programming) in an intuitive manner that does not overload the reader's little brain.

On To C++ is easy enough for those who don't know any proramming language, yet it is not too slow for readers who already know other programming languages. Although it is not very big (about 300 pages), it brings the reader to a good starting position in C++ programming.

The book's design makes the book less good as a reference book, especially for those who learned C++ from other resources.

Due to its different approach to C++, it may not suit those who wish to use it in parallel to taking a course.

The book is not intended for mid level C++ programmers, as it does not cover many libraries and topics. The book uses simple unix C++ with only the basic standard C++ libraries.

After going through several C++ books, I switched back to Winston's 3/4" paperback from 1994. In brief, it is a very well written, concise, and clear book well suited for those that would like to learn C++ on their own. It is leaps and bounds better than any programming book I have ever owned. The idea of learning C++ by building a simple train car program may seem hokey, but it allows you to get a solid groundwork in which to build specific platform programming experience.

Pros: Very well written. Teaches you the concepts and building blocks, so that by the time you've gone through the book, you have a very good understanding of the language and its philosophy.

Cons: It is a touch outdated. The book was written before the ISO C++, so a few minor things have changed. With a decent compiler, and a few Google searches, you will have no problems.

When I learned C++, this is the book I started with, and have recommended it to students of C++ since then. It gives clear examples of how and why language constructs work, and using a running example throughout the book (building a train), it allows students to build on their knowledge as they cover the material. The only drawback: the book is slightly out of date at this point (it does not cover namespaces or C++ 3.0 features, or STL), but regardless is a fantastic book to learn from

SUMMARY: Excellent book! My highest recommendation if you need to get up and running with text-based C and you are starting from zero.

DISCUSION: This book separates itself from almost all others by sticking with teaching the reader how to write programs in C. Topics such as Windows programming, details about using specific products (Visual C++, C++ Builder, etc.), and historical anecdotes about the history of computing are left for others to cover. These subjects are indeed interesting, but the novice is easily overwhelmed by them (for me, the transition from Apple IIe line number based BASIC to structured, compiled programs was rough enough!). Winston's approach allows the programmer to begin solving problems quickly. Once the user is used to the language and has a few programs under his belt, he can think about tackling K & R, Schildt, Perry, etc.

On to C++ at the price of $19 is a still. this book is a good choices for thous with out the money for more expensive books for learn C++. even thou its a small book, only about 300 pages long. On to C++ has alots to offer for thous how are new to C++ and is not as overwhelming as some larger books may be for a beginer. Although On to C++ my not be for thous how won't a more comprehensive text on the subject, or thous looking for a book on a particular compiler, it deals mainly with the ANSI C++ convention, and dues a very good job.

I think this book is good for someone who has programmed in C and would like to gently move "on to C++". However, it has two shortcomings: 1) the author uses the same monotonous example of trains throughout the text. 2) there are quite a few concepts in C++ (e.g. copy constructors, operator overloading, streaming) that the author spends little or no time on. 3) the author's explanation of templates at the end of the book seemed somewhat confusing, and could have been

simplified.

On the positive side, I think it provides a good place to start for a programmer who needs a gentle introduction to C++ and knows some C.