Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials [Paperback]

Cay S. Horstmann (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471164372 | ISBN-13: 978-0471164371 | Publication Date: August 6, 2002 | Edition: Third Edition

* Teaches the principles of programming to those who are just beginning in the field of computer science
* Horstmann highlights common mistakes throughout, realizing that one of the toughest points to teach is how to avoid mistakes
* New includes a new chapter on pointers, expanded GUI coverage, with platform-specific material on the Web

Wiley Higher Education

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This book focuses on the programming concepts of C++ Lite, a popular subset of the C++ language. Following the recently released ANSI/ISO standard, it features coverage of the two vital additions to C++ Lite, including the string class and vector template. Discussions of these computing concepts draw on modern techniques of C++ programming by using objects and graphics. And most examples are given in the form of complete, ready-to-run programs. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Time Is On Your Side

Whether you're a student or professor, time is really on your side with Horstmann's Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials, Second Edition. This highly accessible text introduces students to the concepts and principles of computing using a subject of C++. With its focus on problem solving, design of solutions and fundamentals of programming using ANSI standard C++, professors will quickly be able to show students how to apply these skills in developing exciting, working programs. Horstmann follows an "objects early/implement classes later" approach where students discover how to use objects early on, and later learn how to implement them. As they begin to understand these concepts, they're also develop good programming habits and a consistent style with the included programming style guide.

Special Features

• Object-oriented features covered include the discovery and design of classes, and the concept of inheritance.
• Students become familiar with objects, then move on to mastering fundamental programming concepts and finally tackle the implementation of classes.
• Throughout the text, students will learn tips, tricks and traps that they'll need to know to become good programmers.
• An optional compatibility library allows the use of ANSI features with most popular compilers.
• The programming code from the book can be downloaded at: http://www.wiley.com/college/horstmann.

  --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Third Edition edition (August 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471164372
• ISBN-13: 978-0471164371
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,045,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cay S. Horstmann is also coauthor of Core JavaServer Faces, Second Edition (Prentice Hall, 2007). Cay is a professor of computer science at San Jose State University, a Java Champion, and a frequent speaker at computer industry conferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Will teach conputing concepts..not C++, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

This is not the book to buy if you wish to learn C++. If Dave in Ohio read the preface, the author clearly states that "the purpose of the book is to teach computing concepts, not C++, which is just a tool toward that end." We are using this book in my Intro to Programming class and it has proved to be both well-written and useful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never Judge a book by it's cover, February 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials (Paperback)

I am currently in Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and forced to take a C++ course. I was nervous at first, but the cover of this book helped me a little. The cover is kind of cheasy, but the cover holds the best written programming book I have ever read. The ideas are simplified and analogies used wisely. The questions were even good enough for the teacher to give on the assignments! If you are learning C++, or want to refresh then this book is a MUST!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's alright..., January 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials (Paperback)

This is a very academic book. So beware.

We used it in our C++ course which followed along with fine. The teacher kept the pace going by doing his own created examples and lab assignments and towards the end the pace heated up a bit as we went on to OOP, which in the book is a bit weak, so you had to basically take full-on notes.

What the book does is basically set out the structures in C++ over a series of long explanations. I'd say it waffles on a lot but that's the nature of a lot of academic books regardless of subject.

It's better explained as a good read from cover to cover but not as a stop and go source of reference. If your angle is more "teach yourself" go for one of the wrox or o'reilly titles.

If you're completely new to programming there are easier languages to learn first. C++ is a bit of a sledgehammer because it is hardcore.