C++ Interactive Course: Fast Mastery of C++ [Paperback]

Robert Lafore (Author)

Book Description

Series: Interactive Course | Publication Date: September 1, 1996

Aimed at beginning programmers who not only want to learn C++, but who want to take advantage of the interactivity the Web makes possible. The book stands alone as an OOP tutorial, but also offers Web-based components which provide an online mentor, an Internet mailing list, and online exams. This work covers object-oriented programming in C++ from the ground up, assuming no prior knowledge of C or any other specific language. It is divided into 96 "bite-sized" lessons, each devoted to a single topic. Objects and classes are covered from the first chapter. New features of C++, including the Standard Template Library", are covered.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This course teaches object-oriented programming in C++ from the ground-up, using a completely interactive approach. Readers learn everything they need to write full-featured C++ programs at their own pace. - Online "Mentor" available to answer the reader's specific C++ questions

- Online testing offers immediate feedback on the reader's progress. A personalized Certificate of Achievement may be downloaded after successfully completing tests

- Internet Mailing List, created specifically for this book, allows readers to interact with other students

Product Details

• Paperback: 944 pages
• Publisher: Waite Group Pr (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571690638
• ISBN-13: 978-1571690630
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #669,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > C > Tutorials

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Intro to C++, September 18, 2000

By 

A. Scudiero (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: C++ Interactive Course: Fast Mastery of C++ (Paperback)

I learned C++ from one of Robert Lafore's earlier books and I must say that this tops even that book. I've read about 5 books on the C++ language now and I've skimmed through about 20 more. This book is by far and away my favorite. First of all, he introduces objects in chapter 1, and you are writing object code from day 1. Many other books teach objects as an afterthought and teach nothing about thinking and coding in OOP. This book makes the user think in OOP, and the examples lend themselves well to the paradigm to get the reader thinking on the right track.

The Discussions are lame and should just be dropped. The little quizes at the end of each section are priceless, very well written. The exercises are fun, and easy yet give you a bit of experience in syntax issues.

I taught an informal C++ programming class from this book and all of the students liked the book a lot. The last 3 chapters are rather technical and offer a nice introduction to the highly advanced features of C++, though the STL is covered as lightly as possible.

Of all the C++ books that I own, whenever I have to write code this is the one I carry with me as a reference. This is a GREAT place to start C++, and I recommend it highly.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious minded learning for C++, February 26, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Tulsa, Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: C++ Interactive Course: Fast Mastery of C++ (Paperback)

C++ Interactive is a gem among programming books. I am a self taught programmer turning professional and do a great deal of my own learning straight out of texts. When a book is as well written as Robert Lafore's is, keep an eye out for furter titles from this author. The course does not waist your time teaching procedural language applications of C++ and then somewhere in the middle begin intoducing OOP, rather from the first programming example on, Lafore uses OOP to teach C++. The examples are well written and well documented. The practice exams at the end of every section helped me focus a great deal. The programming exercises are a wonderful tool to firm up the new insights you have gained. My critical side would note that there are a few small, and I do mean very small, drawbacks to this text. The interactive sight no longer exsists, though when I used it, when it existed, the site was of limited help. The quizes at the end of every section occasionaly have incorrect answers posted in the appendix, and a VERY few of the programming excersizes you will have difficulty in coding if you are useing Visual C++. Be sure to take a look at the apendix D. Some of the info there is useful though created with VC++5.0 in mind. Overall, I have already recommended this book to several people and will continue to do so. It is well worth the money. :-)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great but Beware..., January 13, 2000

By 

Jim (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: C++ Interactive Course: Fast Mastery of C++ (Paperback)

The absolute BEST book for learning C++! But take note: This book no longer has an interactive (Distance Learning) course, i.e. the internet site has been eliminated (EZONE - Marquette press). Wrote and asked why; Sam's replied that this book was no longer in print - and EZONE has been eliminated (01/13/00). Therefore, there is no custimized instruction, interactive testing, or certification. Still, the fact remains: Lafore is one of if not the greatest authors for C++. I wish he'd also write a book on Visual C++...