Ivor Horton's Beginning ANSI C++: The Complete Language (Expert's Voice) [Paperback]

Ivor Horton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Expert's Voice | Publication Date: January 8, 2004

Ivor Horton’s Beginning ANSI C++: The Complete Language, Third Edition, is a comprehensive ground-up tutorial on the complete ANSI C++ language. No prior knowledge of any particular programming language is assumed and only an appreciation of elementary programming concepts - branching looping and the basic notions of how programs work - is required to use the book. All language elements are demonstrated with complete working code examples and exercises are included at the end of each chapter.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ivor Horton's Beginning C++ provides a thorough and exceptionally well-written introduction to the world of C++. This guide pays the same attention to detail as Horton's previous book, Beginning Java, and it provides clear and illustrative examples, making it an excellent candidate for your programming bookshelf.

Even working C++ programmers may not be familiar with all the advanced features of the Standard C++. The approach throughout Beginning C++ is to cover what C++ does out of the box. (One good reason to consider C++ instead of Java, for example, is that C++ is very close to becoming an international standard, while Java continues to fragment amid proprietary disputes between vendors such as Sun Microsystems and Microsoft.) Even early chapters introduce Standard Library features along with basic C++ data types, keywords, operators, and flow control statements. The built-in C++ string class gets full coverage, all before the book introduces the concepts of pointers. (It's significant that the new C++ can do a lot more than manipulate data through pointers. The author makes a strong case that these built-in strengths are what will let C++ compete against Java.)

Later chapters explore topics in class design, which lets you design custom effective classes in C++. Thorny issues in class design, such as inheritance, virtual methods, and the proper use of default and copy constructors, as well as the pitfalls and advantages of operator overloading, are all presented in remarkably clear detail.

Classes in the C++ Standard Template Library are given their due. In all, Beginning C++ provides a massive amount of material, but presents it in digestible increments. The authors do a fine job of presenting the basics before going on to more advanced topics. This can be used as a stand-alone text to getting the most out of the C++ language. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

No knowledge of other programming languages is assumed, although exposure to some form of programming an advantage. Ivor teaches C++ as a first step to real programming, and helps a novice become a competent programmer. The explanations are thorough and leave no gray areas. This also makes the book useful for people with limited programming experience in another language who want a thorough grounding in C++. This book is not specific to any compiler or computer, making it a valuable learning tool regardless of whether you are using an old 486 with DOS, or the latest Sun SparcStation. It is an easy-going tutorial, based on a proven formula of step-by-step examples, friendly explanations and exercises --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1120 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 3rd edition (January 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590592271
• ISBN-13: 978-1590592274
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > C > Language
  • #34 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > C > Tutorials

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but needs a revision, November 16, 1999

By 

Bob Smith - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ivor Horton's Beginning C++ : The Complete Language ANSI/ISO Compliant (Wrox Beginning Series) (Paperback)

Horton's explanation of C++ is the clearest and most throrough I've ever read. He really makes object-oriented programming seem almost intuitive where other authors only muddle it. He's excellent at anticipating exactly what questions the reader is going to have as he's reading, and giving the details that answer them. However, I would recommend doing a little bit of a good introductory C book first. While the book purports to be for complete beginners, it may be a little harsh at first if you've never programmed before.

Also, the last chapter, on the STL, is awful. For some reason, Horton decided to let somebody else write it, and no offense to that person, but the clear explanatory style you've grown to expect in the first 19 chapters suddenly disappears and the concepts become very difficult to grasp. The "How it works" sections in this last chapter leave you more confused than you were before you read them, and I don't even think the chapter gives you enough information to be able to do the exercises at the end. I wish Horton would rewrite it himself.

All in all, though, it's an excellent book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really like it, May 23, 2000

By 

R. Krause (Tempe, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ivor Horton's Beginning C++ : The Complete Language ANSI/ISO Compliant (Wrox Beginning Series) (Paperback)

If this book had come out 4 years ago, I wouldn't have stopped programming in C++. I took programming in high school but the books we used were so boring and stale, I hated programming.

Now I pick up this book, wow, this book makes programming fun! The book is clear and has lots of examples and he fully explains every line in the examples too. He gives you a few projects to do at the end of each chapter which are interesting and fun to do.

Since I used to program in C++, I can honestly say if someone asked me what a good book would be to buy to start programming I would recommend this one. It starts from the beginning and works upward at a good pace.

My C++ knowledge had obviously rusted completely over after four years, however this book very quickly brought it back into focus. This book hands down is awesome.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is REALLY where to start!, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ivor Horton's Beginning C++ : The Complete Language ANSI/ISO Compliant (Wrox Beginning Series) (Paperback)

Anyone reading these reviews is obviously just getting started in C++, and if you're like I was 6 months ago, you're probably confused by all the "starter" books out there. Don't waste your time! Buy this book (and only this one until you get your feet wet) -- you will not be disappointed. The format/layout and efficiency of each chapter will keep you well focused and keep you from yanking your hair out. I needed a crash course in C++ and of course, it just couldn't be done (21 Days? Don't even think about it!) -- other books got me nowhere, but Ivor's book allowed me to spring into an Advanced C++ course with no prior training and keep my head above the water. Keep in mind the new ANSI/ISO standard, which Ivor covers in great detail. Do yourself a favor and minimize the headaches...start here!