C++ Primer Plus (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Stephen Prata (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0672322234 | ISBN-13: 978-0672322235 | Publication Date: December 15, 2001 | Edition: 4

The fourth edition presents the ANSI C++ standard beginning with a discussion of the essential elements of C++ programming: loops, expressions, functions, and classes. It walks readers through the basics of object-oriented programming: classes, inheritance, templates, and exceptions, as well as the latest object-oriented programming techniques. C++ Primer Plus contains hundreds of sample programs. The friendly tone, concise programs, and end-of-chapter review exercises allow beginners to write their own programs immediately.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is an update to a computer industry classic; over 100,000 copies sold in previous editions. The fourth edition presents the ANSI C++ standard beginning with a discussion of the essential elements of C++ programming: loops, expressions, functions, and classes. It walks readers through the basics of object-oriented programming: classes, inheritance, templates, and exceptions, as well as the latest object-oriented programming techniques.

The C++ Primer Plus, Fourth Edition contains hundreds of sample programs. The friendly tone, concise programs, and end-of-chapter review exercises allow beginners to write their own programs immediately.

From the Back Cover

The fourth edition presents the ANSI C++ standard beginning with a discussion of the essential elements of C++ programming: loops, expressions, functions, and classes. It walks readers through the basics of object-oriented programming: classes, inheritance, templates, and exceptions, as well as the latest object-oriented programming techniques. C++ Primer Plus contains hundreds of sample programs. The friendly tone, concise programs, and end-of-chapter review exercises allow beginners to write their own programs immediately.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 800 pages
• Publisher: Sams; 4 edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0672322234
• ISBN-13: 978-0672322235
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.6 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #765,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and Comprehensible, June 15, 2002

By 

Bob "bobsacamento" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: C++ Primer Plus (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I don't think I could have asked for a better C++ guide than Steven Prata's C++ Primer Plus. I started learning the language flat-footed, that is, I didn't even know C. I am now writing C++ professionally and 95% of everything I know about the language came from this book.

Prata is a master instructor. His examples for illustrating classes, inheritance, and language syntax are almost always clear and helpful, as are his practice problems. He is also a great technical writer. In these days when most software instruction books read like they are written by the computers they are supposed to help us deal with, "C++ Primer Plus" has a refreshingly human tone of voice.

Be warned, you won't find absolutely everything in this book. I would have added a few extra pages to include a couple of things in the STL that Prata decided to leave out. And, if you're like I was and don't know C, you will find that "C++ Primer Plus" will leave you missing out on a few very helpful features of C, like variable length argument lists and several I/O routines. Kernighan and Richie's "C" book is a much recommended supplement. But, given the size of C++, it was inevitable that something would have to go. Any other C++ book will have similar problems.

Eminently readable, largely comprenhensive, it's a great way to learn C++.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Learning Tool, February 9, 2002

By 

Rachel Blackman "Programmer, and Aspiring Author" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: C++ Primer Plus (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I learned C++ from the Second Edition of this book, back when I was in high school. I would go so far as to say it was the single most useful reference I had...the examples were clear and concise; while the book is not as detailed and will not take you to an expert level of C++ programming, it gives you a very solid grounding in Object Oriented concepts, and is an invaluable base to begin from. I've seen friends try to learn C++ from other books, and then look through my Second Edition of this and simply gush about how much easier to understand it is.

Concepts I learned in this book, I've used as a video game programmer (working with DirectX and C++ under Windows), and even as a Java programmer; the grounding in object-oriented design you get from this book is solid enough to carry to things other than C++ quite well.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough; it is NOT the only book you will want for learning C++, but it is definitely one of the first and most valuable!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated C++ Intro Book, January 5, 2003

By 

"homicidal_hog" - See all my reviews

This review is from: C++ Primer Plus (4th Edition) (Paperback)

Having bought a few of the books recommended for C++ rookies I would definitely say this is the best. The explanations are clearer and have more depth to them than the other books, there are revision questions at the end of each chapter and programming exercises too.

I really think this book is a real bargain provided you are prepared to work hard at learning the language. C++ is tough to learn but if you read ( and sometimes re read ! ) the material here, complete the questions and exercises, you will definitely finish the book as an intermediate C++ programmer.

The only criticism I have is that it would've been good to have example program listings/answers for the programming exercises that are set at the end of each chapter, so you could tell if you were approaching things correctly.

Overall this is an outstanding introductory programming book , and if you are a beginner and can afford only one book, make it this one.