Customer Reviews

C++ Programming Language, The (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(108)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Bjarne Stroustrup's THE C++ PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE is ideal for those potential buyers who already know 75% of what is written in the book. But please note that this is not necessarily a put-down or a bad thing. This book is reference material for people who are already familiar with the concepts and syntax of C++. If you're looking to learn C++ from scratch, then run far and run quickly away from this book. On the other hand, if you're an experienced coder who's looking to remember specific details, or an intermediate who's looking for some nitty-gritty information, then this is a highly recommended reference book.

The writing is meticulous and often obscure. But Stroustrup packs in a lot of detail into every page. The example code is short and to the point. He assumes that if you don't get what he's talking about the first time, then further examples aren't going to help; and most of the time this assumption is justified, as his terse code manages to convey everything that it needs to.

You really do need to have experience with C++ to understand a lot of his examples though, as often he will casually mention a concept or function that he won't get around to defining for another few hundred pages. After all, most of the features in C++ interact heavily with other functions, so it's not really possible to explain some things without explaining their relationships (even if they are relating to things that the text has not yet brought up). But, as I said, this is reference material, and such conventions are allowable and, at times, encouraged. I am much happier with a book like this that gives me all of the detail necessary than an introductory book that would only offer simplistic explanations in the beginning while holding out for the details towards the end.

The book covers virtually every major aspect of the C++ programming language. While everything is richly explained, I find the sections on the standard containers and their iterators to be particularly enlightening. There is a lot of overlap inherent in these concepts, but each individual portion is clearly and unambiguously explained. The sections on pointers, classes, and inheritance are similarly helpful. But, to be honest, there is no reason for me to list everything that the book explains, because it literally contains everything; if it's not in the book, then in all likelihood it's not in the language either.

THE C++ PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE is a dense book and is packed to the gills with invaluable information and a fair bit of insight. As the inventor of the C++ language itself, Stroustrup is the closest person to the actual syntax, and short of reading the ISO spec, you simply won't find a more comprehensive tome on the subject. Remember, if you're a beginner, stay away. If you're experienced or you plan on being so, then you need to own this book today.

This book is inappropriate for a person who is new to programming. It is even more inappropriate for a quick-and-easy programmer who wants to learn practical skills as quickly as possible but lacks the interest and desire to achieve a high level of skill.

Bookshelves are overflowing with books for these two types of people. Instead of adding another title to that flood, Bjarne Stroustrup delivers a well-written, well-structured book that helps in a challenging area where good resources like this one are needed.

To those who dislike the writing style, I say "sorry, find another book." If you find the sentences hard to read, it is because they are written at a level of clarity and precision required by the concepts. If you find the concepts hard to understand, it is because they are presented with an insightfulness and thoroughness required by the academic/technical audience it is written for. This is neither your fault nor the author's: the book just wasn't written for you.

When I was learning C++, I also found this book difficult and challenging, but with effort I was able to read and understand it. The more I know, the more useful the book is to me, and the happier I am that I put in that effort. In a sense it is a complete reference not only to the language but also to the design paradigm(s) that inspired the language.

The concepts of OOP / generic programming aren't too bad at the surface level. But try and understand them enough to use them to construct complicated systems well, and they are genuinely hard. Every time I struggled with some aspect of the book, I realized once I understood it that Stroustrup had presented it in the best way possible. That's the best part of this book: you can trust that the author is guiding you from a position of knowledge and experience. But what else should we expect from the creator of C++? We are implicitly trusting him anyway by using his language.

From my years of C++, this is definitely the one of the best reference books available. This book cover all the aspects of C++, one of the most complicated programming language, with a nice detail of everything, including STL.

However, this book is NOT a language/programming tutorial. To read this book, you might need tons of C++ & OOP knowledges, even if you are an ace C programmer. If you are a novice, please read any "good" primer book before coming to this one, or you will get lost easily.

If you are a C++ programmer, you can't get anything better than this! This is a MUST, and should be on all C++ programmers' shelf!

I've been reading and dabbling with C++ for several years now. I would consider myself an experienced newbie. After a long break, I decided to finish what I had started and purchased The C++ Programming Language 3rd Ed. I must say that I have learned a great deal from this book, but I've also been quite frustrated. I have had to read and re-read several topics and still was left without a complete understanding of the subject matter. I have been unable to complete several of the exercises. However, I don't reqret buying the book. I don't know if I'll ever find more complete coverage of C++ in any other text. I must say the book is not a how-to and more suited for experienced programmers who want to master the language. The examples are very short and leave much to your imagination. But in any event, I will keep this book near as it contains very detailed information that spans practically every aspect of C++.

The fact that Stroustrup's C++ is arguably the most comprehensive C++ book out there, does not hide the fact that it is one of the most longwinded, opinionated, and overrated academic books ever written. I like C++, have been using it for years, and have referred to Stroustrup a lot. Usually I find what I am looking for, but at the expense of having to go through a lot of cross-references and self-important speeches ("I did this and I thought of that").

Compare this with K&R C, where you'll find what you're looking for in little or no time, and which probably never uses the pronoun "I" (or even "We" unless including the reader). Brevity and humility are underrated and underappreciated.

In my opinion, Stroustrup would have been 4-5 times better if it was 4-5 times shorter, and it would have lost none of its comprehensiveness in the bargain.

I bought this book shortly after picking up the Waite Group's C++ Primer Plus. I have a Computer Science minor, but primarily programmed in Pascal before deciding to learn C++. The book is not at all easy to read as mentioned in previous reviews but the amount of information combined with the author's (obvious) understanding of how best to use many features of the language makes the reading worth it. DO NOT buy this book and expect it to be a Primer or a tutorial for a beginner. If you do, then you have no business writing a bad review about it because this was not the intent of the book.

As mentioned, the writing style is disorganized and I haven't even tried to read it 'cover to cover'. Usually what happens is I use the Waite guide to get my feet wet on a concept, jump to Eckel's "Thinking in C++" for a more in depth explanation and finally open up Stroustrup's book for the 'final word' on how and why to use the concept.

Finally, the last 3 chapters of the book are worth the price alone. Sure, not all of the discussion will have personal relevance when he talks about software projects and the pitfalls, but there is a lot of a good advice and points to ponder. Design is the hardest part of the programming process (or at least the most important) and it's nice to see a book that treats the subject with both authority and respect.

You are a C++ programmer - you own this book. If you don't, buy it, buy it right now. This is the reference work on C++, written by the original creator of the language himself: Bjarne Stroustrup. Although this isn't a book for beginners the text is very readable and concise. I particularly liked the code examples he gives, because they are not of your usual 'hello world' text book quality, but rather examples taken from the real world. He also doesn't commit the crime of many authors of presenting code with remarks like this: "this is not the way you should do it, you'll learn the correct way later". Bjarne isn't the die-hard, everything must be object oriented type of guy (that is a good thing!), thus presenting the more traditional style of procedural programming first. While still taking advantage of the OO facilities of C++, like stream IO for example, he doesn't overwhelm you with the responsibility of designing proper classes from page one. In the more philosophical chapters about design and 'the importance of the individual' the author demonstrates a very rational, non-preaching point of view backed up with lots of real world experience.
No compromises, this book is a must have.

This reference book is from the creator of C++, so it is about as authoritative as it can get. It is also fairly comprehensive--probably the best single source of authoritative C++ information. It is also, unfortunately, difficult for people with little or no C++ knowledge to use, especially as a tutorial. Because although it attempts to be also a tutorial in addition to being a reference, the huge amount of information presented will leave the vast majority of beginners to the language bewildered. And for those that have never programmed before? Do not in your wildest alcohol-fuelled fantasies even think about using this book as a tutorial unless you are a _very_ quick learner. A moronic imbecile's guide to C++ it is not. Buy _Accelerated C++_ if you want a tutorial and have programmed before. _Accelerated_ is part of a series edited by--you guess it--Stroustrup.

Professional programmers fluent in another language expecting _The C++ Programming Language_ to be an easy read will also likely be greatly disappointed. If, however, these professionals are willing to work hard and have the right attitude, their chances of mastering the language improves. In other words, if you have difficulty understanding or using this book, please do not, like many of the other reviewers, blame the author for his so-called bad writing, disorganization, inability to teach, pride, etc., because the problem is you, not him: it will take many years for most people to master the language. _The C++ Programming Language_ is a gift only to those who are willing to put in the effort to master this challenging, general-purpose, widely-used language.

After reading some lengthy reviews on this book, I have come to the conclusion that it is hyped up beyond its value. Some reviews suggest that C++PL is intended for intermediate to advanced programmer and won't be appreciated by beginners. This is true enough - I wouldn't suggest this book to beginners. Others suggest that the writing style is "concise" or "exact" such that its intended audience must also be of similar mind to appreciate it.

Personally, I think the book is just disorganized. Many concepts are introduced in a single paragraph or by a single example, with elaboration intermingled throughout the remainder of the book. Section references are overused. Often, half a dozen sectional marks will be planted on a single page. Although they may be appreciated for "concise" reference, the marks do little more than a good appendix and turn linear readability into the worst swiss cheese and spaghetti reading imaginable. Many constructs are used early that are explained many chapters later. The book is simply extremely difficult to read cover to cover.

I can't really say I got much out of this book that I couldn't find elsewhere. It's value lies somewhere between a reference book and an advanced programming book, but really exemplifies neither. The ISO standard would serve as a better reference. There are many C++ books that serve as a better instructional text (perhaps Deitel and Deitel).

The book does have some very positive points. The programming style is consistent and very contemporary regarding the current trends in C++. Templates are used throughout (versus the token "STL Chapter" found in many books). Namespaces are emphasized along with the standard library. Each chapter presents advice and tips on good coding. And of course "It's written by the guy who invented C++ so it must be good."

I'd suggest to anyone tackling the C++ learning curve to pass this book up as a first or even second text. Other books will present a better explanation of C++. Deitel and Deitel, although slightly dated and lagging behind the trends, will definitely give a good introduction to the majority of the concepts. Afterwards, pick up Scott Meyers Effective C++ series to tweak your knowledge. Then perhaps purchase this book and find a copy of the standard to nit pick the language.

I don't understand anyone who would give this book a negative review. I've been in the field for 19+ years and have yet to see a better reference manual in any subject. And that's what it is, a reference manual for those who already know the language. It shouldn't be judged by any other standard, in particular by novices still learning the language. I've seen plenty of books on the subject and none come close to Stroustrup's. And why should they. Stroustrup is the language's inventor and nobody knows the subject better than him. It clearly shows in the detail and understanding that leaps off each page. And the great thing is you can trust what you're reading because you absolutely know it's correct. That security is rare with most authors. So why read a 3rd-party synopsis on relativity if you have a book by Einstein himself (ok, we all know Einstein was in his own league but the point is made). This book isn't a treatise on C++ and isn't intended to be. It's a reference manual and it fullfils that role with excellence, touching just about every major component of the language. Quite a feat considering the book's compactness coupled with the language's huge size and complexity. It doesn't take long to realize how extensive Stroustrup's understanding is of not only C++, but programming in general. I thought I was good after hundreds of thousands of lines of code, but here is a real master and it clearly shows. Between this book and my copy of the C++ standard itself, I have rarely ever had to consult any other source. If you're an experienced or otherwise competent C++ developer than neither will you. If you're a novice, buy it anyway. You'll ultimately need it.