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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Wonderful Work, May 6, 2001
This review is from: C++ Training Guide, Revised Edition: Revised Printing (Paperback)
The C++ Training guide is an outstanding book for a beginner who wants to learn programming. Here is why: - Crystal clear description of how program code actually works, all the way down to the hardware level (machine language, bits, registers, etc.). - A clear relation of how the various C++ "tools" can be applied in programming, as opposed to simply listing them and how to write them. - The inclusion of dialogues between the author and a novice using the book. An author can easily take for granted that something he understands is just as clear to a beginner. These dialogues help point out and resolve conceptual obstacles the author would not have thought of. - The use of concrete examples to illustrate points. - The provision of a compiler (on a companion CD). - The inclusion of exercises to try your skill, with solutions in the text. - Incredible detail and completely thorough coverage. - A friendly, conversational tone that makes the book a pleasure to read. - Clear, down to earth language. - An author who is INCREDIBLY accessible. I had a lot of problems with installing and setting up the compiler. Steve exchanged a number VERY detailed e-mails with me, sticking with me until it was completely resolved. He is amazingly patient. Steve Heller loves programming, and has a natural talent for explaining things. This book was wonderful not only because it teaches the nuts and bolts of the C++ language, but because it shows how it all actually works in the computer, all presented in a straightforward, logical manner, that makes it quite enjoyable to read. It is almost like reading a novel. I noticed another review that knocked the writing, and complained the skill level was for beginners. That reviewer must be a plant. I am a writer myself, and can attest to the high level of the writing. As to the skill level, it says on the book that the skill level is "Beginning/Intermediate." Go figure.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN C++ YOU HAVE TO START HERE!!!, April 27, 1999
This review is from: C++ Training Guide, Revised Edition: Revised Printing (Paperback)
This book was amazing. It was the only work that was able to clearly give the fundamentals of C++ to a beginner to programming in this language like myself. I had programmed in BASIC in high school, but fell out of any use of computers for about ten years. Then after getting a PC at home, I decided to tackle C++. When I went looking for a basic book on the subject I had one criteria: I needed a book that did NOT assume I already knew the language. In other words, one that would take me from the ground up. This is exactly that book. You see, I also bought a few other books that billed themselves as being for novices, but within the first two chapters of each, it would 'explain' something with the idea I was already a C++ programmer - wrong sequence. Not this book. The C++ Training Guide teaches you what you need to know when you need it, without making you feel stupid for not being able to follow. Now, this book takes you from no knowledge of programming (actully even from no knowledge of how computers work at all - if you need it) to a point where you can competently begin writing programs. And you actually understand it. You see, I had one other requirement of a book - it HAD to have a glossary so I could know what on earth all the new terms were. This was the ONLY book I could find that cared enough to do that, and the writer certainly knew what he was doing in putting it there. I actually, until I read the section about the author, had assumed that Steve Heller was a teacher and had been introducing people to the subject for years. This was not the case. He did, however, make use of a very correct gradient in laying out the basics. Let me make this simple for you. If you are looking to learn C++, you have to have this book and start with it. Otherwise there is a very high chance you will fail. I know some very intelligent people who have dropped out of their study of C++, and they did NOT use this book. They started with one of the others you're considering. DON'T DO IT. START WITH THIS BOOK.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A completely new approach to writting a technical book., July 8, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: C++ Training Guide, Revised Edition: Revised Printing (Paperback)
The week before leaving for Myrtle Beach, SC (for my family vacation), I ordered the book, The C++ Training Guide. I was able to watch the video lessons and get started on the first couple of chapters, then we had to leave. I could not put the book down. The content of the book was made most intriguing by adding dialogue between the author and a novice programmer.
I read in the car, on the beach, at the condo, and by the pool. The family nearly lost their patience with me. This is my second attempt to learn C++ programming. The first attempt ended in frustration. Other books claim to be for first time programmers, however after a few chapters one realizes that the author is building on concepts that he has not covered.
Susan is the "novice programmer" in the book. She reminds me of that student in every class, who asks a lot of questions. She helps the class along by asking the questions that we won't ask.
I finished the book, knowing that I may have consumed a small slice of the overall pie, however, I believe that I actually have learned the subject matter thoroughly. I now have a firm foundation to build upon as I continue my quest to learn the C++ programming language.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn C++ programming, and wants more than a dry, technical manual.
Dennis Dunford
Proctorville, Ohio
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