Customer Reviews

C++ Training Guide, Revised Edition: Revised Printing

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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

This book held my interest, and that says alot! So often times I've bought technical books that kept my attention for maybe a chapter or two at best, then sat on the shelf collecting dust. This book is different, it really is. Even if you have no background in programming, you could learn and understand the C++ language by reading Steve's book. Steve proves this by including the insights of an actual beginner who learned from the book. This clears up all the gray areas helps make the subject very understandable. This book takes a unique approach to teaching programming; one that works.

There are a very large number of books written on "How to program in C++". The majority of these books are almost copies of each other. Long-winded with examples that often do not work. Steve Heller's "The C++ Training Guide" is the exception. This book is outstanding in that it is written for both the novice and the "would-be" programmer. It starts off with a very readable explanation of the basics of programming covering the elements of computers, numerical systems and the essentials of memory management. Normally boring but essential topics that have been turned into enjoyable reading. As others reviewers have said " This book is almost interactive". Steve uses a virtual student called Susan to ask the questions that most of us would like to ask. Steve teaches the essential elements of C++, which will provide the reader with the necessary tools for further development. The CD provides excellent instructional videos and the books examples DO work. My only negative comment was for the DOS based compiler provided on the CD. Not easy to get to work if you live in the Windows 98/NT world. This book, like all of the Steve Heller books that I have read, is in a class by itself.

I found the book to be an excellent starting point into the world of C++ programming. However I did find the conversation with another who was new in programming to be a bit destractive. His book however did provide me with enough basics to create and write my own C++ program right away. Rich Eaton

As a total beginner on programming languages, I found Steve's book to be quite easy to comphrehend, especially in light of the fact that ANY programming language out there today tends to be a rather dry and technical subject to make interesting enough to begin with. I especially found it different insofar as he includes a CD ROM training movie with his book, where you can actually watch Steve teach you in your own home, using the book as a reference. This personalizes it for me and makes it more of a novel way to approach the subject. I also enjoyed reading Susan's back and forth banter with Steve and I found that many of the questions she asked him as a total beginner herself, were the same types of questions that occurred to me as well. All in all, I found this a most useful and enlightening book and would recommend it as a great learning tool for anyone wanting to learn the C++ language for the first time.

I found Steve's book "The C++ Training Guide" very helpfull with the basics of C++ programming... The unusual use of a real life novice who communicates with steve by way of email in the book helps to make the book not only VERY helpfull as a teaching guide but also very enjoyable to read. I would HIGHLY recommend the book to anyone wanting to get off to a good start with C++

A book that starts with the basics then builds on what the reader has already learned. Very detailed descriptions of the C++ language and what the language can do for you. Intense discussions included.

This is an excellent book for someone who never programmed before. It teaches completely from scratch (unlike some other books that claim to but don't) and teaches the fundamentals of C++ in a short and easily understandable manner. This is definitely the best book you can buy if you are new to programming.