First let me state that I am not a beginner C++ programmer. I have not used the language in about 8 years (well before C11) and I wanted a book that didn't assume I was a novice programmer or a novice C++ programmer. Having said that, I would not recommend this book for novice programmers. Here are some of the issues that ultimately lead me to put the book down after the first 85 pages.
There are just too many keywords, concepts, constructs and syntax used without being properly introduced. An example would be on page 83 where he uses "self &" in the definition of operator= member function. He never introduces this keyword nor does he discuss it while in this section. The reader would have to go google it to give himself context and meaning of the presented code.
On page 52 while discussing "C11 Unique Pointers" the code makes use of templates but he has not yet introduced or even mentioned what templates are. This type of writing leaves the reader with gaps in understanding the fundamental aspects of the key concepts the author is trying to convey. You can't thoroughly understand the whole without understanding the component parts. I understand one will come away with a partial understanding but in order to FULLY understand the example the reader should be afforded the opportunity to have all the composite knowledge required. Otherwise, you come away with thinking you know about some language feature or concept and only really know it on a more superficial level.
Another major complaint I have is that the text surroundings the sample code is simply not detailed enough for a thorough grasp of the language examples the author is presenting. For example, the discussion of Constructors and Assignment Operators does not go into sufficient detail for the reader to gain the insight required to be able to write these member functions in a knowledgeable way. For example, on page 79 he mentions C++ distinguishes between implicit and explicit constructors and then proceeds to provide some sample code but fails to mention which ones are considered implicit and which ones are explicit. In addition, he does not instruct the reader as to when an implicit one is called vs when an explicit one is called. He states "implicit constructors enable implicit conversion" but then fails to show some code that would illustrate contrasting calls for explicit and implicit constructor invocation. And what is implicit conversion vs explicit conversion?
In the end I gave up since I was, to some extent, already familiar with the aforementioned concepts and knew enough to know I was not getting enough of an understanding to ensure I knew the concepts well enough to write meaningful code without shooting myself in the foot. I could not remember all the details of these concepts from 8 years ago but could remember enough to know the material was leaving out too much important detail. I felt the explanations were just too rushed and not coherent nor comprehensive enough.
C++ is a nuanced language and this requires building on a solid and thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the language if you want to really use it in a powerful and bug free way. In the end I knew enough to know I wasn't learning enough of those details with this book.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
There is a newer edition of this item:
Frequently bought together
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 12, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 20, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 26, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 28, 2017
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 13, 2017
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 2, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 30, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 29, 2016
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Superbly well-written, concise book, but you need some programming experience in another OO language
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 13, 2021J. Levy-kramer
Average book. Could be better
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 11, 2020PodHunter
C++ Templates for HIgh-Performance Computing Libraries
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 21, 2016Amazon Customer
Crash course but not intensive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 7, 2016
Dr. Chrilly Donninger
Nachrichten aus dem C++ Maschinenraum
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on September 3, 2019
