Thinking in C++, Vol. 1: Introduction to Standard C++, 2nd Edition

And you thought giving away a book for free on the net was stupid?Bruce Eckel took the courageous step of making his C++ book available on-line, but this book is so good that he still made a fortune out of it. How? First of all from the visibility it got and secondly because there are people (like me) who wouldn't trade the pleasure of holding a good book in their hands with simply staring at a screen. So, go to Bruce Eckel's site (just make a search for his name, you cannot miss it) download the book and code and decide for yourself if you are happy with the e-edition or want to buy the paper one. Either way do read it!You will get a through expositions of C++ syntax and inner workings, with explanations of why things are the the way they are. I especially liked the discussion of how virtual functions are implemented which isn't really essential to use the language but it does give more depth to your understanding and mastery of the language. If you need an even gentler introduction I would advise to buy either the 97 edition of Herb Schildt (another C++ master) "Teach yourself C++" which you can get used for about $ 1 on amazon or Ivor Horton (the clearest and most patient teacher I have ever read from) "Beginning C++" which will give you and exhaustive tutorial even on the "c part".A couple warnings:1) You should have at least a basic knowledge of C before reading this book.2) This is a book on the core part of language, not on a particular compiler or platform. So you won't find info on Borland C++ or visual C++ .NETThe only issues I have with this book are:1) The typesetting on the book is the same you have on the html edition (quite crappy) and for book that costs more than 30 bucks this is unacceptable.2) Solutions to selected exercises are available but "for a small fee". Come on Bruce!

I'm only at the chapter 2 problems, but I think it will be a useful book, even though I've been through a lot of C++ books. Every author has his own bias toward what should be covered, and when, so I don't think any one book can cover everything in depth.The C++ version is circa 2000, so there are several later versions. However, all the code in the book SHOULD work with every later compiler. You might need do a little casting to take care of warnings, but that's just a nit.The CD has lectures on C, but you need a Windows XP computer to play them. The source for programs mentioned in the book are on the CD, zipped. I plan on extracting them to a folder on my computer as I reach the appropriate chapter.I liked this book enough that I've ordered the 2nd volume, even though I've barely started the book.Finally, because the book is old, uses an old version of C++, and the lectures really aren't available, I would not pay full price for either book.

First... Thank you Bruce for having the courage to make yourbook available for free in HTML format on your web site ... >. Besides having your purchased book on my desk, when traveling I can printout a 30 page chapter for the trip.Second... The book is an excellent tutorial. The ingredients of a good technical tutorial include many samples in the chapter with <homework> problems at the end for practice and reinforcement. The material must be written in a style that is easy to read, and encourages one to 'come back to the book.' Eckel's book does all of this.Third... The book must serve as a technical reference when done studying. This is tougher to answer. For what Bruce focuses on, it is an excellent technical reference in a mid-sized book approximately the same size as Stroustrup's book. A complete technical reference with examples and sample problems on C++ would probably be a 5-volume set. Eckels book is not this, nor did it try to be.Fourth... Many people may find lots of fault with this book because it doesn't do enough of this or of that. C++ is an object oriented language (OOL) that is part of an entire family of skills/activities/business requirements. There is systems analysis (OOA), software design & architecture (OOD), the unified modelling language (UML), the art/pain of project scheduling estimation. To weigh down a tutorial book on C++ with these other subjects would support your plan for converting that third bedroom into a C++ library.Gripe... More then a year ago (now==15Mar01), you indicated both a volume one annotated solutions guide would be available, and volume two would be produced. Tick Tick Tick... where are they?

Intially I liked the book very much, it seemed to have a fresh approach and style, was easy to read, and seemed trustworthy as far as the content was concerned.Upon getting farther into the book I still find it solid, but at times it becomes ponderous in the reading, and the examples leave something to be desired. The material also at times breezed over, when a more indepth understanding might have been in order. I find the organization of the material a bit difficult at times as well. Subjects sometimes are introduced with out first giving a througough understanding of the subject matter, and I dont get a good feel for a consistent building of skills and knowledge. All in all I find this a good book, but I believe it could be better.

Just Love it

Item as described

Very good

Wonderful introductory book on C++.It succeeds in providing an evolutionary essay from C to C++, but maybe lacks in exposing some differences in terms of design from other languages, as Java. Of course it is a book on C++, but some updates given the popularity of other truly object-oriented languages may be considered in future versions.

Un libro veramente ben fatto corredato di moltissimi esempi e consigli, molto utile per chi già conosce un linguaggio di programmazione, ottimo per chi inizia da zero e si vuole avvicinare alla programmazione ad oggetti.