There is no shortage of books on the subject of C++ programming. The difficult part is finding the one that best suits your needs. When learning C++, it is important to get a good introductory book that is informative and easy to read.
Beginner Book Titles
- Lawlor, Steven C. The Art of Programming: Computer Science with C++. PWS Publishing, 1997. ISBN 053495135X.
- Eckel, Bruce. Thinking in C++, Vol. 1 (2nd Edition). Prentice Hall, 2000. ISBN 0139798099.
- Riley, Richard. C++ (Teach Yourself Books). Teach Yourself, 2000. ISBN 0658006967.
- Ladd, Scott Robert. Advanced C++ Techniques. O'Reilly & Associates, 2000. ISBN 1565927338.
- Meyers, Scott. Effective C++: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs. Addison-Wesley, 1997. ISBN 0201924889.
- Langer, Angelika, and Klaus Kreft. Standard C++ IO Streams and Locales: Advanced Programmer's Guide and Reference. Addison-Wesley, 2000. ISBN 0201183951.
- Josuttis, Nicolai M. Tlie C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference. Addison-Wesley, 1999. ISBN 0201379260.
- Schildt, Herbert. C++:Tlie Complete Reference. 3d ed. Osborne/ McGraw-Hill, 1998.ISBN 0078824761.
- Volkman,Victor. C/C++Treasure Chest: A Developer's Resource Kit of C/C++ Tools and Source Code with CDROM. CMP Books, 1998. ISBN 0879305142.
Perhaps the first place programmers go when needing information is the Internet. It is important to bookmark a list of resources available, which can be accessed when needed. The following sections contain a few links to get you started.
Newsgroups
Newsgroups are Internet based message boards that allow users to post messages or reply to messages that other people post. Newsgroups are descriptively named to give an idea of what the newsgroup is about. For instance, comp.os.netware, is the NetWare discussion group under the computer operating system section. There are thousands of newsgroups on almost every possible subject. Newsgroups can be a valuable resource for anyone involved in the IT industry. Almost every part of the IT industry has related newsgroups.
Newsgroups can be accessed via a newsreader such as those included with Microsoft Outlook or Netscape Communicator, or via a Web interface. Accessing newsgroups through a Web interface on a site such as www.dejanews.com usenet is the easiest way to get started. For more information on newsgroups, refer to the online websites on programming.
Internet newsgroups are a favorite haunt of programmers, and C++ programmers are no exception. The following is a list of some informative newsgroups:
- comp.lang.c++
- comp.std.c++
- comp.sys.lang.c++
- it.comp.lang.c++
- alt.comp.lang.learn.c-c++
There are also a number of magazines and journals on the subject of C++ programming. Most offer a Web site that provides a detailed look at what the publication provides, so that you can assess whether or not the information is relevant to your needs. These Web sites also provide the capability to subscribe online:
- Tlie C++ Report (www.creport.com)-By Subscription, $79 for 10 issues. The C++ Report provides an extensive list of how-to articles, hands on programming techniques, and reusable source code.
- C/C++ Users Journal (www.cuj.com)-By Subscription, $29.95 annually. This journal covers everything you need to know about the world of C++. A great resource for both beginners and advanced programmers.
- C++ Builder Developer's Journal (www.reisdorph.com)-By Subscription, $79 annually. This journal helps you learn the tips and techniques to becoming a better and more efficient C++ programmer.
The vast array of C++ related Internet Web sites will keep those looking for information busy for a considerable amount of time. The following list contains just a few links to get you started:
- Ask the C++ Pro (www.inquiry.com/techtips/cpp_pro)-Browse this site for a C++ search engine and links to numerous other programming resources.
- Eg3 (www.eg3.com/softd/cplus.htm)-A great source for links and other resources. A good place to start your C++ journey.
- C++ Bookmark (www.vb-bookmark.com/vbCpp.html)-Another good starting point that contains even more resources, more links, tips and tricks, compilers, and the inside scoop.
- DevCentral Learning Center (http://devcentral.iftech.com/learning/tutorials)-A site that offers tutorials on C++ as well as general information on OOP.
Networking with other programmers can be invaluable. Invariably, programmers will come up against a problem that is very difficult to solve. Having a connection to other programmers who have had the same or similar problem can be a valuable resource, which can save lots of programming time and frustration. The following list contains a few professional associations that may be of interest to you:
- Association qfC and C++ Users (www.accu.org)-The ACCU is a worldwide association that is open to both advanced and beginner programmers. It offers book reviews, training seminars, and numerous other services to assist you on your C++journey. There is a fee for membership.
- The International Programmers Guild Society (www.ipgnet.com)-The IPG is a good resource for those wanting to connect with other programmers. It is not specific to C++, but rather is a site for programmers in general. It does, however, provide links to many C++ related Web sites. The site also includes a newsletter and a job search index. It appears to be a good site to bookmark and provides good links to further programming resources. As with the ACCU, there is a fee for membership.
