C++ is one of the most popular programming languages. It surpasses C# and Python, two modern and specialized languages.
So we can not skip learning and using C++ for our projects. In addition to practice, referencing information and how language works through books effectively increases our knowledge.
The following 10 titles guide you through how C++ works and some helpful tips to help you better use the language. Although each book can be suitable for different levels, all convey accurate knowledge.
1. C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide
Specifications:
- Author: Greg Perry, Dean Miller
- Publisher: Que Publishing
- Publication date: 2013
- Print length: 352 pages
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Reasons To Buy
- Suitable for complete newbies
- It comes with a free compiler
- Thoroughly explain concepts visually
- Usable for all C family languages
Reviews
True to its name, C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide is a book for those new to the C programming language. Thanks to that, you can use this book to learn about C++, C, or even C#.
During my study, I have rarely seen such a vivid title. So those who have never tried programming will still easily absorb the knowledge. It is all thanks to the arrangement of scientific topics and visual illustrations.
Learning theory through this book would be a big mistake without practice. The author has attached the Beginner’s Guide, a completely free compiler. You need to use the link in the book to use this system already.
Instead of spending tens of dollars on paid apps, it’s now easy to practice them all without any extra cost.
2. C++ Primer
Specifications:
- Author: Stanley Lippman, Josée Lajoie, Barbara Moo
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
- Publication date: 2012
- Print length: 976 pages
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Reasons To Buy
- In-depth introduction to C++
- Bring up advanced topics
- Create a bird’s-eye view of C++11
Reviews
C++ Primer 5th Edition is a valuable reference resource for experienced programmers. This book provides detailed information about the system and how C++11 works. Although it is relatively complex, your skills will increase significantly if you take advantage of this knowledge.
The layout of the title and its handling is quite logical to meet the reader’s needs in terms of knowledge. So you will not feel too tired when reading even though the title is entirely academic.
It also highlights the improvements made on version 11 and analyzes classic C++ problems like pointers. So you should pay attention to this knowledge, especially when you want to learn more about C++.
3. C++ Pocket Reference
Specifications:
- Author: Kyle Loudon
- Publisher: O’Reilly Media
- Publication date: 2003
- Print length: 144
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Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight
- Quick reference dictionary
- Short and clear illustrations
- Contains syntax and essential structures
Reviews
Even with the Internet, we still need pocket dictionaries about C++, like C++ Pocket Reference 1st Edition. This book contains everything from basic data types to variables and programming syntax. Hence, you can quickly look up if you need to remember or are unsure about an operation.
C++ Pocket Reference is still popular today mainly due to the author’s easy-to-understand explanations. Even compared to the interpretations on the Internet, its contents are much more intuitive. That’s why you don’t need to refer to any other source.
With its small and compact size, it will be easy to carry the book in a backpack and bring it to the lecture hall or library any time.
4. C++ All-in-One For Dummies
Specifications:
- Author: John Paul Mueller, Jeffrey M. Cogswell
- Publisher: For Dummies
- Publication date: 2014
- Print length: 864
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Reasons To Buy
- Easy to read and easy to follow
- Various information
- Vibrant and intuitive illustrations
- Diverse transmission knowledge
Reviews
The C++ All-in-One For Dummies 3rd Edition is a book covering many different topics related to the C++ language.
This work entirely lists the reader from beginner steps to advanced concepts such as pointers. Therefore, no matter what level you are, you will still exploit the knowledge from the book.
The way the author presents programming information is also a detail that makes the book more reader-friendly. Although a topic is as dry as programming, from the perspective of John Mueller and Jeffrey Cogswell, C++ has become much more enjoyable.
Thanks to that, I quickly followed this work to the last page instead of leaving halfway like many other advanced programming books.
5. C++ The Complete Reference
Specifications:
- Author: Herbert Schildt
- Publisher: Tata McGraw-hill
- Publication date: 2003
- Print length: 1068
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Reasons To Buy
- Contains basic information
- High universal knowledge
- I may be available to work with legacy systems
Reviews
Although it has been around for a long time, C++ The Complete Reference is still worth owning. The knowledge contained in this book is the most basic C++ foundation, which will always be for many years.
This book contains some knowledge about old systems. You can refer to these if you need to work with some older parts. Even if you are interested in classical programming technologies, I am sure C++ The Complete Reference is for you.
Many experts consider this version a textbook for beginners to learn more about this programming language. We will not need to consult too profoundly if we are learning. So feel free to choose such a high reference work.
6. A Tour of C++
Specifications:
- Author: Stroustrup Bjarne
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional, Pearson Education
- Publication date: 2013
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Reasons To Buy
- Provide ideas about C++
- It doesn’t take long to read
- Experienced author
- It contains a lot of information about C++11
Reviews
This book is not a title to introduce or help us learn about C++. The author provides information and ideas about this high-level programming language rather than simply explaining it. That is why an experienced programmer would be suitable to read this book.
The book contains much information about the C++11 version, but it only focuses a little on any single element.
Tour of C++ will give you the best overview of the changes at the global level. This factor will help us realize this version’s differences and technological advancements.
7. The C++ Standard Library
Specifications:
- Author: Nicolai Josuttis
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
- Publication date: 2012
- Print length: 1136
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Reasons To Buy
- Focus on the standard template library
- Provide in-depth new structure
- Support for arithmetic libraries and lambdas architecture
Reviews
The C++ Standard Library, is a rare work that provides you with the Standard Template Library in C++. The methods that the author introduces can be available in normal programming conditions.
You will also consult the arithmetic libraries and the lambdas architecture featured through the book’s appendices.
The Standard Model Library structure is often quite complex, so I appreciate how this book is laid out. The opening is usually a concept, an explanation, and an in-depth study. With this approach, the research and application process will be much simpler.
8. More Effective C++
Specifications:
- Author: Scott Meyers
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
- Publication date: 1995
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Reasons To Buy
- Make the coding process faster and more efficient
- Knowledge has wide coverage
- Covers fundamentals that never go out of style
Reviews
No matter how many versions, C++ still has a fixed structure, and More Effective C++ will guide you to optimize your code on this platform.
Therefore, knowledge from books never becomes outdated. You can even apply the author’s advice when using more modern languages.
In his book, Scott Meyers analyzes the most common problems programmers face. Also, it gives tips and workarounds. They all aim to reduce the algorithmic difficulty and runtime of C++ code.
9. C++ A Detailed Approach to Practical Coding
Specifications:
- Author: Nathan Clark
- Publication date: 2017
- Print length: 151
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Reasons To Buy
- Experienced authors
- Focus on improving syntax
- Mention real-life situations and expertise
- Easy-to-understand illustrative examples
Reviews
With 80 real-life situations, C++ A Detailed Approach to Practical Coding will take you a lot of time to read through this book. It is the advantage that the work helps us to improve both theoretical and practical knowledge.
You can even separate both sections to study in two different ways. So, reading books about C++ will not be so dull anymore.
More specifically, C++ A Detailed Approach to Practical Coding focuses on the syntax array with in-depth exercises. Even so, the examples are still reasonably easy to understand compared to most other works.
Its weak point is its high price made me very hesitant to buy. However, I am delighted with what is in this book.
10. C++17 STL Cookbook
Specifications:
- Author: Jacek Galowicz
- Publisher: Packt Publishing
- Publication date: 2017
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Reasons To Buy
- High applicability
- Lots of practice exercises
- Provide standard sample libraries
- Provide solutions to the most complex problems
Reviews
The C++17 STL Cookbook is a complicated book for most programmers. However, in cases where you need to solve problems with the Standard Model Library, you should pay attention to this title.
With the amount of knowledge from work, you can even build your algorithm to optimize the operation of the code. If you get over the initial overwhelming feeling, you will find the C++17 STL Cookbook great.
It is only possible to buy such a helpful book on a reasonable budget.
Buying Guides
Level
If you are a beginner, you should only choose books labeled for beginners or beginners only. Programming is a complex process that cannot be skipped at any stage. So it would help if you started from essential to advanced steps before you can do all the work.
If you already know, you can start from any level. My advice is that more complex problems will require books with more profound knowledge.
Knowledge
The knowledge in the books about C++ is often purely theoretical. However, you can still find more practical titles.
So you should carefully consider your needs before choosing. In addition, there are several books in the form of a collection, such as a dictionary.
Author
Most reputable authors have a large number of reviews on online shopping platforms. So it would help if you referred to the reviews to know the author’s ability and the accuracy of the information.
FAQs
What are the most important topics to learn in C++?
Classes and objects, data structures, and methods are the most important factors if you want to master the functions of C++.
Are C++ books worth it?
A book that helps us gain a lot of knowledge and provides a quick way to solve problems is always the best choice.
Which is the best C++ book for beginners?
For me, it’s C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide 3rd Edition. This book contains information to help you learn any C language well.
What is C++ most similar to?
C, C++, and C# all share the same core structure, so all three languages have much in common.
Is C++ the most powerful?
Up to now, C++ has been the most potent high-level language with extremely good customization and hardware usage.
Conclusion
With the 10 books above, I hope you will soon choose the most suitable titles. From there, you can accumulate enough knowledge to make the programming process with C++ language simpler and faster.
C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide 3rd Edition is still the most valuable book for its usefulness. Meanwhile, C++ Pocket Reference is the perfect choice for you to look up sample code.
If you have any related questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment to receive timely responses. Thank you for reading!