C++ Programming: Program Design Including Data Structures, Third Edition Review

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C++ Programming: Program Design Including Data Structures, Third Edition ReviewBy about page 689 I had read the word "suppose" once too often. Mr. Malik's coherence fell apart when he got to the object-oriented stuff, and he started to use examples to *start* explanations. His meandering paragraphs begun with the word "suppose" are generally not helpful. Don't let chapter 12 (Inheritance and composition) discourage you, though. It's the worst of them and it gets better after that.
If you like to highlight your textbooks you will be frustrated by this book. You will spend a lot of time pondering if you really want to highlight an entire 12-line paragraph when what is explained could be stated in a single sentence. So, here's a hint: Read each section between the purple headings through before highlighting anything. Sometimes you'll find your concise sentence further on. If you don't, make use of the white space to write one yourself. This will aid in memory, and save your highlighter.
This should have been a shorter book, and the object-oriented stuff should have received some editing for clearer, more concise language.
The example code is redundant and the explanations unnecessarily long. Each problem is exhaustively set up and explained, with code segments that are duplicated in the finalized code. You'll find yourself skipping the setup of the problem and going right to the finalized code to see if you understand it, and invariably you will, because it is not complex. The examples are uninteresting and demonstrate things that are simple.
One really nice feature of this book? You don't have to get 300 pages into it before it will lie flat on your desk. It stays open nicely and has bright, white pages.
A summary of the contents:
One chapter on computers, programming languages, the process of writing a program, and a description of and background on C++.
Almost six hundred pages on non-object-oriented C++ language stuff. It does not assume you already know programming. Tiringly verbose, but seems comprehensive and well-organized.
About 350 pages on the object-oriented features of C++. It's not difficult material but it's not explained coherently. If this is the stuff you are most interested in you will be disappointed.
About 300 pages on applying C++ to algorithms, such as searching and sorting, liked lists and binary trees. Classic first-year CS course material. Perhaps the best-presented part of the book.
A chapter on the Standard Template Library.C++ Programming: Program Design Including Data Structures, Third Edition OverviewIntended for a two-semester course covering CS1 and CS2 topics, this text contains numerous clear and complete explanations and examples. With a strong focus on problem-solving, the book offers comprehensive coverage of introductory C++ programming topics and then moves the students confidently into more advanced concepts. Each chapter contains classroom-tested pedagogical features, including full-color code and comments, syntax boxes with explanation and examples, and complete programming exercises. All programs and exercises have been quality assurance tested with Microsoft Visual C++ .NET, available as an optional compiler with the text.

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Professional C++ (Programmer to Programmer) Review

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Professional C++ (Programmer to Programmer) ReviewThis is a very readable and helpful guide to C++ OOP. It is meant to be a programming guide rather than merely covering syntax (as C++ Primer does for example). As it says on the back cover, "You'll learn simple, powerful techniques used by C++ professionals, little-known features that will make your life easier, and reusable coding patterns that will bring your basic C++ skills to the professional level."
Coming into this with extensive C and other programming experience, including some C++ many years ago, this book was ideal for me. I especially appreciated the authors' ability to give a very good foundation for developing well-designed, robust C++ code. I went from a very solid C programmer to developing using a new C++ mentality in a couple of weeks.
The authors are obviously quite experienced and knowledgeable in C++ and OOP, and write in an enjoyable, easy-to-follow manner. They don't just present C++, they discuss every aspect of how to develop great code using C++. They take a very reasonable and competent approach to coding, pointing out pitfalls and providing much guidance together with good explanations of their reasoning. This book doesn't just tell you how you can do something in C++, it explains how to do it well.
Professional C++ is for an intermediate to advanced programmer with either some C++ experience or a good deal of other programming experience. It is not meant to be an exhaustive exposition of C++ (although it does cover all the basics of the language), but it is certainly sufficient to get a developer not only up and coding, but doing so with better style and more competence than many seasoned C++ professionals.
Some of the many topics I found interesting and useful include: code reuse, software engineering methods (including a several page synopsis of extreme programming), exceptions, STL, frameworks, and design patterns. On some important topics that could be books in themselves, enough material is presented here to give the reader a basic understanding of the subject and an awareness of the issues so that the reader can decide whether to pursue the subject further.
Although this book was all I really needed to get up and going, I found a couple other books also quite helpful, in particular "Object Oriented Design Heuristics" by Arthur J. Riel and the new third edition of "Effective C++" by Scott Meyers.
Professional C++ (Programmer to Programmer) Overview
Geared to experienced C++ developers who may not be familiar with the more advanced features of the language, and therefore are not using it to its full capabilities
Teaches programmers how to think in C++-that is, how to design effective solutions that maximize the power of the language
The authors drill down into this notoriously complex language, explaining poorly understood elements of the C++ feature set as well as common pitfalls to avoid
Contains several in-depth case studies with working code that's been tested on Windows, Linux, and Solaris platforms


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C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design Review

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C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design ReviewAlthough the author is obviously very knowledeable of the subject, the content seems out of order and examples incomplete. Malik builds from previous code, so often times you have to flip back to previous chapters to see complete code. Malik does not explain some concepts clearly, often referring to lines or blocks of code as "self explanatory". Lots of good information, but I learned more from my instructor's supplementary materials and from trial and error.C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design OverviewNow in its fourth edition, C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design remains the definitive text for CS1 courses. Best-selling author D.S. Malik employs a student-focused approach, using complete programming examples to teach introductory programming concepts. This fourth edition has been enhanced to further demonstrate the use of OOD methodology, to introduce sorting algorithms (bubble sort and insertion sort), and to present additional material on abstract classes. In addition, the exercise sets at the end of each chapter have been expanded to include several calculus and engineering-related exercises.All programs have been written, compiled, and quality-assurance tested with Microsoft Visual C++ .NET, available as an optional compiler with this text. C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, Fourth Edition is the ideal text to motivate your students as they learn the theory behind programming.

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The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference Review

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The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference ReviewOn my second reading, I'm still finding more gems in this book. Up to now, it was almost impossible to find any comprehensive material on the standard library. All one could find was the odd article about some aspect of the library, or rather specialized books about STL. Nicolai has fixed that particular problem once and for all.
The book reminds of Richard Stevens's famous UNIX books. Incredibly complete, incredibly detailed, incredibly accurate, and a great tutorial and reference at the same time. And, best of all, it's just as accessible to someone who is not a real expert as it is for someone who's been using C++ for years.
This is one of the *very* few books that get a spot on my top shelf. A classic that I will come back to again and again.The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference OverviewThe C++ Standard Library provides a set of common classes and interfaces that greatly extend the core C++ language. Josuttis' book not only provides comprehensive documentation of each library component, it also offers clearly written explanations of complex concepts, describes the practical programming details needed for effective use, and gives example after example of working code. This thoroughly up-to-date book reflects the newest elements of the C++ standard library incorporated into the full ANSI/ISO C++ language standard. In particular, the text focuses on the Standard Template Library (STL), examining containers, iterators, function objects, and STL algorithms.

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Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied Review

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Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied ReviewRead this book and you may feel you've fallen down the hole into some sort of C++ Alice-in-Wonderland:
"Isn't it nifty just how much you can do with functions... that not only don't do anything but don't even really exist at all?" p.36
The title is a bit presumptuous; a more accurate title would be "Template Metaprogramming Stunts", since this book is primarily about tricks you can play with C++'s template mechanism.
The author does also make a go at proposing a new concept of "policy-based class design" -- by which he means using templates intead of multiple inheritance to create combinatorial mixtures of behavior. This is interesting, but seems hard to apply beyond the cliches he considers (ex: smart pointers), so his argument reads like a well-intended but parochial graduate thesis, with dutiful gestures of respect to his mentors (ex: Scot Myers) and limited range of real-world application.
The real meat of the book is his template techniques, which are ingenious -- if perverse, when seen from the standpoint of someone else trying to read and extend your code, or diagnose its arcane compiler errors. If you've ever had to work with other people on software, you may find his glib view of compiler errors disappointing. In many cases he relies on compiler errors to signal something more complex and semantic than the mere error would suggest. (If you're programmed much C++ you've surely experienced 10-line long STL template errors with a very simple underlying cause that is hard to discern from the error message. Learning to suss out what these mean is much of the sweat-work of learning C++.) I think this is simply that he's coming from the perspective that the interworkings of the language and the compiler are fascinating, and worth being a primary focus of study. But from the perspective of someone just tried to get your work done in the problem domain at hand, you may resent this attitude.
This book is best approached if you think C++ is really neat. Wheter you love C++ for its roccoco intricacy, or just see it as an evolutionary leaf node language full of botched misfeatures, you will find much here to confirm your opinion. I don't mean to belittle this book. There is real insight here: the idea of computing on types instead of values (to store the results of template-based computations) is a nifty idea. But it's worth keeping an eye on what problems you are really trying to solve, and which ones you may be creating.
Some telling quotes:
"Unfortunately, type_info's useful capabilities are packaged in a way that makes them unnecessarily hard to exploit." p.38
"For a variety of reasons, C++ is a language that leads its users sometimes to say, 'These are the smartest five lines of code I ever wrote.' Maybe it is its semantic richness or the ever-exciting (and surprising?) way its features interact." p.51Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied OverviewIn Modern C++ Design, Andrei Alexandrescu opens new vistas for C++ programmers. Displaying extraordinary creativity and virtuosity, Alexandrescu offers a cutting-edge approach to software design that unites design patterns, generic programming, and C++, enabling programmers to achieve expressive, flexible, and highly reusable code. The book introduces the concept of generic components, reusable design templates that enable an easier and more seamless transition from design to application code, generate code that better expresses the original design intention, and support the reuse of design structures with minimal recoding. The author then shows how to apply this approach to recurring, real-world issues that C++ programmers face in their day-to-day activity. All code is available on the Web, along with Alexandrescu's downloadable Loki C++ library, which provides powerful out-of-the-box functionality for virtually any C++ project. For experienced C++ programmers who have at least some familiarity with the Standard Template Library (STL).

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Thinking in C++: Introduction to Standard C++, Volume One (2nd Edition) (Vol 1) Review

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Thinking in C++: Introduction to Standard C++, Volume One (2nd Edition) (Vol 1) ReviewSince I'm reviewing both "Accelerated C++" as well as "Thinking in C++", I thought I'd post the review on both book links.
There have already been excellent reviews of this book, but I would think the main reason people purchase these books is because they have an explicit purpose, which is to learn Standard C++. That being said, C++ is one of the most powerful and multi-faceted languages around, and no other language provides both high level abstractions and low level control in one programming language as C++.
Because of these features, it is often opinied that C++ is too complicated, large and takes too long to master. While there are some merits to this criticism, many important real world systems are being bult with C++ and professional developers need to master the fundamentals of C++ now. With that in mind, and after spending (or wasting) much money on various books proclaiming to teach C++ from the ground up, it was not until reading Konig and Moo's "Accelerated C++" and Eckel's "Thinking in C++" and in that order, that I finally "got it".
Why I emphasize "in that order" in the last paragraph, is due to the methodologies used to teach C++ by ACPP and TICPP, and due to this, its best to read ACPP first, then TICPP for the most effective learning. Here's my reasons:
ACPP teaches C++ in a top down fashion. What I mean by this, is that the higher level Standard Libraries are integrated right from the start to teach programming contructs such as looping, selection and decisions making using library facilities such as , , and . The Standard is utilized from chapter zero, and relieves much of the burden of C strings and all the low level details one would have to know to use them properly. This can be especially burdensome to the beginner.
As important as the container classes are to the Standard library, are the algorithms used with them. ACPP ulitizes these as well, and from chapters 0 to 7, the student is taught to use the common algorthms such as sort(), copy(), find() and accumulate(). By teaching these features right from the beginning, the reader is able to write some non-trivial programs without having to wade through the typical and troublesome C features typically taught in other books. Thus, by the time the Reader reaches the second half of the book (chapters 8-16), s/he is ready to understand how to build their own user defined types, and other important topics such as pointers, memory management, classes, as well as object oriented and generic programming.
In contrast, TICPP teaches C++ from a more traditional bottom up approach. Throughout the book, the assumption is that the Reader is comming to C++ from a C background. For example, throughout the book starting from chapter 4, Eckel demonstrates a Stash and Stack application, developed first as a "better C", then throughout the book adds features to them such as grouping data structures with the functions that act on them in the form of classes. The concepts of constructors and destructors, function overloading and default arguments, using const and static effectively, inlining, namespaces, references, copy constructors, operator overloading, using new and delete for dynamic objects, etc. are all covered.
In my opinion, the last two chapters where virtual functions, abstract classes, and an introduction to templates and iterators are covered, is where the book really shines, as these chapters allow the book to finally culminate the benefits of true object oriented programming and give a solid introduction to generic programming in the form of templates and iterators. By this point, the Stash and Stack examples are utilizing pure virtual functions and iterating through containers in an STL-like fashion that is similar to the ones in the Standard Library.
The current trend in C++ is to favor the abstractions provided by the Standard Libraries when developing professional software, and ACPP exemplifies this attitude throughout the book. The lower level C-like aspects of C++ can and have caused much trouble in the form of memory leaks, buffer overruns, etc. Nevertheless, certain class of applications require the ability to get close to the metal, and C++ allows this ability without restrictions when necessary. Also, there are many (and some could argue that most C++ based systems out there still adhere to this) legacy systems where C++ is still being used as a "better C". TICPP is the book that will teach one how to make these programs more type safe, as well as migrating it to take advantage of more modern C++ idioms. And in Volume 2 of TICPP which just came out, Eckel and Allison cover the Standard Library in depth, as well as other professional methodologies such as RTTI, Multiple Inheritence, Design Patterns and Concurrent programming.
But by careful and methodical study of both books, and as is recommended by me, reading ACPP first then TICPP, one will learn C++ from the highest layer to the lower, then from the lower back up the higher and obtain a through knowledge of the basics of C++. One can then effectively study the more advanced books, such as by Meyers, Sutter, Stroupstrup, etc. and have the confidence to tackle professional C++ projects.
Postscript - Though I advocate the above learning method for C++, I would like to add that the above two books presume a certain programming maturity, though one does not need to be a guru. A person with the experience typical of first year CS1 (and CS2) in a language like Java or Python (in fact, for a complete novice, I would recommend learning Python first) would be most suited to following the above presciption. Also recommened is to study a book about data stuctures and algorithms, which will provide the Reader with a solid understanding of the mechanisims that underly the STL (meaning the Standard Template Library which encompass the Containers, Iterators and Algorithms of the Standard C++ Library which was originally part of SGI's implementation).
-Don KimThinking in C++: Introduction to Standard C++, Volume One (2nd Edition) (Vol 1) Overview

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Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library Review

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Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library ReviewThis is a truly useful book. It explains lots of little "gotchas" that I didn't know about previously, and Scott does his usual excellent job at explaining *why* it's important to do things a certain way (and no other). One part that I found particularly interesting is about the futility of writing container-independent code; not only does that section show why this is a bad idea, it also serves as a splendid illustration of the idiosyncracies of the various containers. The chapter on iterators is priceless, as are the tips about writing comprehensible code and debugging.
The presentation is very much up-to-date (even to the point where it anticipates some of the forthcoming updates to the C++ standard). The writing style is clear and precise without sounding academic or condescending, and the book has an index that actually works.
"Effective STL" is every bit as good as "Effective C++" and "More Effective C++". No C++ programmer should still be writing code without the STL, and no-one writing code with the STL should be without this book. Buy it!Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library Overview"This is Effective C++ volume three – it's really that good."– Herb Sutter, independent consultant and secretary of the ISO/ANSI C++ standards committee"There are very few books which all C++ programmers must have. Add Effective STL to that list."– Thomas Becker, Senior Software Engineer, Zephyr Associates, Inc., and columnist, C/C++ Users JournalC++'s Standard Template Library is revolutionary, but learning to use it well has always been a challenge. Until now. In this book, best-selling author Scott Meyers (Effective C++, and More Effective C++) reveals the critical rules of thumb employed by the experts – the things they almost always do or almost always avoid doing – to get the most out of the library.Other books describe what's in the STL. Effective STL shows you how to use it. Each of the book's 50 guidelines is backed by Meyers' legendary analysis and incisive examples, so you'll learn not only what to do, but also when to do it – and why.Highlights of Effective STL include:Advice on choosing among standard STL containers (like vector and list), nonstandard STL containers (like hash_set and hash_map), and non-STL containers (like bitset). Techniques to maximize the efficiency of the STL and the programs that use it. Insights into the behavior of iterators, function objects, and allocators, including things you should not do. Guidance for the proper use of algorithms and member functions whose names are the same (e.g., find), but whose actions differ in subtle (but important) ways. Discussions of potential portability problems, including straightforward ways to avoid them.Like Meyers' previous books, Effective STL is filled with proven wisdom that comes only from experience. Its clear, concise, penetrating style makes it an essential resource for every STL programmer.

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Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded Computing Systems Design (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Architecture and Design) Review

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Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded Computing Systems Design (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Architecture and Design) ReviewThis book was used as a text book at a graduate level class in embedded design at University of St Thomas, Minnesota. I am also a professional embedded engineer (both hardware and software). What this book does the best is to provide a framework for embedded design. There are various examples in the text on the embedded design process via the requirements/specifications/hardware architecture/software architecture/component design/test process.
This has definitely impacted both my understand on a theoretical level as well as my design process at work.
Highly recommended!Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded Computing Systems Design (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Architecture and Design) Overview
The vast majority of existing computers are embedded in the myriad of intelligent devices and applications-not in desktop machines. We are witnessing the emergence of a new discipline with its own principles, constraints, and design processes.
Computers as Components is the first book to teach this new discipline. It unravels the complexity of these systems and the tools and methods necessary for designing them. Researchers, students, and savvy professionals, schooled in hardware or software, will value the integrated engineering design approach to this fast emerging field. * Demonstrates concepts and techniques using two powerful real-world processors as case studies throughout the book: the ARM processor and the SHARC DSP (digital signal processor).* Illustrates the major concepts of each chapter with real-world design examples such as software modems, telephone answering machines, and video accelerators.* Teaches the basics of UML (Unified Modeling Language) and applies it throughout the text to help you visualize stages in the design process.* Illustrates real-time operating systems using the POSIX real-time extensions and Linux.* Describes performance analysis and optimization of embedded software, including the effects of caches.* Includes two CD-ROMs with evaluation software: One contains the ARM Developer Suite; the other contains VisualDSP for the SHARC DSP family of processors.

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Generic Programming and the STL: Using and Extending the C++ Standard Template Library Review

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Generic Programming and the STL: Using and Extending the C++ Standard Template Library ReviewRightaway, I should say I don't discuss the quality of the book. It
has everything I would like to have when I am programming and need to
look up a function of the STL. This is why I give it three stars. But
nowhere did I see the following criticism, so I have to voice it
out.
This book consists of two parts, part I, and part II and III
(which I count as the second part, see below). Part I is an
introduction to generic programming as used in the framework of the
STL (79 pages). All that stuff, you're supposed to know if you use the
STL. It's all about using the STL, the design, and extending it. Using
the STL is described in lots of web pages, so the book does not
provide much added value to this. Extending the STL is discussed all
in all in about three pages. That was the part I was most interested
it (I am developing a new course about generic programming).
The
second part, making up the remaining 430 or so of the book, are Part
II (Ref Manual: Concepts) and Part III (Ref Manual: Algos and
Classes). They have long been available straight from the SGI STL web
pages, ...
and you can also download them for browsing locally. This is a much
more convenient (at least for me) way to look up the documentation. I
didn't see that the book provided better examples, or different
content than, the SGI's STL pages.
This book will be useful if you
are aware of all the things I said, but still would prefer to browse a
book, or for off-line study. My goal was to see a discussion of how to
use and extend the STL (as advertised in the title). I did not expect
the Reference Manual (which I had already). I am most disappointed in
this.
The difference between User Manual and Reference Manual is
best illustrated by the Stroustrup or Lippman-Lajoie (user manuals)
and the C++ ISO Standard (reference manual). You should be aware of
this difference before you buy this book, and decide if you want it
print in 430 pages or in a web site.
Generic Programming and the STL: Using and Extending the C++ Standard Template Library OverviewAustern's book introduces you to the generic programming paradigm and to the most important instance of that paradigm--the C++ Standard Template Library (STL). This book reveals that the STL is more than a set of convenient container classes: It is also an extensible framework for generic and interoperable components. Austern explains the central ideas underlying generic programming--concepts, modeling, and refinement--and shows how these ideas lead to the fundamental concepts of the STL: iterators, containers, and function objects.

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C++ In-Depth Box Set Review

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C++ In-Depth Box Set ReviewThe listing didn't seem to quickly show the books inside:
* Modern C++ Design, by Andrei Alexandrescu
* Accelerated C++, by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo
* Essential C++, by Stan Lippman
* Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter
* More Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter
My primary complaint is that two of the books (accelerated and essential c++), are rather beginner-oriented compared to the advanced nature of the rest of the books. The other three were great, but I found little use for accelerated and essential.C++ In-Depth Box Set OverviewBjarne Stroustrup's own C++ In-Depth Series is now available all together in one attractive gift box, at a special reduced price! All books in this series have been hand-picked by Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of the C++ programming language, as being worthy additions to the C++ literature. They give programmers concise, focused guides to specific topics. The series' practical approach is designed to lift professionals to the next level in their programming skills. They are all written by acknowledged experts. The books included are:*Modern C++ Design, by Andrei Alexandrescu *Accelerated C++, by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo *Essential C++, by Stan Lippman *Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter *More Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter These are five great books of use to all C++ programmers. They are gathered into one handsome and sturdy gift box, and they are specially priced at over $30 off the cost of buying them individually. The C++ In-Depth Box Set will be a welcome gift for any C++ programmer. 0201775816B12112002

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Object-Oriented Programming in C++ (4th Edition) Review

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Object-Oriented Programming in C++ (4th Edition) ReviewI took several C++ Program In Computing courses while in college, and I must say, this book did a fantastic job of turning the what was then "clear as mud" concepts to something I could understand.
Since those courses, I've learned C and a few other languages, but this book does a fantastic job of introducing OO concepts to a programmer, or a beginner who was otherwise doing procedural programs, or was just starting fresh. Lafore goes over the benefits of OO, and slowly builds on top of concepts throughout the book until you get a good overall understanding of the theory and the practice.
Two things I didn't like about the book:
1. There was very little discussion about doing things the "right way". By this, I mean, Lafore didn't really mention how certain methods of writing programs were less efficient than others. It looks like he was using the best practices in the book, so maybe that would have been overkill, but going a bit more in depth about why to do certain things certain ways would have been nice. While this is a beginner book, it certainly doesn't hurt to have sidenotes of this nature for those interested.
2. While the majority of the code in this book was portable to most platforms, it's still assumed that you're going to be on a Windows plaform, and Lafore uses several Windows-only graphics libraries to illustrate some points. Being a UNIX guy, I would have preferred that he stick to a platform neutral explanation.Object-Oriented Programming in C++ (4th Edition) OverviewObject-Oriented Programming in C++ begins with the basic principles of the C++ programming language and systematically introduces increasingly advanced topics while illustrating the OOP methodology. While the structure of this book is similar to that of the previous edition, each chapter reflects the latest ANSI C++ standard and the examples have been thoroughly revised to reflect current practices and standards.Educational SupplementSuggested solutions to the programming projects found at the end of each chapter are made available to instructors at recognized educational institutions. This educational supplement can be found at www.prenhall.com, in the Instructor Resource Center.

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Effective C++: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Design (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing) Review

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Effective C++: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Design (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing) ReviewFrom beginning to end this book is packed with information that is IMMEDIATELY applicable. For example "Always declare destructors to be virtual" otherwise you may end leaking memory when subclasses are deleted. Or hiding the implementation of a class in an "Impl" that your class just passes through to. That way, if the implementation changes, the clients of the class are protected from recompilation.
Beyond the wealth of just downright practical information the oragization is fabulous. The only other technical book that has organization as good as this one is "Design Patterns" There are several chapters such as "Memory Management" that have "Items" and each item has a few paragraphs describing the motivation for why you should believe Meyers with examples to prove it. Then there are solid examples that show the implemantation of an example usage.
My company gave this book out with "Design Patterns" to EVERY developer in the company, and it was probably the smartest thing I've ever seen a company do.
Read it and learn a TON.Effective C++: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Design (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing) Overview

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Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example Review

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Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example ReviewThis is a nice change for the better! Instead of introducing the basics and then going on to class design, inheritance, and polymorphism, Andrew and Barbara delay things such as class design until the latter part of the book and instead launch straight into use of the STL, illustrated with practical examples of how to use STL containers and algorithms to solve programming problems.
As far as I am concerned, this is definitely a change for the better. Most programming projects I see heavily abuse inheritance to do things that would have better been done with templates and, as a rule, most C++ projects continue to ignore the STL, even though it is probably the most fundamental contribution to C++ programmer productivity in years. Following this book, readers are encouraged to use STL from the word go, which is as it should be.
The language and flow of the book are excellent, and the presentation is very lucid. What really shines through is that both authors are experts on the topic and really know what they are talking about. The explanations of language features are complete, correct, and precise. There is none of the muddled exposition that I find in so many other C++ books. The teaching experience that Andrew and Barbara have gained over the years is truly reflected in the prose. The book anticipates many questions and typically answers them just at the right time, namely, when the question is just about to pop into the reader's head.
Information density of the book is high. A lot of information is packed into few words, so the reader has to concentrate on what is being said, and skipping paragraphs is not something that I would recommend. The concentration, however, is well repaid by the large amount of solid knowledge that is imparted: I believe that no other C++ book manages to convey as much information per page as this one.
To me, the target audience are people who have done some programming in other languages and do not know C++. (I would not recommend the book for people who have never programmed before, unless they are very determined readers.) More seasoned C++ programmers also will get good value. And, if you are an experienced C++ programmer, but haven't much used the standard library up to now, there is still plenty of meat to be found: there are enough gems of advice in the book for it appeal to people who have considerable C++ experience.
This is an excellent effort from two experts in the field. I recommend it!Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example OverviewWant to learn how to program in C++ immediately? Want to start writing better, more powerful C++ programs today? Accelerated C++'s uniquely modern approach will help you learn faster and more fluently than you ever believed possible. Based on the authors' intensive summer C++ courses at Stanford University, Accelerated C++ covers virtually every concept that most professional C++ programmers will ever use -- but it turns the "traditional" C++ curriculum upside down, starting with the high-level C++ data structures and algorithms that let you write robust programs immediately. Once you're getting results, Accelerated C++ takes you "under the hood," introducing complex language features such as memory management in context, and explaining exactly how and when to use them. From start to finish, the book concentrates on solving problems, rather than learning language and library features for their own sake. The result: You'll be writing real-world programs in no time -- and outstanding code faster than you ever imagined.

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C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and Best Practices Review

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C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and Best Practices ReviewFor many programmers, the term "coding standard" generates a gut-level response. We all know that someone is going to be pushing the "one, true brace style" or the "proper" way to indent code. This subject is probably the best way to generate instantaneous rebellion among a group of programmers.
The first "standard" in "C++ Coding Standards" wipes all of that away with their first rule:
0. Don't sweat the small stuff. (Or: know what not to standardize.)
In one quick entry, Sutter and Alexandrescu sweep all of the indent-level, brace-placement, CamelCase/underscores holy wars into a single category and give a useful bit of advice: Be consistent. The authors point out that any professional programmer should be able to read and write in any of these styles. The differences are basically a matter of personal preference.
From this point on, we get to see a coding standard that is focused on "best practices" and proven techniques for improving code.
This is the only coding standard I've ever seen that would really help a group of programmers improve their work.C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and Best Practices Overview
Consistent, high-quality coding standards improve software quality, reduce time-to-market, promote teamwork, eliminate time wasted on inconsequential matters, and simplify maintenance. Now, two of the world's most respected C++ experts distill the rich collective experience of the global C++ community into a set of coding standards that every developer and development team can understand and use as a basis for their own coding standards.

The authors cover virtually every facet of C++ programming: design and coding style, functions, operators, class design, inheritance, construction/destruction, copying, assignment, namespaces, modules, templates, genericity, exceptions, STL containers and algorithms, and more. Each standard is described concisely, with practical examples. From type definition to error handling, this book presents C++ best practices, including some that have only recently been identified and standardized-techniques you may not know even if you've used C++ for years. Along the way, you'll find answers to questions like

What's worth standardizing--and what isn't?

What are the best ways to code for scalability?

What are the elements of a rational error handling policy?

How (and why) do you avoid unnecessary initialization, cyclic, and definitional dependencies?

When (and how) should you use static and dynamic polymorphism together?

How do you practice "safe" overriding?

When should you provide a no-fail swap?

Why and how should you prevent exceptions from propagating across module boundaries?

Why shouldn't you write namespace declarations or directives in a header file?

Why should you use STL vector and string instead of arrays?

How do you choose the right STL search or sort algorithm?

What rules should you follow to ensure type-safe code?

Whether you're working alone or with others, C++ Coding Standards will help you write cleaner code--and write it faster, with fewer hassles and less frustration.


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Programming Embedded Systems in C and C ++ Review

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Programming Embedded Systems in C and C ++ ReviewI found this book to be a great introduction to the world of Embedded C++. The book is well written which does make it easier to understand some of the more complicated aspects covered. I don't agree with the other reviews in this book that it would serve as a good reference; however, it does serve as a great introduction. Just wanted to add that the review from the English guy makes no sense in the context of this book. I have read the entire book and still can't fix a Volkswagon! Seriously though for beginners this is an excellent first book to read, gives you lots of pratical information without overpowering the reader. I would not recommend this book as a pure reference book, more of an informative read.Programming Embedded Systems in C and C ++ Overview
Embedded software is in almost every electronic device designed today. There is software hidden away inside our watches, microwaves, VCRs, cellular telephones, and pagers; the military uses embedded software to guide smart missiles and detect enemy aircraft; communications satellites, space probes, and modern medicine would be nearly impossible without it. Of course, someone has to write all that software, and there are thousands of computer scientists, electrical engineers, and other professionals who actually do.

Each embedded system is unique and highly customized to the application at hand. As a result, embedded systems programming is a widely varying field that can take years to master. However, if you have some programming experience and are familiar with C or C++, you're ready to learn how to write embedded software. The hands-on, no-nonsense style of this book will help you get started by offering practical advice from someone who's been in your shoes and wants to help you learn quickly.

The techniques and code examples presented here are directly applicable to real-world embedded software projects of all sorts. Even if you've done some embedded programming before, you'll still benefit from the topics in this book, which include:

Testing memory chips quickly and efficiently
Writing and erasing Flash memory
Verifying nonvolatile memory contents with CRCs
Interfacing to on-chip and external peripherals
Device driver design and implementation
Optimizing embedded software for size and speed

So whether you're writing your first embedded program, designing the latest generation of hand-held whatchamacalits, or simply managing the people who do, this book is for you.


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Algorithms in C, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structures, Sorting, Searching (3rd Edition) (Pts. 1-4) Review

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Algorithms in C, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structures, Sorting, Searching (3rd Edition) (Pts. 1-4) ReviewProf. Sedgewick is a noted authority on searching and sorting algorithms, and a former student of Knuth's. The text is authoritative, lucid, and detailed. It is also full of mistakes, poorly edited, and much of the code has serious and not so serious bugs.
I have the second, corrected printing of this edition. If you purchase this book, consider buying Bently's "Programming Perls" or some other book on debugging software, and consider Sedgewick's book to be an excellent opportunity to debug a standard reference in CS. In addition to scrutinizing the source code, don't accept any statement in Sedgewick unequivocally. Even his formula for computing the variance of a distribution is incorrect (the accompanying code is correct, though it magnifies the roundoff error; read "Numerical Recipies in C" by Press et al for a more civilized calculation). Many of his proofs have off by one errors, he misdefines the "transitive" property as "associative". Get the lastest printing available, eventually enough students and instructors will have gone through this book to ferret out most of its errors. There are no giant lapses in reasoning, and once it makes it out of beta, this should be a very fine book.
A much better investment would be "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen, Lieserson, Rivest, a vastly superior and more interesting text. It has far greater scope of coverage on the subject of algorithms, and is both clearer and more carefully written, one of the most illuminating books I've read. However, volume 1 of Sedgewick, as it focuses solely on searching and sorting, covers these areas in greater depth, and discusses practical implementation issues, such as sentinels and hybrid sorts. As such, Sedgewick is a good compliment to CLR. Bear in mind that it is more densely written than CLR, and hence requires a more careful reading.Algorithms in C, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structures, Sorting, Searching (3rd Edition) (Pts. 1-4) Overview"This is an eminently readable book which an ordinary programmer, unskilled in mathematical analysis and wary of theoretical algorithms, ought to be able to pick up and get a lot out of.."- Steve Summit, author of C Programming FAQsSedgewick has a real gift for explaining concepts in a way that makes them easy to understand. The use of real programs in page-size (or less) chunks that can be easily understood is a real plus. The figures, programs, and tables are a significant contribution to the learning experience of the reader; they make this book distinctive.- William A. Ward, University of South AlabamaRobert Sedgewick has thoroughly rewritten and substantially expanded his popular work to provide current and comprehensive coverage of important algorithms and data structures. Many new algorithms are presented, and the explanations of each algorithm are much more detailed than in previous editions. A new text design and detailed, innovative figures, with accompanying commentary, greatly enhance the presentation. The third edition retains the successful blend of theory and practice that has made Sedgewick's work an invaluable resource for more than 250,000 programmers! This particular book, Parts 1-4, represents the essential first half of Sedgewick's complete work. It provides extensive coverage of fundamental data structures and algorithms for sorting, searching, and related applications. The algorithms and data structures are expressed in concise implementations in C, so that you can both appreciate their fundamental properties and test them on real applications. Of course, the substance of the book applies to programming in any language.Highlights Expanded coverage of arrays, linked lists, strings, trees, and other basic data structures Greater emphasis on abstract data types (ADTs) than in previous editions Over 100 algorithms for sorting, selection, priority queue ADT implementations, and symbol table ADT (searching) implementations New implementations of binomial queues, multiway radix sorting, Batcher's sorting networks, randomized BSTs, splay trees, skip lists, multiway tries, and much more Increased quantitative information about the algorithms, including extensive empirical studies and basic analytic studies, giving you a basis for comparing them Over 1000 new exercises to help you learn the properties of algorithms Whether you are a student learning the algorithms for the first time or a professional interested in having up-to-date reference material, you will find a wealth of useful information in this book.

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Algorithms in C++, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structure, Sorting, Searching, Third Edition Review

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Algorithms in C++, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structure, Sorting, Searching, Third Edition ReviewIf you're looking for an exhaustive, upto-date reference/textbook for
fundamental, searching and sorting algorithms, then this is one of
the very best available.
Sedgewick has split his popular book into two volumes, with Graph
algorithms being hifted to the second volume. Moreover, many advanced
topics like computational geometry, fft, number theoretic algorithms
etc, which were introduced in the previous edition, seem to be missing
now - so the breadth of coverage seems to have reduced, which is a pity.
However, the depth has increased instead - i doubt that even Knuth
covers more sorting algorithms ! In particular, there are several
recent algorithms and data structures which are treated in greater
detail here than by Knuth. Of course, Knuth analyses all the
algorithms he presents in rigorous and exhaustive detail, which
this book doesn't.
Moreover, the book has many new algorithms and presents the state of the
art in sorting and searching algorithms, giving it a distinct advantage
over the older books.
Sedgewick makes it very clear in the preface that the emphasis is on
the practical importance of the algorithms, so esoteric algorithms which
are important 'only in theory' may find no mention. Also the emphasis is
more on the design of algorithms than on their analysis.
The number of (exercise!!) problems has multiplied manifold in this edition
to become more than most competing textbooks. Problems are graded by
difficulty level to help you choose the ones relevant to your needs.
The exposition is clear and authoritative - Prof. Sedgewick is a leading
authority in the field of algorithms and a student of Donald Knuth.
He has a gift for making difficult concepts seem simple, and the great
illustrations in the book go a long way in explaining the behaviour of
the algorithms.
For the practising professional, this is an ideal reference, since it'll
help you select the best algorithm for your task without bogging you
down with heavy mathematics.
The reasearcher, on the other hand, may benefit by gaining unique insights
from a master of the area, while using other books for the detailed
analysis of algorithms, including prehaps Sedgewick's own book on the
analysis of algorithms(with Flajolet).
A caveat - the code may not be 'ready to run'. It's better not to rely
on this book to provide you with usable code - if that is what you want,
perhaps the books by Drozdek/Weiss/Heileman/Rowe might be better choices.
If you want C code rather than C++, then the C version of this book is
a good choice, since the code provided is of 'K & R' class and therefore
a delight to read.
Of course, if you're looking for a language independent coverage,
then 'Introduction to algorithms' by Cormen,Leiserson and Rivest is
possibly the best book which combines rigor with comprehensive coverage
of the most important algorithms. Look out for the newly released
second edition.
And if you want a more rigorous and equally exhaustive coverage of
sorting and searching, go for Knuth vol.3 - still the authoritative
reference, though it may require more hard work on the reader's part.
Otherwise, invest in this and you won't be disappointed.Algorithms in C++, Parts 1-4: Fundamentals, Data Structure, Sorting, Searching, Third Edition OverviewRobert Sedgewick has thoroughly rewritten and substantially expanded and updated his popular work to provide current and comprehensive coverage of important algorithms and data structures. Christopher Van Wyk and Sedgewick have developed new C++ implementations that both express the methods in a concise and direct manner, and also provide programmers with the practical means to test them on real applications.Many new algorithms are presented, and the explanations of each algorithm are much more detailed than in previous editions. A new text design and detailed, innovative figures, with accompanying commentary, greatly enhance the presentation. The third edition retains the successful blend of theory and practice that has made Sedgewick's work an invaluable resource for more than 250,000 programmers!This particular book, Parts 1n4, represents the essential first half of Sedgewick's complete work. It provides extensive coverage of fundamental data structures and algorithms for sorting, searching, and related applications. Although the substance of the book applies to programming in any language, the implementations by Van Wyk and Sedgewick also exploit the natural match between C++ classes and ADT implementations.Highlights Expanded coverage of arrays, linked lists, strings, trees, and other basic data structures Greater emphasis on abstract data types (ADTs), modular programming, object-oriented programming, and C++ classes than in previous editions Over 100 algorithms for sorting, selection, priority queue ADT implementations, and symbol table ADT (searching) implementations New implementations of binomial queues, multiway radix sorting, randomized BSTs, splay trees, skip lists, multiway tries, B trees, extendible hashing, and much more Increased quantitative information about the algorithms, giving you a basis for comparing them Over 1000 new exercises to help you learn the properties of algorithms Whether you are learning the algorithms for the first time or wish to have up-to-date reference material that incorporates new programming styles with classic and new algorithms, you will find a wealth of useful information in this book.

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Data Structures Using C++ Review

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Data Structures Using C++ ReviewI am pursuing a computer science degree through Baker College Online. For all of our "Hardcore" programming courses such as C++, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Java (although I wouldn't really count Java as "Hardcore"), we are using D.S. Malik's books. I must say that after using three of his textbooks, I find them all to be less than adequate at best.
This book is not a total loss. Sometimes the examples provided are a decent overview that clears up topics such as Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues for newcomers. In fact if I were rating only the first half of the book (aside from the first two chapters, which are actually just rehashes from one of Malik's other books), I would probably give it four stars rather than three. It is in the second half of the book, when covering Binary Trees, AVL Height Balancing, Graphs, and STL Algorithms that Malik's coverage of Data Structures and Algorithms begins to slip into the realm of incoherence. Here, Malik spends too much time with diagrams and not enough with code. Also, when he does include source code, many times the amount of comments he includes are insufficient to really ascertain what he is trying to accomplish without spending extraneous time studying his code. Also, Malik tends to gloss over certain topics such as Kruskal's minimum spanning tree algorithm. Iterators are barely covered - Malik talks about how to use an Iterator, but never covers how one might construct one for their own data structures. The final chapter, which covers some of the STL Algorithms and the Set and Map data structures, is more of a joke than a real coverage of these items. Again, Malik covers how to use a Set or Map without really diving into their inner workings or how one might construct a similar data structure for their own use. I was also disappointed with Malik's coverage of Vectors. As with Sets and Maps, Malik covered how one might use a vector from the STL, but never how to construct one. To me that would seem like one of the most basic topics that any Data Structures and Algorithms text should cover. Finally, this book does not even cover or mention algorithms such as a Union Find or Union Join (which makes sense since he does not cover Kruskal's minimum spanning tree algorithm, which makes use of Union Find and Union Join, typically).Data Structures Using C++ OverviewNow in its second edition, D.S. Malik brings his proven approach to C++ programming to the CS2 course. Clearly written with the student in mind, this text focuses on Data Structures and includes advanced topics in C++ such as Linked Lists and the Standard Template Library (STL). The text features abundant visual diagrams, examples, and extended Programming Examples, all of which serve to illuminate difficult concepts. Complete programming code and clear display of syntax, explanation, and example are used throughout the text, and each chapter concludes with a robust exercise set.

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C++: The Complete Reference Review

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C++: The Complete Reference ReviewA little background: I've been programming professionally for 3 years now using VB, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, XML and occasional C. I would consider myself at intermediate/journyman level, striving to be Guru level (I'm perhaps there in VB, but not the other languages). Now my job is calling for more usage of C/C++ and thus I am striving to get at more than just a basic level with these languages. This background information is important because different books are appropriate for different experience/proficiency levels and thus someone can gage my review to their needs or to their experience level.
When I was converting to being a programmer, one of my courses was on C. The text was "A Book On C". This was probably the worst programming book I've ever used - it was poorly indexed, gave [poor] examples (for the beginner) and was difficult to read. I now own a copy of K & R's "The C Programming Language", which is much better and regarded by many to be the best C book of all. I like it, but it's not the best learning book, being terse and sometimes a bit confusing in it's explainations. K&R is an authoritative refernece. I've also thumbed through extensively Stroustrups' "The C++ Programming Language" at the bookstore. Again, this is a definetive reference, but not a good learning book. These books are written by and meant for experienced and/or advanced C/C++ programmers.
On the flip side of the coin are the "...For Dummies", "The Complete Idiots guide to..." and "Teach Yourself..." series books, which I've thumbed through the cooresponding C books at the bookstore. These books are good primers and are easy to understand. However, they are incomplete in their coverage of their subject and are of spotty quality.
So where's the happy medium? The answer is simple: "C++: The Complete Reference". This book has extremely thorough coverage of the subject (not as thorough as Stroustrups' book, but thorough nonetheless) and is extremely easy to understand. I love the presentation - it's simple, practical, to the point and quite enjoyable. When I read about a subject, say a function pointer or inheritance, and compile it's example, I have fun doing it and I feel I come away with a solid understanding without risidual confusion (risidual confusion sometimes occurs with K&R or Stroustrup). Also, when I want to look up something that I need to use, say a library function, I can find it immediately in the index, turn to the various pages that are referenced, and be able to use the function immediately and effectively.
I love the Osborne "Complete Reference" format for it's oganizational and presentation styles and I love Herb Schildts writing. He's a C/C++ guru (having been on the ANSI/ISO C++ standardization committee) and posesses excellent communications and teaching skills. He really understands the perspective of someone trying to learn C++ or improve on their C++ skills. There's a very good reason why he's the worlds highest selling C++ author.
This book is great for beginning and intermediate C++ programmers (and even good for C++ gurus as an easy and quick reference). It wouldn't be good for someone brand new to programming (these people should stick with beginning programming books).
Also consider what a tremendous value this book is. ... And the similarily priced "...For Dummies" and "Teach Yourself..." books don't contain nearly as much as this book. With this book you get an incredible amount of bang for your buck.
I can't rave enough about this book. It's thorough, well organized, easy to understand, enjoyable to read, extremely effective, and an absolute bargain. It's a must have for all levels of C++ programmers.C++: The Complete Reference OverviewProviding a comprehensive reference to programming language, C++, this text includes: coverage of the updated ANSI C++ standard; a description of the current root of C++; details of C++'s OOP components and classes; and tips on effective C++ software application development.

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Programming Microsoft Visual C++ Review

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Programming Microsoft Visual C++ ReviewI Just picked up the book from a half price bookstore. It's one of the best buys I made in recent months. The writing style is concise and their explanations extremely clear. A "must buy" for anyone who wants to dive into Win32 programming using MFC. However this is not a book for everyone. It is ideal for intermediate programmers.
I'm an experienced C/C++ programmer who wants a quick way of learning VC++ and the Visual Studio 6.0 Development Environment. And this is THE BOOK! I would also recommend the book for seasoned XWindows/Motif programmers who need to learn the popular MFC Windows application framework for porting their applications. It covers in breadth (but not in great details) many topics related to the Win32 environment: Document-View Architecture, ActiveX, COM, ATL, ODBC, Winsock, etc. In essence, it gives a nice capability overview of the VC++ 6.0 development tools.
Like some negative reviews posted earlier, I have to warn that the ideal readers should have some prior knowledge about Win32 API or at least some prior exposure to event-driven programming style (Smalltalk experience, also a plus.) A nice companion book for Win32 programming is: "Windows 98 Programming from the Ground Up" by Herbert Schildt. It gives C programmers better understanding of the Win32 API underlying MFC.
This is NOT an introductory text, NOR an in-depth reference. It is a comprehensive tutorial that is extremely well written and enjoyable for seasoned programmers who are new to the Win32 environment. I can't wait to start learning DirectX SDK after reading this book. :-)Programming Microsoft Visual C++ OverviewMicrosoft Visual C++ 6.0 is the latest version of the industry-standard programming language for professionals. And "Programming Visual C++, Fifth Edition", is the newest edition of the book that's become the industry-standard text. Newly expanded and updated, it offers the same detailed, comprehensive coverage that's consistently made this title the best overall explanation of the capabilities of this powerful, complex development tool. "Programming Visual C++, Fifth Edition", delivers authoritative guidance on: Fundamentals GDI, event handling, dialog boxes, memory management, SDI and MDI, printing, and help.
Advanced topics: multithreading, DIBs, ODBC, and DLLs COM creating document objects, ActiveX Controls, and components; automation; and using wizards and compiler extensions that support COM C++ programming for the Internet Windows Sockets, MFC WinInet, and ISAPI extension programs for Microsoft Internet Information Server.
An enclosed CD-ROM contains valuable sample source code and sample applications developed for the book-all of which makes this volume an indispensable tool that every professional will keep close at hand.
Building on the solid achievements of its predecessors, the latest edition provides important new coverage, including:
An overview of control development with ATL
A full discussion of the latest database programming enhancements
A valuable explanation of recent COM improvements
A comprehensive examination of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 controls.

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