The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference [Hardcover]

The C++ Standard Library provides plenty of default functionality in the form of the Standard Template Library (STL) for containers (like vectors and linked lists), as well as generic algorithms (which allow you to sort, search and manipulate elements inside containers). The best thing aboutThe C++ Standard Library is that it gives the reader a concise guide to working with these basic containers (from lists to sets and maps, with everything in-between). Each container type is explained along with short code excerpts. Moreover, in a reference section, the author explores the connections between each container type showing how they share similar methods. (Learn just a few methods and you can pretty much work with the mall.)

In addition to STL, this book excels at providing a readable introduction to the generic algorithms (which can be used to sort, search and otherwise manipulate STL containers). Other books either mix in this material with the explanation of containers, or make it seem like an esoteric topic. The fact is generic algorithms work with all the STL types and by separating these algorithms out like this, the reader can learn the rich array of algorithms available in today's standard C++. While this book concentrates on STL and algorithms, readers will still find great coverage on Standard Library string classes and streams (including a fine section on internationalisation and locales).

For the beginning or intermediate C++ programmer, The C++ Standard Library can be a real timesaver. It arranges and explains the complexities of the C++ Standard Library and STL in a manageable format that's great as a reference and as an approach to programming. -- RichardDragan

Topics covered: history of C++ and the Standard Library, template basics, Big-O Notation, the std namepace, standard exceptions, allocators, standard library utilities, pairs and auto_ptr, numeric limits, the Standard Template Library (STL) basics, containers, iterators, algorithms, vectors, lists, deques, strings, sets, multisets, bitsets, maps, multimaps, stacks, queues, iterator adapters, function objects, element requirements, value and reference semantics, complex numbers, valar rays, stream classes, stream manipulators and formatting, file I/O, internationalisation and locales.

The C++ standard library provides a set of common classes and interfaces that greatly extend the core C++ language. The library, however, is not self-explanatory. To make full use of its components-and to benefit from their power-you need a resource that does far more than list the classes and their functions.

The C++ Standard Library 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. You will also find detailed coverage of special containers, strings, numerical classes, internationalization, and the IOStream library. Each component is presented in depth, with an introduction to its purpose and design, examples, a detailed description, traps and pitfalls, and the exact signature and definition of its classes and their functions. An insightful introduction to fundamental concepts and an overview of the library will help bring newcomers quickly up to speed.

Comprehensive, detailed, readable, and practical, The C++ Standard Library is the C++ resource you will turn to again and again. An accompanying Web site, including source code, can be found at http://www.josuttis.com/.