C++ without Fear: A Beginner's Guide That Makes You Feel Smart: Amazon.co.uk: Brian Overland: Books

Product Description

If you've always wanted to learn how to program a computer, or to learn the popular C++ programming language, here's the perfect book and CD to get you started. You'll find everything you need patiently explained and clearly illustrated, from general programming concepts and techniques to the particulars of the C++ language. In no time, you'll be writing your own programs!

Yes, programming can be a complex task, and C++ is a language often used by professionals. In fact, many of the coolest games , graphics, and Internet applications are created with C++. But the language, like the monster on the cover, need not be all that fearsome. Broken down to its essentials, and enhanced by simple examples and practical exercises, you'll be amazed at the quick progress you can make.

With C++ Without Fear, you will

Learn the basics of C++ programming
Get started writing your own programs
See how and why each piece of a program does what it does
Create useful and reusable program code
Understand object-oriented programming--for once explained in simple, down-to-earth terms

Whether you wish to learn C++ programming for pleasure--and you'll discover here how much fun it can be--or might be considering a career in programming, this book is an intelligent first step.

The accompanying CD-ROM contains a free C++ compiler for writing and running C++ programs, which will let you get started right away. It also includes all the examples and answers to all the exercises in the book. The CD-ROM will run on any PC running MS-DOS or Windows.

From the Back Cover

With C++ Without Fear, you will

Learn the basics of C++ programming
Get started writing your own programs
See how and why each piece of a program does what it does
Create useful and reusable program code
Understand object-oriented programming--for once explained in simple, down-to-earth terms

Whether you wish to learn C++ programming for pleasure--and you'll discover here how much fun it can be--or might be considering a career in programming, this book is an intelligent first step.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Bad form and confusing for new programmers 14 Sep 2007

By E. Higgs

Format:Paperback

A colleague of mine is trying to learn how to program in C++ using this book and judging from his questions, this book is horrible. Looking over the parts that confuse him I see loads of really bad style that I would even consider errors.

For example, the user uses integers for boolean flags (e.g. "int x = false;"). It teaches bad habits to new C++ programmers. In other examples (e.g. the triangle(int num) example), the author uses different argument names in the prototype and the implementation.

In the prime number example in chapter 4, "int prime(int n)" returns a boolean value rather than the integer defined in the type signature. Also, it uses C style casts to pass integer variable 'i' to sqrt. It should use static_cast<double> instead.

I don't see any reason for someone interested in learning C++ to buy this book. I suggest "Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example" by Andrew Koenig instead.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

A great introductory book, but with some flaws 22 Jun 2007

By D. Heaven

A generally excellent book, but there are some errors, particularly with the answers to exercises (it makes me wonder whether, as he claims, they actually have been compiled and tested).
For example, all of his "prime number" examples do not work for 1 or 3. The author should have used a do...while loop, and corrected the error with 1 being described as a prime number.

Others include the fact that he (correctly) discourages the use of C-Style casts, and encourages the use of C++ style specific casts (static_cast etc.), but then clearly uses the former in examples?

However, all things considered, it's a great introductory book, and highly recommended.

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This book is great for beginners 13 Nov 2007

By gamerwannado

Having not programed at all. I have had the experience in the past of buying computer books and they being a complete waste of time and money. This isn't one of those!

This book explains concepts and practical examples from the outset. Which help cover all the basics and I could do a text based adventure game. Based upon what I learn from this book. Within a month of so of reading it.

The reason I only gave it four stars, was becasue some of the advanced concepts at the back fo the book where not explain as well, as in the beginning.

I can recommend this book for all beginners.