Recommended Classic in a New Edition

I had already read the second edition back in 1992. Since then, a lot has changed for the better, both with C++ and this “classic.”

Unlike the second edition, which felt very formal in places and strongly resembled a programming language specification, the author has revised the entire book.

The book covers a very wide range of my information needs regarding C++. Some parts, such as the one on template metaprogramming, I only skimmed briefly during this first reading. Every language construct and many library functions are explained clearly with code examples. I particularly like that the code is printed in blue and in a different font. I will keep the book close at hand as a reference and resource.

However, it is still a workbook. You read it to immerse yourself in C++. It is demanding, but this effort is “sweetened” by this book.

I cannot judge whether this book is worthwhile for beginners, but for people who want to truly dive into C++11, it is definitely worth it. For those who only need an overview of the new features in C++11, “A Tour of C++,” also written by Bjarne Stroustrup, is recommended.

Bjarne Stroustrup
The C++ Programming Language, 4th ed.
Addison Wesley
2013