- #1
Bjarne Stroustrup's C++ book -- free to first person requesting it
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SUMMARY
The forum discussion centers around the offer of a free copy of Bjarne Stroustrup's "Design and Evolution of C++" to the first requester in the USA. Participants reflect on their experiences with C++ literature, noting that while Stroustrup's book is historically significant, it is not a beginner-friendly resource. Users recommend simpler alternatives like "Starting Out with C++" by Gaddis for those new to programming. The conversation highlights the challenges of learning from foundational texts versus more accessible instructional materials.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of C++ programming concepts
- Familiarity with programming literature and resources
- Knowledge of different C++ book authors and their contributions
- Awareness of learning styles in programming education
- Research "Design and Evolution of C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup for historical context
- Explore "Starting Out with C++" by Gaddis for beginner-friendly programming education
- Watch C++ tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube for visual learning
- Investigate the differences between various C++ editions and their pedagogical approaches
Beginner and intermediate C++ programmers, educators seeking effective teaching materials, and anyone interested in the historical development of C++ programming language.
- #2
Vanadium 50
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I suggest yungman should get it.
- #3
harborsparrow
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@yungman would you like to receive this book? if so, please message me a shipping address
- #4
yungman
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Thanks for your offer, I have 6 books on C++ already, let someone else have it.harborsparrow said:
Thanks
- #5
strangerep
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Phew, that takes me back...harborsparrow said:
I bought (or obtained) every edition of "The C++ Programming Language", some of them by volunteering to proof-read the drafts. Although each edition was a huge amount of work just to read (and provide extensive comments), it turned out to be a fantastic way to stay at the front of the field.
Ah, the nostalgia!
- #6
Mark44
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But you don't have any that were written by the guy who defined the language...yungman said:
- #7
yungman
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Ha ha, I have C++ books stacking up, not to mention Amazon first lost the Beginning C++17 by Ivor Horton, they sent me another one, then two weeks later, the first one arrived! I am using the second one to prop up my laptop to raise the height!Mark44 said:
Particularly I am having a ball watching C++ youtube videos. I find it even more helpful than reading articles on line having a real person explaining along. I wasted two days reading this pointer and still didn't feel comfortable, I watched 3 videos, it's crystal clear now.
- #8
Mark44
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Give away one of the two copies, and get the book that comes from the horse's mouth. A book by the acknowledged master, with all the information in one place, is better than a slew of videos.yungman said:
- #9
jtbell
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I have a copy of "Design and Evolution of C++", from the days when I was learning everything I could about C++ so I could teach it. I enjoyed reading it, but it's definitely not a "how to program" book. It's more of a historical memoir, with lots of technical details and discussion about decisions that Stroustrup made when designing C++, and changes from one version to another.
- #10
yungman
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In my experience, book from the person that invent the subject is more likely much harder for learning than other books. I remember self studying the most famous analog IC design book by Gray and Mayer. Gray was a professor in US Berkley, it's a very hard book to read. In the company, they put videos of his lectures during lunch time everyday those days, it was sooooooo boring, I sat there all the time...NOT to listen, but to snooze! His voice just made me fall asleep right away!jtbell said:
Of all the books I have in C++, the best book for self study is Gaddis bar none. The book does not assume you know anything about programming and it actually explain things in much simpler ways. Not that the other books are more advanced, after I studied Gaddis and read through the other books again, I got NOTHING more, they are just hard to read.
Problem with reading books from the one that invented the subject, they must be very bright. I spent more than 15 years working in an environment that my colleagues are at least 50% PhDs. We have a chief scientist that developed ALL the different mass spectrometers for semi-conductor testing like in KLA Tencor or Apply Matterials(they are really a scaled down version of the Standford linear accelerator type of stuff). I had a hell of a time listening to him. He skip words! He think he explain thing, but he really doesn't. When we had meetings, people really need to concentrate, it's going so fast you wander off a little, you miss the whole thing!
I bought a few C++ books, it's very difficult to understand. Finally I asked my grandson what book he used in his C++ class in community college, he introduced me Gaddis, that's the book! The book is written for lesser student and it take the time to explain.
I avoid getting books from people that is on top of the field if I try to learn anything from ground scratch. Hell, even in my field of electronics, I have even more books on RF and electromagnetics than Standford U book store. I still find it's better to get books that are easier to read over books by the pioneers of the topics.( believe me, I have a lot of books and studied a lot of books from all the years. I never stop studying all these years.).
- #11
DavidSnider
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I'll take it if it's still available. PM me.