C++ for High Energy Physics: Reference and Textbook Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for C++ programming textbooks suitable for physicists, particularly those involved in High Energy Physics. Participants share their experiences and suggest various resources that could aid in learning C++ effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests three specific textbooks: "Object Oriented Programming in C++" by Robert Lafore, "C++ Primer Plus" by Stephen Prata, and "Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup.
  • Another participant provides links to external resources that list C++ books and mentions "Thinking in C++" by Bruce Eckel and "Effective C++" by Scott Meyers as valuable references.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge, suggesting that physicists should start using C++ for practical applications rather than focusing solely on programming concepts.
  • One participant recommends "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup as the standard work for learning C++, arguing that it is essential for scaling work in programming.
  • There is a repeated endorsement of "The C++ Programming Language" as being particularly useful for physicists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best approach to learning C++. While some advocate for specific textbooks, others prioritize practical experience. There is no consensus on a single recommended resource, as multiple competing views remain regarding the best materials for learning C++ in the context of High Energy Physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential limitations of focusing on programming concepts versus practical application, indicating that the effectiveness of different resources may depend on individual learning styles and needs.

welatiger
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Hi all;
I'm a physicist _High Energy Physics Major_ and i use some computer software that is based on C++ Programming language such as (ROOT data analysis frame work - Pythia event generator)
and i need a reference or textbook that learns me C++ effectively, i have some choices:

1)Object Oriented Programming in c++ by Robert Lafore.
2)C++ Primer Plus (6th Edition) (Developer's Library) by Stephen Prata.
3)Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup.

can you help me ?
 
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This may help as a navigation thru the maze of C++ books:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/388242/the-definitive-c-book-guide-and-list

and

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/189090/a-good-c-book?lq=1

I remember using Bruce Eckels book Thinking in C++ some years ago and that it was well thought out.

ALso Scott Meyers Effective C++ was great for learning what works well and what doesn't.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Just start already. ;)

Experience teaches me that physicists never become great programmers who know all the ins and outs of a computer language.
They don't have the patience and neatness required.

Fortunately, physicists usually do know how to get the job done.
Just start using the language for practical purposes and you're set to go.
Perhaps look up a couple of examples using keywords that apply to you and combine them with the keyword C++ (yes, google recognizes it as a separate keyword).
 


thank you for your replies,

I understand from your words that the concepts of ​​programming may not be useful for me, it may be a later a stage, so i must read a practical book such as the 2nd one ( C++ Primer).
 


The standard work is "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup who invented the language.
That's the one I recommend to start with.

"Object Oriented" comes later imo.
That's what you will need if you want to scale your work up.
 


I like Serena said:
The standard work is "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup who invented the language.

so this will be useful and effective for physicists
 


welatiger said:
so this will be useful and effective for physicists

Yes.
 

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