Accelerated C++: A Comprehensive and Enjoyable Introduction to C++ Programming
Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example
If you want to learn how to program in C++, one of the most powerful and versatile programming languages in the world, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of resources available online. There are countless tutorials, courses, books, videos, blogs, podcasts, forums, and websites that claim to teach you C++. But how do you know which one is right for you? How do you avoid wasting your time and money on outdated, inaccurate, or boring materials?
Accelerated C : Practical Progra
One of the best ways to learn C++ is by reading a good book that covers all the essential concepts and skills that you need to become a proficient C++ programmer. And one of the best books on C++ is Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example, written by Andrew Koenig and Barbara E. Moo. This book is widely regarded as one of the most effective and enjoyable introductions to C++ ever written. It has been praised by many experts and beginners alike for its clear, concise, and engaging style, its modern approach, its comprehensive coverage, and its practical examples.
In this article, we will review Accelerated C++ and explain why it is such a great resource for learning C++. We will also give you some tips on how to use it effectively to master C++ in no time.
Why learn C++ with Accelerated C++?
C++ is a complex language that has many features, rules, exceptions, pitfalls, and quirks. Learning C++ can be challenging, especially if you are new to programming or coming from a different language. You might be tempted to start with a simpler language like Python or Java, or skip some of the more difficult aspects of C++, like pointers or templates.
However, learning C++ can also be rewarding, fun, and exciting. C++ gives you direct control over hardware resources, allows you to write fast and efficient code, enables you to create powerful abstractions and generic solutions, supports multiple programming paradigms (such as procedural, object-oriented, functional, or generic), and lets you work with a rich and diverse set of libraries and frameworks.
To learn C++ well, you need a book that can guide you through the language in a logical, coherent, and comprehensive way. You need a book that can teach you not only the syntax and semantics of C++, but also the best practices, idioms, and design patterns. You need a book that can show you how to use C++ to solve real-world problems, not just theoretical exercises. And you need a book that can make learning C++ enjoyable, not frustrating or boring.
Accelerated C++ is such a book. It is based on the authors' intensive summer C++ courses at Stanford University, where they taught hundreds of students how to program in C++ in just 10 weeks. The book reflects their experience and expertise in teaching C++, and their passion and enthusiasm for the language. The book has many advantages over other C++ books, such as:
It is concise and compact. The book has only 352 pages, which means you can read it in a reasonable amount of time and not get lost in unnecessary details or filler content.
It is up-to-date and modern. The book follows the latest standards and conventions of C++, such as C++98 and C++03. It also anticipates some of the features that were later added in C++11 and beyond, such as smart pointers or auto.
It is practical and relevant. The book focuses on solving problems, not on learning language features for their own sake. It uses real-world examples and scenarios, such as writing a grade calculator, a word-count program, or a crossword puzzle generator.
It is clear and understandable. The book explains every concept and technique in a simple and straightforward way, using plain English and helpful diagrams. It also provides plenty of code snippets and exercises to illustrate and reinforce the points.
It is engaging and entertaining. The book has a lively and humorous tone that makes reading it a pleasure. It also includes some interesting anecdotes and trivia about C++ and its history.
The modern approach of Accelerated C++
One of the most distinctive features of Accelerated C++ is its modern approach to teaching C++. Unlike most other C++ books, which start with the low-level aspects of the language (such as variables, types, expressions, statements, loops, functions, arrays, pointers, etc.) and then gradually introduce the high-level aspects (such as classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, templates, exceptions, etc.), Accelerated C++ does the opposite.
The book starts with the high-level aspects of C++, such as data abstraction and generic programming, and then gradually introduces the low-level aspects in context. The book assumes that you already know some basic programming concepts (such as variables, types, expressions, statements, loops, functions, etc.) from another language (such as Java or Python), and shows you how to apply them in C++. The book also assumes that you are interested in learning how to write better, more powerful C++ programs from day one, not just how to write simple or trivial programs.
This approach has several advantages:
It is more motivating and rewarding. You can start writing useful and interesting programs right away, without having to wait for weeks or months until you learn all the necessary features of C++. You can also see the benefits of using C++ over other languages more clearly.
It is more efficient and effective. You can learn the most important concepts and skills of C++ first, without getting bogged down by the details or complexities of the language. You can also avoid some of the bad habits or misconceptions that might arise from learning C++ in a traditional way.
It is more natural and intuitive. You can learn C++ in the same way that professional C++ programmers use it: by using high-level abstractions to solve problems, and then diving into the low-level details when necessary. You can also learn C++ in the same way that it was designed: by building on top of existing abstractions, rather than reinventing the wheel.
The modern approach of Accelerated C++ is based on two key concepts: data abstraction and generic programming. These are the concepts that make C++ a powerful and versatile language, and that enable you to write robust programs quickly and easily.
Data abstraction
Data abstraction is the idea of hiding the implementation details of data types behind interfaces that define their behavior. Data abstraction allows you to create new types that are suited for your problem domain, without worrying about how they are represented or manipulated internally. Data abstraction also allows you to use existing types without knowing how they are implemented or what they contain.
what you learn from the book and to develop your confidence and competence in C++. You also need to do them in order to explore and discover new aspects and possibilities of C++.
To do the exercises and projects effectively, you should:
Do them regularly and consistently. Don't skip or postpone them. Do them as soon as you finish reading a chapter or section. Do them in order and don't jump ahead or go back.
Do them independently and honestly. Don't look for answers or solutions online or elsewhere. Don't copy or plagiarize someone else's code. Don't cheat or take shortcuts.
Do them creatively and critically. Don't just follow the instructions or specifications. Try to add your own ideas or features. Try to improve or optimize your code. Try to find and fix errors or bugs.
Do them collaboratively and constructively. Don't work alone or in isolation. Work with other people who are reading the book or learning C++. Share your code, ask for feedback, give advice, etc.
Use a good compiler and IDE
The book is not meant to be read in isolation or abstraction. It is meant to be used in conjunction with a good compiler and IDE (Integrated Development Environment). A compiler is a program that translates your C++ code into executable code that can run on your computer. An IDE is a program that provides a graphical interface for writing, editing, debugging, testing, and running your C++ code.
To use a good compiler and IDE effectively, you should:
Choose a compiler and IDE that are compatible with the book and with your computer. The book uses the standard C++ language and library, so you need a compiler that supports them fully and correctly. The book also uses some features that are specific to certain compilers or platforms, so you need a compiler that supports them as well. The book does not recommend any particular compiler or IDE, but some of the popular ones are GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Visual Studio, Xcode, Code::Blocks, etc.
Install and configure your compiler and IDE properly and securely. Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the compiler or IDE vendor or developer. Make sure that you have the latest version and updates of your compiler or IDE. Make sure that you have the necessary tools and libraries for your compiler or IDE.
Learn and use your compiler and IDE effectively and efficiently. Read the documentation and tutorials provided by the compiler or IDE vendor or developer. Learn how to use the features and functions of your compiler or IDE, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, code formatting, code analysis, code generation, debugging, testing, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example is one of the best books for learning C++. It teaches you C++ in a modern, practical, and enjoyable way. It covers all the essential concepts and skills that you need to become a proficient C++ programmer. It also provides plenty of examples and exercises to help you practice and apply what you learn.
If you want to learn C++, you should definitely read this book. You will not regret it. You will learn C++ faster and more fluently than you ever believed possible. You will also have fun along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Accelerated C++ today and start your journey into the world of C++ programming!
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to read Accelerated C++?
A: It depends on your reading speed, comprehension level, and prior knowledge of programming. However, a reasonable estimate is that it takes about 10 to 20 hours to read the book from cover to cover.
Q: Is Accelerated C++ suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, but only if you have some basic programming experience in another language (such as Java or Python). The book assumes that you already know some fundamental programming concepts (such as variables, types, expressions, statements, loops, functions, etc.) and shows you how to apply them in C++. If you have no programming experience at all, you might find the book too difficult or fast-paced.
Q: Is Accelerated C++ suitable for experts?
A: Yes, but only if you want to refresh or improve your C++ skills. The book covers all the core features and topics of C++, but it does not go into the details or complexities of some of the more advanced or specialized aspects of C++. If you are already an expert C++ programmer, you might find the book too easy or basic.
Q: Is Accelerated C++ up to date with the latest standards and trends of C++?
A: Yes and no. The book follows the latest standards and conventions of C++, such as C++98 and C++03. It also anticipates some of the features that were later added in C++11 and beyond, such as smart pointers or auto. However, the book does not cover some of the newer or more experimental features or topics of C++, such as lambda expressions, concurrency, modules, concepts, ranges, etc.
Q: Where can I find more information or resources about Accelerated C++ or C++ in general?
A: You can find more information or resources about Accelerated C++ or C++ in general on the following websites:
The official website of Accelerated C++: http://www.acceleratedcpp.com/
The official website of the C++ language: https://isocpp.org/
The official website of the C++ standard library: https://en.cppreference.com/w/
The official website of the GCC compiler: https://gcc.gnu.org/
The official website of the Visual Studio IDE: https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/
The official website of the Xcode IDE: https://developer.apple.com/xcode/
The official website of the Code::Blocks IDE: http://www.codeblocks.org/
The official website of the Stack Overflow community: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/c%2b%2b
The official website of the Reddit community: https://www.reddit.com/r/cpp/
71b2f0854b