Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example
If you don't have a lot of time, but still want to learn the latest in  C++, you don't have to learn C first. You might learn more by digging into  current language features and classes from the very beginning. That's the  approach that's offered byAccelerated C++, a text that delves into more  advanced C++ features like templates and Standard Template Library (STL)  collection classes early on. This book arguably can get a motivated beginning  programmer into C++ more quickly than other available tutorials.What separates this title from the rest of the pack is that it jumps right in  with samples that take advantage of the Standard C++ of today--from streams to  built-in container classes, such as vectors and linked lists. Early examples are  more complex than in other books, but the thoroughness and relaxed pace of the  explanations will bring the novice up to speed. (Although it ships at a slender  350 pages,Accelerated C++is packed with samples, tips, and example  problems; about 10 per chapter.)After a tour of basic C++, the book looks at more advanced C++ features, such as  templates, including built-in support for containers. Besides tapping the  strength of Standard C++, you also will learn to design with your own templates.  (Other tutorials would defer this material until later on.) The authors have  tested the approach in the book in their own teaching, and honed a set of  worthwhile examples that will help anyone get familiar with these powerful  language features. All examples make use of the command line and console  (without GUI programs), but the advantage is that this code should run on any of  today's operating systems and compilers. Later sections cover the basics of  class design, which include good coverage of operator overloading and  inheritance.With its innovative approach to teaching the language,Accelerated C++will challenge readers in the right way. It suggests that you don't need to  learn C to be productive in C++. Written in an approachable style, it deserves a  close look from any C++ novice.--Richard DraganTopics covered:Introduction to C++Console I/O with stream  classesBasic string handlingLoop and flow-control statementsArraysUsing functions and methodsUsing Standard Template Library  (STL) containers (vectors, linked lists, and maps)IteratorsSorting and  generic functionsBasic class designPointers and arraysFile I/OMemory-management techniques, including statically and dynamically allocated  memoryAdding stream support to custom classesConversion operatorsOperator overloadingFriend functionsInheritancePolymorphism  and virtual functionsHandle idioms for classes, including reference  countingQuick reference to the C++ language