C++ Weekend Crash Course [With CDROM]

by Stephen Randy Davis

Includes an introduction to C++ as used in Microsoft's new .NET platform, including Managed Extensions, and the new Visual C++ .NET compiler. Updated for the new ISO C++ Standard. The valuable CD-ROM... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764546899
• ISBN13: 9780764546891
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 552 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Definitely NOT in a weekend

Having read with pleasure the 'Visual Basic 6 Weekend Crash Course' by the same author, as a beginner to C++ I thought that this would be a good choice. Two weeks down the line, I'm only half-way through the book. As noted by others, the problems started with the chapter on Pointers. This is a new concept to me, and although I understood the first chapter on Pointers, I found it somewhat difficult to grasp the following one ('A few more pointers'). I used VB 6 for a couple of years and got used to the 'What you see is what you get' concept. However, with C++, often what you see is not at all what you get. So when you're like me, seeking to understand exactly how things work, then the explanations and examples in the book feel a little minimal. Add to that a cryptic programming language and you may have nothing to fall back on. I found myself presuming a lot. The problem is that if you don't understand a topic, chances are that you won't understand a lot of other stuff either. Overall, I like the book because I use it to get to know the basic concepts of C++ and programming in general. I don't type the code examples, I don't even run them from the CD. I just read through them and with the help of the written explanations try to understand what is happening. Sometimes this takes long, but I feel that I'm building a sound basis in relatively little time. The chapters are compact, each not more than a couple of pages, and this helps you to progress steadily. But definitely not in a weekend! That is just a marketing ploy, and it's working well.

Perfect for the C programmer moving to C++

As a C (and other languages) programmer, I have spent hours in the bookstore reading 20 or more books on C++ trying to find one that would give me the C++ concepts quickly and simply - and this book does. I am quite certain that it will not be my last book on C++, it is NOY a complete referece by any means. I would also add that it is definitely NOT for someone with no programming experience (even though the copy says it is). While this book is not really what it purports to be, it is perfect for the C programmer moving to C++.

Good intro to a very complicated language

This book is by the same author as "C++ for dummies". Having browsed through that book and read the reviews, "C++ Weekend Crash Course" appears to be a reformatted, repackaged version of "C++ for dummies" oriented towards quick learning for someone under the gun to complete a C++ project. Nevertheless, it does seem to be a throrough examination of the basics of the C++ language.Davis seems to really know his stuff and his style is towards teaching someone relatively new to programming or new to the C++ language. This is not a definitive reference nor is it without errors. But it excells in what it proclaims: Teaching someone the basics of C++ fast, in an easy, enjoyable and intuitive manner. This is very important for newbies. Communication and presentation are more important to newbies than technical perfection. And this book excells at communication and presentation. I've read the book over a number of weeks, so the "weekend crash course" proclomation does not apply to me. But, judging how long each section took, it does look like it's possible to do it in a weekend if you have the entire weekend to dedicate to it.As my comfort with C++ grows, I will move on to "The C++ Programming Language" by the C++ creator, Bjarne Stroustrup. That book appears to be awfull for the newbie, but is an excellent reference for intermediate and up. The point is, some programming books are great for newbies (like "C++ Weekend Crash Course") and some are great for reference and more advanced users.The errors in the code examples (there aren't that many) can be annoying. But that is a result of the mass production nature of programming books. I'm sure that future editions of this book will have corrections. Even the book that many consider to be the ultimate C book, K & R's "The C Programming Language" had errors in it's first edition (as noted by the authors). The other reviewers complaining about the occasional code error in this book should look at it as a challenge for their code debugging skills (which every programmer needs). If you don't catch the errors and have difficulty compiling, it means you are not learning the concepts, but merely copying code (which does not make you a good programmer). If you want to learn the basics of the C++ language fast and in an enjoyable, easy, intuitive way, this is the book for you.

Worth the "Crash Course" title

This book didn't seem like it was for the "beginning" beginner. I knew enough C to skip the first third or so, but had to slow down for the middle, and really had to think by the end.Yes, the code was very buggy, including a diagram that claims a Sofa Bed is a mix between a Sofa and a Checking account. (Checking Accounts were used in the preceding chapter)I think this book would be best used by those who needed a big refresher course, or could handle the headaches that go along with learning a very complicated programming language in a little over two days.I don't think 500 pages and 15 hours is going to teach anyone all they need to know about C++, but this will still be a good reference book for most people.