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Practical C++ by Mark Terribile Highly Recommended

ISBN: 0-07-063738-5       Publisher: McGraw-Hill       Pages: 681pp       Price: £26-50

Categories:   advanced c++

Reviewed by Francis Glassborow in C Vu 6-1 (Nov 1993)

I am not convinced that the title is correct because this is much more than the title would indicate. It is clearly aimed at those who want to understand C++ as a programming tool. It also considers the many problems that programmers encounter because the language is still under development. The author not only mentions all (or at least all those that he is aware of) significant differences between different versions of the language but also takes the time to describe those new developments that are not yet supported by available compilers (things like changes to enums and the introduction of namespaces and mutable). The book is as up-to-date as possible with the final revision taking place in June of this year.

The effort to try to shorten the gap between a final revision incorporating new material and the date of publication has resulted in a number of typos and some idiosyncrasies with code layout. As an editor working to tight deadlines I fully sympathise. This time I will go so far as to say that I approve of early publication even at the cost of a few corrections that will be needed in the next printing.

The author says his target readers are experienced C programmers moving to C++. He is wrong. The correct readership are all those who think they know about C++ because they have used a C++ compiler. This book by analogy, is the software programmer's equivalent to the novelist's book about writing novels in English as opposed to a book on English as a second language.

The author is one of the very few real experts on C++ and there are very few professional users of C++ who would not benefit from reading this book.

I could say much more, but it would only be icing on the cake. If you are serious about using C++ this is a book you should read even if you have to buy it yourself.