Core C++: A Software Engineering Approach

by Victor Shtern

Book Overview

Master C++ the right way: From the software engineering perspective *Master C++ the right way *Object-oriented approach to coding throughout *Harness C++s strengths; avoid its dangers *Build more... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0130857297
• ISBN13: 9780130857293
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR
• Length: 1237 Pages
• Weight: 4.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Attn: To Anyone Interested in Writing Code the Right Way

Mr. Shtern has written an excellent book which not only teaches the syntax and semantics of the language but also emphasizes writing quality, reusable code. After all, that's what OOP is about.I work in industry as a System Engineer working mostly on low level design that I manage using C and Assembly. Working on big projects with other programmers I get to see a lot of programming styles some are excellent and some not so good. There is much value in writing quality code. You can make life much easier on your self and others when it comes time to maintain or reuse previously written code.Until recently, I haven't had much incentive in learning object oriented methods (or so I thought). "Core C++" was an excellent introduction to the topic giving marvelous detail on how to use the language correctly and proficiently. The author spent a great deal of time making sure every aspect of the language is covered.Whether you are an experienced programmer or just starting out Core C++ gets my highest recommendation as a learning tool. However, be prepared to invest some time in reading "Core C++". I can't say that I didn't get a little frustrated with the vast amount of detail, but I knew reading through each section would be an investment in knowledge that would pay handsomely when maintaining and debugging future code. 90% of my knowledge about programming comes from the many mistakes I've made in my career. I could have used a book like this when I began writing code."Core C++" does not go into specifics of the C++ standard library, so it will not be the only book you need. However, there are many pitfalls in the details of C++, and one who has no experience with C++ will be doing himself a favor by beginning with "Core C++".In short, I would just like to express my gratitude for a well written, well thought out book on programming.

This is a great book!

I found this book extremely useful! I purchased it shortly after graduating from college, where I received a BS in CS. I was interviewing for Software Engineering positions and wanted to make sure I understood, in depth, exactly how C++ works. As anyone who has a degree in CS knows, most of the classes you take are more theoretical then practical. This is great because you get to the real `guts' of computing, and it also makes it alot easier to learn the more practical, hands on skills (such as programming). However, you do have to take the time, on your own, to learn these skills. That's what this book helped me to do. I was able to learn the practical aspects of C++ programming, which helped me with interview questions, which, in turn, landed me a job. I still have this book at my desk and reference it when I get stuck on something I'm programming, so it's been a great investment all around. As far as the other reviews, I'm not sure how `easy' this book would be to understand for a beginner, because I had been programming in C++ for about 5 years when I bought it, but I do know that it covers most, if not all, of the major concepts in C++ programming, and then some. It might be slower reading for a beginner, but I don't think it would be too hard to grasp.

Essential C++ Book

Over the years, I've read alot of programming books including more than a dozen on C++. Of all the books I've read, this is simply the best. Period. Victor Shtern manages to do what most other authors I've read fail to do, explain C++ well. I am suprised by how well this book teaches even the difficult parts of the core C++ language, something I have never seen before for any language. His writing is easy to read and engaging. If you want to be a strong C++ developer, whether you have years of experience or are just learning the language, you should read this book.

This book is written is for those who are willing to learn

I am the author of this book, and I would like to answer the review below. The reviewer "doer" complains that the book promises "Engineering Approach" but does not describe "compiler domain and code optimization." But the book never promised "compiler domain and code optimization." It promised what EVERY programmer and technical manager needs - software engineering. It teaches how to use C++ to build maintainable programs, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Few other C++ books aim at this. The reviewer charges that the book could be "half the size it is." Yes, it could. But then, Core C++ would be like hundreds of other books that quickly enumerate C++ features but do not teach coding skills. Many years of teaching and training experience taught me how to teach. I use SIMPLE language and numerous examples to explain COMPLEX things. And if it takes 1200 pages to explain things well, let it be 1200 pages and not 600.The reviewer complains that he did not find "finer points of the language and exquisite uses of it (e.g. idioms)" in the book. He read the book too quickly - finer points and idioms are there. In addition, the book explains techniques that are not covered in other books, such as pushing tasks from client classes to server classes, moving tasks among classes to minimize coordination, and other UNIQUE methods. They are EYE OPENERS for most programmers and managers.The reviewer concedes that it is "a good book" and that "it covers a lot of ground," but it gives it only two stars. This misleads those for whom the book is written - those who have patience and interest to learn this complex language and to master software engineering methods of using it.

More than mere C++ , really Superb!

Since I was once a student of Dr. Shtern in his C++ class, I'm in a good position to comment on his book. This book, unlike the rest in the market takes you into the rationale behind C++ and what it attempts to achieve what procedural languages can't. This book is easy to read and yet conveys highly technical materials in an unpretentious way.This book can also be used as a supplement reading to any multitudes of other "express-style" C++ book you'll readily found on the market or use to look into finer points you won't find in other books.You'll gain insight into why you used C++, not becuase it's on the fashionable "object-oriented" shelf. It also points out subtle coding practices and pitfalls.I highlight recommend this book to mature your view and practices of C++ even if you are a professional C++ developer(the size of the book should convince reader that this is work of art for C++; not an overnight "rush to market" item). Also , recommended for Technical/Project Managers.I think it will be another C++ classic as it is distilled from years of experience. Good job , Dr. Shtern!