Though there are a lot of options to learn C++, from online PDF books to courses in the internet age, nothing can beat the knowledge you obtain from books that come under self-study.
With the help of C++ books, you will first read the concept, learn its importance, and implement it in practical examples. In addition, books provide you with many exercises to test your learning after each chapter.
There are a lot of books available in the market for C++, and it might be confusing to find out which ones are the best to start with. Thus, we have come up with the list of 10 best C++ books for beginners and professional developers who want to learn this fantastic programming and its core concepts.
If you are new to computer science and want to learn programming, the best programming language for you to start your career is C++. We know it might surprise you as there are so many programming languages that it can get overwhelming. But most new programming languages heavily borrowed the syntax from C, making it a great language to learn to program.
C++ is an object-oriented programming language designed by Bjarne Stroustrup. It is a general-purpose language, which is popularly called the extension of the C language. People refer to C++ as “C with Classes”. It is a compiled language and both a high-level and low-level language.
In many ways, this is considered a go-to language for creating general-purpose software development. On the other hand, C has a lot of influence on other programming languages like JavaScript, Java, and Python. As a result, learning C and its elements will help you easily grasp new programming languages.
But where do you start? What is the best way to learn C++? Well, C++ is an old programming language. As a result, it has tons of resources that are available online.
Contents
Features Of C++
C++ is the updated version of the C programming language; the main idea behind the development of C++ is to include object-oriented programming in C. Thus, C++ now has a namespace, operator overloading, error & exception handling, and more. The main goal behind using C++ is to see the world of programming in classes and objects.
Here are some features that make C++ an excellent choice for programming beginners:
1. Object-Oriented Programming
One of the main reasons why C++ is so popular is the implantation of object-oriented elements. With this, C++ gets polymorphism, inheritance, encapsulation, abstraction, and more. This allows developers to maintain and develop their products with much ease.
2. C++ Is Easy To Understand
A code written in C++ can easily be understood by a third person who has never worked on the same code before and has some basic programming knowledge. That is because C++ follows a structured approach, meaning you break the problem into different parts and can come up with the solution in the form of modules. One can use a rich set of library functions when writing the programming.
On the other hand, if you have worked in C language, then moving to C++ is going to be a piece of cake as the transition is relatively smooth. Along with this, if we compare the syntax of C++ and C, we can see it is pretty similar. At the same time, if you are someone who knows to program, even then C++ is the correct language to start your programming journey.
3. Platform Dependent
A code can only be executed on the same operating system on which it is developed and compiled in the first place. As a result, if you have used Windows to create a program in C++, it will only run on Windows. The same code will not work for Linux or Mac OS. Still, with a few changes, you can make it run on other platforms as well.
4. Mid-Level Programming
C++ has a significant advantage when it comes to performing both high-level and low-level programming tasks. This is why C++ is also called a mid-level language. When we mention low-level programming, that means developers use C++ to work with system applications like Kernel, driver, and more.
5. Rich Library
There are so many in-built functions to add to your code directly when using C++ for programming. In addition to this, with the use of libraries and pre-built functions, developers are able to save a lot of their time which results in faster application development. Some of the well-known libraries are “cmath,” “iomanip,” “iostream,” and “ctime.”
Benefits Of C++
Now let’s explore some of the benefits of C++ and see why it is such a popular programming language among developers of all kinds.
1. Portability
One of the best things about C++ is that one can write the code without having to worry about whether the hardware will run it or not. This means you can create a program on one machine and then make it run on the other. But the operating system has to remain the same.
2. Muti-paradigm
Paradigm basically means the level of planning which is involved during the writing of the code. It deals with the logic, style, and way execution proceeds in the program. C++ allows developers to work with multi-paradigms and select the ones which they feel comfortable working with. There are a total of three different types of paradigms one can follow in C++, and these are generic in nature, where the developer follows a single idea of creating the code which works for multiple purposes.
Imperative, where the developer takes different steps to change the state of the program. The last one is object-oriented, where developers use classes and methods to increase the reliability and modularity of the code.
3. Memory Management
C++ comes with the support of Dynamic Memory Allocation (DMA). This helps in the freeing and allocation of memory. Also, there is no garbage collection in C++, and this allows developers to have complete control over how the memory is managed in the C++ program.
4. Wide Range Of Applications
C++ can be used for designing GUI as well as games; with C++, one can develop graphics and real-time algebraic simulations. Thus, we can say C++ can be used in a number of application development streams.
5. Massive Job Opportunities
C++ provides developers to create programs for the finance sector and games for Windows and Linux operating systems. As a result, if you have the knowledge of C++ programming, then finding a job won’t be a challenging task for you.
Drawback Of C++
C++ also has some issues with it, which you get to know when you start working with it. Below we have provided some of the common drawbacks that annoy developers and make their job of developing a program in C++ a little complicated.
1. Presence Of Pointers
Pointer is a complicated subject of C++ programming, and when there is a single uninitialized pointer left in your code, it could result in system failure. Apart from this, pointers can also lead to memory corruption if a developer puts the wrong values in them. As a result, finding out the error in pointers is a difficult task, and hence it comes under the category of the most significant disadvantage of C++.
2. Unsafe
Due to the presence of pointers, global variables, and other elements, C++ has some security issues. What this means is you can corrupt the entire program just by using a part of the memory as an incorrect type.
3. No Custom Operator
In a number of programming languages, we can easily define the operators to run a specific operation. But that’s not the case with C++, we can actually redefine existing operators with the help of operator overloading, but there is nothing more to it than that.
4. No Built-in Threads
Even though the use of threads has become an old concept with the advancement of technology, still, the addition of threads in C++ is far-fetched compared to other programming languages like Java.
5. Lack Of Algebraic Data Types
There are tuples, structs, and similar data types present in C++. As a result, one has to use libraries or have their own executions if they want to use these data types.
10 Best C++ Books For Beginners and Advanced Learners
Now let’s come to the list of the top 10 best C++ books for beginners. These books are great for you to start your programming journey with C++ programming as well as hone your C++ skills.
1. A Complete Guide to Programming in C++
Author: Ulla Kirch-Prinz and Peter Prinz
To start this list of best C++ books for beginners, we have a great book for you for both beginners and professional programmers. It is more like reading material for those students who are still an undergrad. At the same time, professional programmers can read this book to refresh their concepts of C++ programming.
The chapter progression is quite exceptional as it manages the reader to move from primary language ideas to more experienced concepts of C++ programming. All the components of C++ are discussed here in detail for the reader’s ease. Everything is discussed in this book, from fundamentals to concepts of functions, classes, conversion of arithmetic types, and control flow.
You can buy this book here.
2. C++ Primer 5th Edition
Author: Stanley Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo
This is the 5th Edition of a renowned book of C++. After reading this book, a beginner in computer science can write a complex program in C++ without worrying about mastering all the concepts of C++. This book has tons of examples that can help readers understand the true purpose of the C++ element and its implementation.
In addition to this, you will also learn how to make the best use of the C++ elements to make your code efficient. It is an ideal C++ book for new computer science students. Lastly, the examples present in this book come with the modern age coding style and programming design techniques. As a result, you need to purchase the latest Edition of this book.
You can buy this book here.
3. C++ in One Hour a Day, Sams Teach Yourself 8th Edition
Author: Siddharta Rao
This is more of a practical guide to C++ programming. With this book, you will get much faster, simpler, and more efficient C++ programming. Apart from this, the writing is quite simple to understand, and the book is filled with 300 code examples for readers to take notes of. All the examples included are updated to support the C++ 20 standard.
Object-oriented programming concepts have been given a particular focus and explained in detail. In addition, you will get familiar with the new features of C++ 20, such as modules, views, adopters, and ranges. After you complete this book, you will be able to write feature-rich and stable C++ code for a number of applications.
You can buy this book here.
4. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming
Author: Micheal Dowson
Most people who are into programming first found themselves attracted to computer games. Generally, most boys opt for computer science because they want to learn how games work and want to be part of a game development team. So this book is written specifically to aid newcomers with learning C++ with a viewpoint of game development.
This book presumes that the reader has no knowledge of programming whatsoever, and everything needs to be taught from the ground up. The author has taught every single concept in this book in simple step-by-step instructions. Even though this book is for novices, you still need total concentration when reading it.
Moreover, this book requires you to study and research the concepts of C++ thoroughly. But in the end, there is nothing for you to worry about; if you have put your focus and dedication into this book, you will be able to create simple computer games using C++ programming.
You can buy this book here.
5. C++ All-in-One For Dummies 3rd Edition
Author: John Paul Mueller and Jeffery M. Cogswell
Just from the name, you can see this book is written for people with no previous knowledge of C++ or any other form of programming. In addition, it is considered an ideal handbook for people who want to learn and work in C++. In this book, you will get to know how to work with different forms of objects and classes along with other elements of C++.
With this book, you will learn some of the most advanced C++ coding skills that help in the creation of various applications. Here you will learn about lambda expressions which allow you to make your code more concise and readable. Furthermore, the tips and tricks in this C++ book for beginners will help you write the code faster and better than ever.
You can buy this book here.
6. C++ Pocket Reference 1st Edition Accelerated C++
Author: Andrew Koenig
This book comes with a practical approach to tackling the concepts and elements of C++ programming. With this book, you will have a much wider scope of C++ programming in the introductory section of books.
Moreover, this book showcases the features of C++, real problems, and examples with real-world solutions. The standard library of C++ is covered here in detail, and this helps a reader to learn the working of standard libraries even before they start implementing them.
You can buy this book here.
7. Learn To Program With C++
Author: John Smiley
If you are someone who is feeling anxious because you don’t have any prior knowledge of programming and you fear that it will be hard for you to get a job? Then reading this beginner-friendly C++ book will be your breakthrough as it will guide you slowly with each chapter in the world of programming.
This will lead you to slowly comprehend the working of programming languages like C++. The book only demands one thing, which is your full concentration when you are reading the concepts mentioned in its chapters. Tons of examples and instances of code are provided throughout the book. So you will learn every single topic of this book by reading about the programs and then processing the programs on your computer for execution.
As a result, if you want to learn C++ from the ground up and know all the ins and outs of this programming language, then Learn to program with C++ will be an excellent book for you. The book has all the simple and complicated topics written in such a great way that the reader will not see a gradual change in the complexity of the topics.
You can buy this book here.
8. Starting Out with C++
Author: Tony Gaddis
This is a great book and has tons of informative content regarding the development of programs using C++. Every topic which you need to learn C++ to its core is present in this book. Along with this, no extra unnecessary information is present to confuse readers.
The book is pretty lengthy, but you will not find it hard to finish due to its fantastic writing style. You also have concise, easy-to-read code listings and real-world examples. At the end of each chapter, you will have practice exercises to test out what you have learned in the specific chapter.
Furthermore, the book talks about all the “why” and “how,” but throughout its length, it never loses its track record of ensuring that a beginner understands each topic. Before introducing objects and classes, the book covers control structures, functions, arrays, and pointers.
Apart from this, the seventh Edition of the book comes with an online assessment tool where you will be solving problems related to C++ programming. This assessment tool helps in providing immediate personalized feedback and an online place to practice your coding skills.
You can buy this book here.
9. A Tour of C++ (C++ In-Depth Series) 1st Edition
Author: Bjarne Stroustrup
This C++ book for beginners follows concepts and principles of C++11, and this makes it possible for programmers to write their code in a much clearer, simple and direct way. Allowing them to save their time while writing efficient code as well. The author is one of the few people in the world who initially designed and implemented C++.
Thus, when you are reading this book, you know you are learning from the expert. This C++ covers all the aspects of the C++ language thoroughly; the introductory chapters excerpt readers from the complete reference. As a result, in just a few hours, a beginner will understand what the modern C++ programming language consists of.
In this self-contained guide, the author is able to cover most of the features and major standard-library components of C++ in great detail. The use of word tour in the title is justifiable as the book is quite comprehensive with the coverage of the basics of C++ to the advanced concepts like semantics, uniform initialization, lambda expressions, random numbers, concurrency, and many more, all of which are part of the new C++11 standard.
You can buy this book here.
10. Design And Evolution of C++
Author: Bjarne Stroustrup
The last book on our list of top 10 best C++ books for beginners ends with another book authored by the creator of the C++ language himself, Bjarne Stroustrup. This book is more of a classic insider’s guide of how the author came up with the design and made the evolution of C++ possible in the world of programming. There are no bogged-down technicalities to bore you; only crucial facts are present in this book.
If you are a C++ developer, even reading this book will open you to new insights and findings which you never knew before. The primary purpose of the author is not to make readers understand the concepts of C++. Here he tells readers why he has chosen some features over others to be part of C++.
There are certain examples present throughout the book which reveals a better way to write the code in C++. In the end, this book tells you why and how C++ is developed. Apart from this, you will be more tolerant of some of its downsides after you know it’s working and adopt new features of C++ as you understand the motivation behind it.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
So these were some of the most known C++ Books for beginners worldwide. These books will be helpful for beginners, experts, and even for intermediate developers. C++ book is a perfect way to learn about this programming language at your own pace. Any of the books we have mentioned above is enough for you to start with C++ programming.
We hope this article has helped you find the C++ book you are looking for. If there is another book that you believe should be on the list of top 10 best C++ books, then feel free to put it in a comment down below and let us know. Till then, happy learning!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I learn C++ from books?
Yes, absolutely, books can help you learn C++, and with books, you will have full control over your learning. You can read a C++ book anywhere, such as on your commute, in a library, and even in your bed. Reading books is one of the easiest ways to make yourself learn something new.
2. Do I need to learn C before C++?
Having a basic knowledge of C is a great way to start learning C++, but if you don’t have it, even then, it’s fine. All the concepts of C will be discussed once again when you learn C++. So it is not required to learn C before learning C++.
3. Is C++ better than Python?
C++ is much faster than Python programming as it is statically typed, which results in a much faster compilation of the code. On the other hand, Python supports dynamic typing and uses an interpreter, which causes the compilation process to slow down.
4. Which is the best book to learn C++?
“A Complete Guide to Programming in C++ By Ulla Kirch-Prinz” is our pick for the best book to learn C++. This is a great book and explains every principle of C++ in great detail. The writing style is easy to understand, so when you are reading it, you will learn from it and enjoy the learning process along the way.
5. Is C++ faster than Java?
Yes, C++ is faster than Java. This is because a code written in C++ is compiled in binaries, so its execution is done immediately. Java is the interpreted language meaning the code first gets compiled in the intermediary form before it gets converted into the machine code. The intermediary code of Java is present in the form of bytecode. During the runtime, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) will convert the bytecode of a program into machine code for execution. This one added step leads to Java being a little slower than C++.
Sameeksha is a freelance content writer for more than half and a year. She has a hunger to explore and learn new things. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
