textbook advice please

[melissak0421]

Next term, I'll be taking object oriented in c++, my professor isn't too keen on the book in the store and suggested we look elsewhere. Does anyone have any advice on some good c++ object oriented Programming textbooks?

Thanks!

[Amaz1ng]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...amming&x=0&y=0

Check that. One book is not really any better than the other imo. One thing I've learned about programming is that if you're willing to spend 8-10 hrs a day to learn it, give up your life, etc...you will be good at it no matter what. :O

[aamir121a]

you can try with QT , it is an easy subset of C++ , plus it is cross platform , compiled code run on Windows . Linux and OS X , further it is free , come with a great IDE , book on this can be purchased from amazon


http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pr...5674923&sr=8-2

you can download QT from

http://qt.nokia.com/

As pointed out it is hard work , however if you stick around it pays off big time.

[D_Drmmr]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...amming&x=0&y=0

Check that. One book is not really any better than the other imo. One thing I've learned about programming is that if you're willing to spend 8-10 hrs a day to learn it, give up your life, etc...you will be good at it no matter what. :O

I do think there are big differences in quality between the various books out there. Some teach C++ in a way that you can continue with what you've learned, and for some you will first have to unlearn half of what you've learned before you can become productive. Usually you can get a pretty good idea by just going through user reviews.
Also have a look here: http://www.codeguru.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231039

you can try with QT , it is an easy subset of C++

What on earth are you talking about? QT is not a subset of C++, it's a GUI framework that even attempts to extend the C++ language through its own preprocessor. QT isn't going to help a beginner, rather you need to have a reasonable understanding of C++ before you learn any GUI framework. How can you learn to use a framework if you don't understand the language it is written in?

[melissak0421]

After seeing the previous comments, I emailed my professor to ask what he was looking for in a textbook. The following was his reply:

Although we will be reviewing some of the topics from previous C++
courses, we will also be discussing some new areas. Two topics of
particular note are the Standard Template Library (STL), and the
implementation of inheritance (we will be talking about this topic from
a design standpoint later this term). Also, a book that discusses the
whole context of object oriented programming would be best (rather than
focusing specifically on C++ syntax). So whatever book you consider
should cover these areas.

Hope this is a little more helpful. Thanks!

[nuzzle]

After seeing the previous comments, I emailed my professor to ask what he was looking for in a textbook. The following was his reply:

Force the professor to come up with a textbook recommendation. He should be familiar with what's available and be able to suggest the best match for his course. It's his job for heaven's sake!

[Lindley]

"Effective STL" is a must-read in that case.

[ninja9578]

My favourite is "C++ in a Nutshell"

[Moschops]

Force the professor to come up with a textbook recommendation. He should be familiar with what's available and be able to suggest the best match for his course. It's his job for heaven's sake!

I would disagree. I suggest that his job is to teach effectively, not promote book sales. If the best way for him to teach effectively is by having the students read a book, then great. It may well be, however, that it's not.

I understand that the Deitel book has a good chunk covering the standard library, although Josuttis' "The C++ Standard Library" for me remains the best printed reference, although I find the best guides to it are online; given that printed books on the STL are usually not for teaching C++, but teaching someone who knows C++ how to effectively use the STL, I wouldn't suggest any of the dedicated STL books to a newcomer looking to learn.

For OO, I found Chamond Liu's "Smalltalk, Objects, and Design" to be a really good introduction.

[ninja9578]

I'll be honest, I never opened my textbooks in college or than to look things up. Some people learn by reading, most don't. I think books should be used for reference, not teaching. Hands on is the way to teach and learn any kind of engineering. I know a lot of REALLY good programmers who never even went to college. If you really want to learn programming, hang out on this forum, here we see real world problems and solutions.

[melissak0421]

The problem, is that this is an 8 week class..so while we're in class he highlights key points of the chapters. We usually go over about 4 chapters in each class. He expects us to read the chapters to fill in the blanks. So, do I need a reference for when I am coding, because he is less than helpful when it comes to problems we encounter. But, also his tests are bastards! He tests on lecture, notes and book. I'm not sure how he'll do that with him asking us to go out and find our own book, but normally anything is fair game on a test. Needless to say I've had him as a professor before (twice before, and currently, and then next term). But for this term we're doing software analysis and design , in which we're doing a software project and next term we will implement the project we're planning this term.

[nuzzle]

I would disagree. I suggest that his job is to teach effectively, not promote book sales. If the best way for him to teach effectively is by having the students read a book, then great. It may well be, however, that it's not.

If that's what you think then why did you give reading suggestions? To sabotage this professor's course? Shame on you.

[nuzzle]

We usually go over about 4 chapters in each class. He expects us to read the chapters to fill in the blanks.

So you have a textbook? Well, which one is it?

[melissak0421]

We have a textbook for this term, he wants us to find a textbook for next term where we implement the project we're planning now. The book I currently have for this term is UML 2 and the unified process: practical analysis and design.

[nuzzle]

We have a textbook for this term, he wants us to find a textbook for next term where we implement the project we're planning now. The book I currently have for this term is UML 2 and the unified process: practical analysis and design.

Programming is very much a craft and at some point you need to stop reading and start laying down actual code. Are you really required to decide on a textbook for the project?