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C++ is considered the most powerful programming language. It is the language widely used for development. C++ has a versatile range of applications, including application development, game development. Object Oriented Programming, that is the latest innovation in the world of programming is introduced by C++. C++ influenced many other programming languages and have a great impact in making programming more powerful.
C++ is a hard to learn language and is not recommended for those who are starting their career in programming languages. However, if studied properly and with complete command over the language, there is no language that would be difficult for you.
What are the Best C++ Books to read?
This is one of the main reasons that C++ is widely being taught in the colleges and to the students of Software development and programming language. C++ has a hard to learn syntax and the power of language makes it complex to understand. There are hundreds of features, classes and verifications in the language. To learn C++ properly, you will need to spend more time comparatively than other programming languages. Hence, if you want to learn C++ coding and make yourself acquainted with all the features proficiently. You need to invest your time, efforts and have sheer determination. You can learn C++ through a number of books or through schooling. If you want to learn C++ by yourself, there are some great books that you must consider reading. You can have a look at these books to decide which one would be the best for you to learn C++.
Best C++ Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best C++ books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. The C++ programming Language, 4th Edition.
The book is famous for its straightforward and clear approach towards the concept of programming and C++ language. It covers a great deal of features including the classes, objects, and arrays. The book covers the latest version of C++11.
C++11 is the latest version that feels like a whole new language. It has created a list of possibilities that were not known before. C++ programming is a language that requires clarity and exceptional programming skills. Bjarne Stroustrup is the designer and implementer of C++. He has written a number of editions for C++ and understanding it easily. This 4th Edition is the right book for all those who want to understand C++ and get their self familiar with C++11.
- Authors: Bjarne Stroustrup (Author)
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 4th Edition (July 24, 2013)
- Pages: 1376 pages
2. C++ Primer (5th Edition)
C++ Primer is a great book to keep yourself and your knowledge up to date with latest updates and features being introduced in the language. They have published several editions covering all the updates in the language. The 5th Edition to C++ Primer is the right book if you want to get a hold of C++11.
Written by Stanley B. Lippman, Josee Lajoie and Barbara E. Moo, this book is the right tool that can guide all those with no prior programming languages to write useful programs. The book contains a number of examples, exercises and useful information that you can use to get yourself familiar with C++ and have good command over the language. This book has a fast learning method that will enable you to not only learn the features of C++11, but also libraries, building the programs, promoting the right practices to write programs. There are also strong concepts and insights in to the fundamentals of language.
- Authors: Stanley Lippman (Author), Josée Lajoie (Author), Barbara Moo (Author)
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 5th Edition (August 6, 2012)
- Pages: 976 pages
3. Programming: Principles and Practice using C++ (2nd Edition)
Bjarne Stroustrup is one of the designer and original implementers of C++. His expertise in C++ programming and the understanding of the language is unmatched. He has written a number of books on actively learning C++ and using it to increase your programming skills.
This book focuses on fundamental concepts and techniques of C++ that you can use to write, correct and maintain the programs in most productive manner. The book covers a wide range of features from C++11 and C++14 for all those who want to get acquainted with C++ or increase their knowledge by learning the compatibility with all these new and upgraded features in the latest versions of C++.
- Authors: Bjarne Stroustrup (Author)
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 2nd Edition (May 15, 2014)
- Pages: 1312 pages
4. C++ Primer Plus (6th Edition) (Developer’s Library)
While other books are targeted to a specific version of the C++. C++ Primer plus is a carefully crafted guide to learn complete C++ features and it covers a diverse range of applications made possible through C++. The book has a detailed chapter on changes, and how they can be related to the previous versions. While you look at it this way, the book can also be useful for those who are trying to get familiar with updates in C++11.
The book is written by famous programming languages teacher, Stephen Prata. It contains a detailed, in-depth analysis on Dealing with Data, Compound types, loops, branching & logics, adventures, functions, objects, classes, arrays and a lot more. The book also contains number bases and exercises so you can efficiently analyse the teaching and what you have learnt so far.
- Authors: Stephen Prata (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson India; 6th Edition (October 15, 2015)
5. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming.
C++ is a highly efficient language. It is probably the most powerful programming language that has supported a number of other programming languages as well and is used as a source code for them. The applications of C++ in practical field are immeasurable.
Game programming and development is considered the most difficult in the world of programmers. C++ is the programming language that is most widely used for Game programming across the world. If you want to develop the games, it is eminent that you learn C++ along with the game programming basic. Of course, there are certain other factors involved. But C++ stands above all. This highly efficient book by Michael Dawson will allow you to learn everything you need to know about programming games using C++. This fourth edition has the latest updates covering all the new features and innovations of C++.
- Authors: Michael Dawson (Author)
- Publisher: Cengage Learning PTR; 4th Edition (June 23, 2014)
- Pages: 352 pages
6. C++ All-in-one for Dummies
There are books on C++ for the beginners and then there are books for expert programmers who want to get deeper insight in to the language and also to upgrade their knowledge and get their self acquainted with all the updates and new features of the language.
This book however, is a complete learning guide. The book is equally useful for beginners and pros to learn C++ programming efficiently and also to get familiar with the updates. The book is written with the collaboration of John Paul Mueller, and Jeffrey M. Cogswell. The names are renowned in computer industry and are considered pioneers of C++ teaching. This book contains a precise and informative step-by-step guidance for comprehensive learning experience. The book has deep knowledge on objects and classes. This read will enable you to conquer advance programming, starting from a beginner’s level.
- Authors: John Paul Mueller (Author), Jeffrey M. Cogswell (Author)
- Publisher: For Dummies; 3rd Edition (August 18, 2014)
- Pages: 864 pages
7. C++ in One Hour a Day, Sams Teach yourself.
If you look at C++ from afar, it is the most complex language and you will always be fearing the complexities involved that will cause hindrance for you to learn the language. However, nothing can be achieved in one go, and you must take small steps to effectively achieve your goals and work for them each day.
This book presents a simple and easy to understand narrative that allows you to learn C++ in an efficient manner by giving it an hour each day. Written by Siddharth Rao, the book is an excellent guide for those with no prior knowledge of programming to start learning C++ and fundamentals of programming languages. This book is equally good for all those who are looking to learn C++ and want to switch from another programming language. This book contains a step-by-step guide for all those who want to get acquainted with C++ and the basics of programming languages.
- Authors: Siddhartha Rao (Author)
- Publisher: Sams Publishing; 8th Edition (December 23, 2016)
- Pages: 798 pages
8. A Tour of C++ (2nd Edition) (C++ In-depth Series).
Bjarne Stroustrup is the right person to learn C++. He is the creator of language and in this book, he has described what constitutes modern C++ language. This is a concise, explanatory guide that covers almost all the features of C++ including arrays, functions, classes, and loops.
The book is a great way to learn the basic features and to use that knowledge to effectively grow yourself from the basic to pro C++ programmer. There is a lot of useful guidance in the book including information on how to build arrays. This book is worth reading for all those who already have knowledge of C++ and can program with the language. This book provides the right guidance to get yourself familiar with C++17 and all the features it has to offer like semantics, uniform initialization, lambda expressions, improved containers and concurrency.
- Authors: Bjarne Stroustrup (Author)
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 2nd Edition (June 29, 2018)
- Pages: 256 pages
9. Starting Out with C++ from control structures to Objects (9th Edition)
This is a coursebook guide effective for the students who are looking to start their career with C++ and don’t want to miss out on anything. The book covers control structures through objects, functions, arrays, and pointers. It also has a deep insight in to classes and objects.
The book has a step-by-step representation of concepts in easy to understand and comprehensible narrative. The book has a gradual and accessible approach written by Tony Gaddis. There easy to read, clear code listings, concise and practical examples along with the exercises at the end of every chapter to self-test your knowledge and keep reminding yourself the concepts you have learnt. There are no chances of missing out on anything from control structures to objects with this 9th Edition of improved C++.
- Authors: Tony Gaddis (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 9th Edition (February 13, 2017)
- Pages: 1344 pages
10. Starting out with C++: Early Objects (9th Edition)
When it comes to getting proficient in C++, not a single book is enough and it requires reading the concepts, fundamentals, basics, and how you can use all the knowledge. There are several versions that have been released with improved, enhanced features and applications over time.
If you are looking to get yourself familiar with the C++ in the depths. Starting out with C++ series is the right choice for you. This 9th edition is an organized step-by-step guide that enables you to have all the knowledge to get things done. The book builds concepts around flexibility and utility of the code, rather than making you follow a straight line. Written by Tony Gaddis, Judy Walters, and Godfrey Muganda, this book has interactive learning methods and covers all the recent changes in technology.
- Authors: Tony Gaddis (Author), Judy Walters (Author), Godfrey Muganda (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 9th Edition (March 10, 2016)
- Pages: 1272 pages
11. Discovering Modern C++: An Intensive Course for scientists, Engineers, and programmers (C++ in-depth Series)
Most of the large and complex scientific and engineering projects are being written in C++ these days. The power embedded in the language allows a powerful and strong approach towards these projects. Mastering C++ will allow you to have strong programming skills for not only C++ but any programming language. This book contains all the required insight by Peter Gottschling.
The book is designed to help with rapid growth in the language and making you understand all the features you require for using C++ in-depth for using it for scientific and engineering projects.
- Authors: Peter Gottschling (Author)
- Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 1st Edition (December 17, 2015)
- Pages: 480 pages
12. Absolute C++ (6th Edition)
The book is a comprehensive introduction to C++ programming language. If you are looking to learn all important things in a short span of time and don’t want to get indulge with unnecessary concepts with no actual benefits. Then, this is most definitely a worth reading book for you.
Written by Walter Savitch and Kenrick Mock, the book presents an understandable narrative for all the beginners who are looking to get introduced to C++ and the basic concepts of programming languages. The sixth edition covers everything from the syntax of language to advance topics including latest feature updates. Absolute C++ is the right book for you if you want to adapt to the concepts of C++ quickly and start using them to write accurate and worthy programs.
- Authors: Walter Savitch (Author), Kenrick Mock (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 6th Edition (March 4, 2015)
- Pages: 1008 pages
13. Beginning C++17: From Novice to Professional
While there are many programmers who believe one should start with learning the basics first and then move towards advanced levels of C++. Ivor Horton is a strong advocate for letting the new features dive in. He emphasises on the importance of innovation and believes that there is not much use for learning the outdated versions.
This book is a great guide for all those who want to start with C++17. The book covers all the information required for a beginner to learn C++17 professionally. The book contains standard libraries for C++17, an ample collection of examples, and exercises, and a lot to learn directly with C++17. The book focuses on getting acquainted to the programming languages and working the most advanced features of C++17 efficiently.
- Authors: Ivor Horton (Author), Peter Van Weert (Author)
- Publisher: Apress; 5th ed. Edition (March 24, 2018)
- Pages: 799 pages
14. Murach’s C++ Programming
Ever since its release in 1985, C++ is considered the hardest and most complex language to learn. It requires certain expertise and programming language concepts prior to start learning C++. C++ has changed significantly over these years and have introduced comprehensible and easy to understand approach and techniques to use C++ effectively.
Joel Murach and Mary Delamater have used such techniques and logics to make the basic concepts for learning C++ easier for everyone. This book is the best guide for those who are starting to learn C++ and feel overwhelmed by complex concepts and hard to understand approach of programmers towards C++. The book also contains realistic program examples as well as practical exercises to test your knowledge and learn to remember.
- Authors: Joel Murach (Author), Mary Delamater (Author)
- Publisher: Mike Murach & Associates (September 21, 2018)
- Pages: 770 pages
15. C++ Crash Course: A Fast-Paced Introduction
C++ can take months, even years to have full proficiency over it. If you are looking to learn C++ properly in the shortest possible time. This would be the perfect book for you.
C++ is most widely being used across the world for programming, game development, and hundreds of other applications. This book is for intermediate to advanced programmers. Written by Josh Lospinoso, the book offers an in-depth insight in to the most modern revision of C++ according to the ISO standard. The book has two parts that focus on building the concepts and using the understanding of language and features of C++ to write programs.
- Authors: Josh Lospinoso (Author)
- Publisher: No Starch Press; Illustrated Edition (September 24, 2019)
- Pages: 792 pages
16. A First book of C++ (Introduction to Programming)
If you are new to programming languages and have no prior experience of programming at hand. This is the right book for you. The book offers you the basic principles of programming languages that will strengthen your concepts and will come handy in the chapters to follow to effectively learn C++ in the right manner.
Written by Gary J. Bronson, this book is worth reading for all those who are looking to start their career in programming languages with C++. The book starts with fundamentals of programming and programming languages. It moves gradually to how you can use C++ and its power to write programs that actually work. The book has descriptive information on Object-Oriented programming and the syntax of C++, making it unique and easy to understand. The concepts in book are easy to understand and remember, that will enable you to apply them efficiently.
- Authors: Gary J. Bronson (Author)
- Publisher: Cengage Learning; 4th Edition (February 11, 2011)
- Pages: 816 pages
17. Programming and Problem Solving with C++: Comprehensive
While there are a number of books focusing on the concepts and understanding of programming languages and C++. The application is lost in all those fundamentals and there is no emphasis on how you can use the power of a certain programming language.
This is a comprehensive guide for all those who have ample knowledge of C++ and are looking on how they can efficiently use it to improve their programming skills and solve complex problems. Written by Nell Dale and Chip Weems, the book is 6th edition that covers most recent features, latest updates and key concepts based on real-world case studies.
- Authors: Nell Dale (Author), Chip Weems (Author)
- Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 6th Edition (February 13, 2016)
- Pages: 1068 pages
18. C++17 – The complete guide: First Edition
C++ is an ever-evolving language. It has developed so much ever since its released and compilation. C++17 is so far the latest addition to C++ with lots of enhanced features that will change the way you look at it.
There are a handful of books written on C++17 yet. This complete guide is the first and latest edition on C++17 that not only allows you to adapt the changes effectively, but also enables you to understand the new features and additions so you can use them for your benefit as well. The book is written by Nicolai M. Josuttis and has a focus on improving every day programming for the developers by effectively using C++17.
- Authors: Nicolai M. Josuttis (Author)
- Publisher: NicoJosuttis (September 6, 2019)
- Pages: 454 pages
19. C++17 In Detail: Learn the Exciting Features of the New C++ Standard!
C++17 is a major update that has changed the concepts and working of C++ significantly. The update brings a number of exciting additions and improvements to the language making it fun to work with and easier to understand for all the programmers. Not many books have been written on C++17 yet. And it is hard to say that any of these covers all the features of this latest update.
C++17 in Detail is written by Bartlomiej Filipek. The book allows you to dive deep in the features that come with the latest upgrade of language. There are hundreds of hours spent on discovering the features and making this book practically closer to the reality. The book has lots of information on class template, argument deduction, bindings, inline variables, Parallel algorithms and more. It also covers all of the latest feature updates to the language in this C++17 update.
- Authors: Bartłomiej Filipek (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (July 18, 2019)
- Pages: 378 pages
20. C++: Step by Step Beginners Guide in Mastering C++
C++ is a widely learnt programming language for beginners to start there programming career. The basic concepts and fundamentals of programming that are required to understand C++ enables young programmers to be ready for switches. Once you have learnt C++ properly, there is no language that will be difficult for you and all you need to learn is the syntax of a language to effectively make the switch.
This Step-by-step guide by Liam Damien comprises on basic concepts, syntax of C++, Learning about the features and coding in C++. It also sheds light on how you can deploy the resources at hand and fully use the power of C++ to write programs that will work. The book has examples, and exercises that make you test your knowledge for the programs.
- Authors: Liam Damien (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (November 28, 2019)
- Pages: 280 pages
Choosing the Best C++ Books
C++ is not an easy to understand language. It requires determination, and hard work along with time to learn the language properly and putting it to good use. There are hundreds of books written to learn C++. However, not all the books are same and they may vary in terms of narrative, and understanding level.
Hence, we have critically reviewed and compiled a detailed review for you to read about these books on C++ and choose the right book that will suit your style and learning experience.
