C++ is one of the most popular programming languages today. It is a general-purpose programming language created as an improvement to the C language to integrate the object-oriented paradigm. It’s a compiled language that uses imperative syntax.
Since C++ follows OOPs concepts, it primarily focuses on objects, classes, and operations. Contrary to structured or procedural programming, which necessitates executing a set of computational steps, it is much simpler to edit code that implements OOPs concepts.
Why Learn and Use C++?
C++ provides a memory and computation model that is quite close to that of the majority of computers. C++’s specifically created abstraction methods can be used for programming tasks that demand the highest levels of flexibility and efficiency.
The fundamental goal of designing and creating C++ was to provide the efficiency and adaptability of C for systems programming along with Simula’s tools for program structuring, also known as object-oriented programming.
C++ is a popular choice for developing extensive software infrastructure and resource-constrained applications. Programmers can optimize their code so that it can work effectively in any environment.
The first step in learning to code is selecting a programming language to get started with, regardless of whether your goal is to develop a new career, pursue a side interest, or improve your current position.
Developers all across the world frequently utilize C++ as their default programming language. In fact, the majority of AI applications, video games, etc, run on C++.
C++ is one of the best programming languages to learn because of its widespread usage. To become a skilled C++ developer, you should never stop learning, whether you’re a working professional or a student.
So, the top C++ books listed here will help you get started and achieve your dream of becoming a proficient C++ developer.
Top C++ Books
The books on this list are suitable for beginners as well as experienced developers who wish to master C++. Let’s check them out below.
1. The C++ Programming Language
Author – Bjarne Stroustrup
This book, which was authored by the man who invented C++, contains information for both beginners and pros on how to master the C++ language. This book includes practice tasks and helps you develop an in-depth understanding of various C++ concepts. With this C++ book, you will learn the fundamentals of C++, including libraries, containers, OOPS, and more.
2. A Complete Guide to Programming in C++
Author – Ulla Kirch-Prinz
This book is a great pick whether you are a novice or an experienced programmer. The chapters are organized such that the reader can progress from fundamental language concepts to advanced programming techniques. It also goes into great detail about various aspects of the C++ language.
The key characteristics of the object-oriented C++ programming language are described in detail in the first few chapters. In the later chapters, you will learn the employment of streams for information and yield with a focus on system architecture.
The book also discusses the operators needed for calculations and determinations. It will show you how to properly document your functions and explain the distinction between pointers and arrays.
3. C++ Primer
Author(s) – Stanley B. Lippman, Josee Lajoie, and Barbara E Moo
Whoever wants to learn the C++ language or improve their competence would benefit greatly from this book. In addition to the functions, this book also introduces all of the C++ libraries.
The book has been updated for the latest version of C++, and the examples are considerably more advanced and applicable to both beginner-level and advanced learners.
4. Learn to Program with C++
Author – John Smiley
Are you concerned that you know nothing at all about programming and will lag behind the others as a result? If so, this book is a great choice because it will walk you through each C++ concept one at a time.
Simply give the chapters your undivided attention as you read through them. You may quickly understand all topics by going through the programs and executing them on your computer because there are several examples throughout the book.
This means that if you want to learn C++ and become an expert in it, you must be patient and study the chapters in the sequence that would benefit you the most.
Learn to Program with C++ guides you through selection structures, loops, functions, how to design objects from instantiable classes, managing access to the data in your object, and learning the concept of Inheritance, Arrays, Pointers, Errors, and error handling.
5. The Design and Evolution of C++
Author – Bjarne Stroustrup
The Design and Evolution of C++ is yet another book written by the man who created C++. The definitive insider’s guide to the creation and development of the C++ programming language is what you get with this book.
The explanations of the “whys” behind C++ provided by Stroustrup will be helpful to you as a C++ developer. The book’s content is well-structured and simple to read, and you will find the content frequently educational and occasionally funny.
Additionally, this book provides information and in-depth analysis of important design choices that you will understand easily.
You can learn more about C++ by reading The Design and Evolution of C++, which explains how and why it evolved. After learning about the alternatives, you’ll have more understanding of some of its ideas. When you understand the reasons behind new features, you can easily adopt them. This book is essential to have if you want to write C++ code effectively.
6. Effective C++
Author – Scott Meyers
Many programmers all across the world praised the first two editions of Effective C++ book. The practical approach to C++ by Scott Meyers discusses the industry’s best practices for writing C++ code.
The book is organized around 55 distinct recommendations, each of which outlines a method for creating better C++ documentation. Each recommendation is accompanied by real-world examples.
Almost half of the content in the 3rd version of this book is new because of the newly included chapters on resource management and template usage. The second edition’s topics have undergone significant revisions to highlight contemporary design factors such as design patterns, exceptions, and multithreading.
It was predicted that this book would be the greatest C++ book for experienced programmers, and it was successful. The third edition of this book shifts its focus from developers coming from the C programming language to developers coming from other programming languages, such as Java.
It provides more than 50 straightforward recommended practices and rules of thumb for C++ programmers in a highly approachable and pleasant manner.
7. Practical C++ Programming
Author – Steve Oualline
A wide range of evaluations, a rewritten introduction, a synopsis of the C++ programming language’s history, and instructions on how to create anything with C++ flawlessly are what you’ll learn by reading the Practical C++ Programming book.
It discusses C++ syntax, style development, object classes, debugging templates, etc. Those who want to learn C++ can use this book as a resource. They should concentrate on the introduction section and make sure to finish all the exercises provided after each unit.
By the time you finish the book, you’ll understand how to apply C++ in real-world projects by writing clean and effective code.
8. C++ Concurrency in Action
Author – Anthony Williams
For experienced C++ programmers and those aspiring to become professional C++ developers, this book is a must-read. It is comparable to Java Concurrency in Action book that is intended for Java developers.
The main area where Java excel is concurrency, which is not the best feature of C++, although concurrency in C++ has also made some advancements. This book’s first edition covered C++11 concurrency support, including the atomics library, the thread library, the C++ memory locks, mutexes, and the concept and issues of creating and troubleshooting multithreaded and concurrent systems.
The second edition of C++ Concurrency in Action has been updated to include all the recent updates introduced in C++ 14 and C++ 17.
It provides you with all the knowledge a concurrent C++ programmer needs to create robust and performant applications. You should consider reading this book if you are serious about boosting your knowledge of C++ programming.
9. C++ Pocket Reference
Author – Kyle Loudon
Programmers can quickly refer to the syntax and usage of unknown or rarely used features of C++ with this pocket-sized book.
The book contains a variety of crucial information about C++, including details on the types and type conversions used in the language, the syntax for C++ statements and preprocessor directives, pointers, arrays, expressions, strings, etc. Additionally, this book explains C++ topics like namespaces and scope.
10. Beyond the C++ Standard Library: An Introduction to Boost
Author – Björn Karlsson
Every seasoned C++ developer must know that Boost is one of the greatest C++ libraries for real-world projects. This book shows how to utilize the Boost libraries and covers all of their features in detail.
For intermediate-level programmers, this book is excellent since it demonstrates how to use Boost libraries efficiently.
Conclusion
You could find yourself lost in the sea of C++ books if you don’t know which one is best for you. There is a wide range of C++ books that are excellent at introducing the fundamentals, but there are some books that follow a more comprehensive teaching approach.
The top C++ books for both beginners and experienced developers are listed above. You now know the best C++ books that can best aid your C++ learning.
Your best option for learning more about C++ is through books. It is hard to learn any popular programming language without first reading the best books available for them.
The aforementioned C++ books would be a valuable addition to your collection, whether you’re starting out as a professional programmer or a computer science student.
Hi! I am Shekhar, a professional web & mobile app developer with expertise in MEAN Stack, Next.js, React.js, and React Native. Being interested in working with different IT technologies, I always look forward to learning something new and challenging. Along with JavaScript, I also know several other programming languages, including Python and TypeScript.