Reviews for Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 24 Hours: Complete Starter Kit

1. Good book, dodgy software

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2010

   The book is very good, and other reviewers have covered this. The software, however, is not so great. I couldn't even get it to install (possibly because I'm on a 64 bit OS).
   
   However, there are plenty of free compilers and IDEs out there. Don't not get this book just because the bundled software isn't very good. Search for Borland C++ Compiler 5.5 (free) and download that, then search for and download the Codeblocks free IDE.
   
   You now have a decent IDE and compiler to use with this excellent book.

2. It could well be good, but software is VERY badly put together

   Rated 1 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2010

   I bought this as a christmas present for my dad who has learnt a some C++ before and wanted to refresh his memorey. The book i'm told is quite good. However after alot of frustration and confusion he asked me to install the software, after using the CD, the website, emails and forums there is still no clear guidance how to install the compiler and actually USE anything from the book!
   The website is confusing at best and spends alot of time trying to sell you other products and little how to use what you've got. I strongly recommend using something else.

3. slightly better than the 2nd edition

   Rated 1 out of 5 stars, October 12rd, 2009

   This review is for the 4th edition.
   
   The content of this book is much the same as the 2nd edition, but there are two main differences. There is a much better choice of C++ IDE (Borland C++ Builder X), and this version of the book (4th edition) now has programs that uses features from the current ANSI/ISO standard. The only problem is that even the most basic of these are not explained. In chapter two, the correct header is used, and output is achieved using std::cout. This however is not explained, and in this chapter there is no mention of namespaces. In fact there is no entry for namespaces in the index, so it is possible that they are not mentioned at all in the book.
   
   As you delve further into the book, you will notice that the book still does not comply with the current(1998) ANSI/ISO standard. In particular, although the string class is mentioned, there are no program examples that use this class. There is a section that involves writing there own version of a string class. This is quite redundant, as C++ already has a string class. This section does however indicate how header files can be created and used in other programs. However I feel that a different example would be more appropriate. I noticed that there was no namespace for the contents of this header file. this could cause problems with many compilers. The only strings that are demonstrated in programs, besides those that use this made up string class are c-strings. Even here the programs are wrong as the header is used instead of .
   
   The STL only gets a mention - less than half a page. I don't see this as a major problem, as I would not expect this to be done in a book of this type (total beginners), expecting to finish their study in 24 hours. But, even as a book intended for beginners, for a short course, even this subset is inadequate because of the problems mentioned above, and also those I mentioned for the 2nd edition which I have not repeated here. There are much better books available, even in 2004/2005 this was the case, for beginning C++ programmers who want a short course in C++ programming.
   
   
   
   

4. C++ in 24 Hours, but not all at once

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2009

   Like Visual basic in 24 hours that I have delved into over the past two years, the 24 hours may take quite a while to complete. The book covers some pretty complex stuff with detailed descriptions and will serve you well as a beginner wanting a good start with the opportunity to develop in greater depth. Mine was a used copy that looks new and even came with the disk, so at about £5 this was an ace purchase. I haven't tried the software because I use Bloodshed C++, which is free, but the code is there if you struggle with the syntax (or to save you typing it all in!)

5. Good book for C++ beginners.

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, February 12st, 2009

   This is a very good book for C++ beginners. A little programming experence would be usefull to get the most from the book, but it starts out at a very basic level and then progresses to cover the essintial of programme in C++. A good book if converting to C++ from an older language.
   A good intrduction to modern C/C++ programming, recommended.