C++ is so versatile language that the possibilities are limitless. Be it desktop software, server programs, and even game development, you can use it for anything. To learn this language, you can find 100s of online resources along with several paid & free videos. However, when it comes to learning, then nothing can outmatch the importance of books. This is the reason, I have mentioned some of the best C++ books that will help you grasp all the jargon of this language regardless of your existing knowledge.
Best C++ Books To Kickstart Your Programming Journey!
1. Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++
You will find this book of great help if you are a complete beginner without any prior knowledge of coding or even a semi-experienced programmer who doesn’t know anything about C++. It covers all the fundamentals of programming along with best practices for writing code and structuring your work.
Initially, you will know about the book structure and how you can benefit from it. This book is also easy to read, however, you might find some of its exercises a little confusing if you are a complete beginner. Since C++ is not some easy language, you require a real effort to master this language through this book.
Apart from all the jargon, it is a complete book having 1300+ pages and around dozens of exercises that will set a tone of C++ for you. In the beginning, this massive book might intimidate you, but once completed, you will be confident in your C++ coding capabilities.
2. The C++ Programming Language
It is another important but lengthy resource for learning C++. It was written by its founder Bjarne Stroustrup himself & is compactly packed with all the required information. Since it is not for a beginner, it demands some prior knowledge of programming.
The C++ Programming Language includes some of the most specific content related to various versions of C++, creating applications & all possible modern techniques. As you will progress, it will teach you about class hierarchies, C++ standard library, and metaprogramming. For many, it might be a complete resource to gather all the possible information regarding C++, but you might have difficulties if you are an intermediate level coder.
3. C++ For Dummies
It is again a traditional resource for learning C++ programming. This book was written by Stephen R. Davis and is a perfect newbie guide. It is a very old book and is perfect for you if you have never created anything in your life.
It is a perfect book to explore the whole new environment of the C++ app design. As you will progress, it will present you with some mind-boggling fun challenges via its exercises that will keep you busy for days or weeks. The exercises mainly revolve around inheritance & classes that are some of the most essential concepts when it comes to programming. If you’ll invest your time in this book, you will find all its exercises worth your time.
4. Effective Modern C++
The latest version of C++ is C++ 14 which includes some of the latest workflows & foundational principles on concurrency and type declarations. Effective Modern C++ is a perfect resource for a smooth transition of your code into the latest structure. Though its writing is not that easy to assimilate, but for sure, it is worth every second of yours.
Its author Scott Meyers really knows the right way to explain things. Every single chapter from this book covers almost all the possible tips & tricks related to code. Upon completion, definitely I found this book useful, but still, I’ll recommend you to have some prior knowledge as it is written from the perspective of an experienced developer. And in case, if you are a beginner, then you will find it useful in the later stages.
5. Jumping into C++
I found it one of the most direct and to-the-point point book that starts from the 1st page itself. This book might have fewer chapters when compared to other books, but it is packed with numerous code snippets that are useful in explaining all the concepts.
It unfolds with the simple functional commands and basic programs and then quickly takes you through other important concepts like loops, arrays, basic functions, classes, and standard library. One thing that bugged me was the fact that algorithms and classes were not in detail as the main goal of this book was to give you insights on writing C++ syntax.
Since it isn’t a complete guide on C++, you should not consider it as one. Rather you can choose this book for a structured learning experience that is perfect for any novice. Considering its size, you’ll definitely be surprised by all the information that you will gain through this book upon completion.
6. Starting Out with C++ from Control Structures to Objects
Instead of all the text, if you are the one who prefers more visual then this exclusive book on C++ will rescue you from all the misery. It is again a massive book that has around 1200 pages with chapters suited for anyone having zero C++ programming knowledge.
The writing style of the book is very simple rather than long boring texts and will help you understand all the complex ideas in a simple way possible. All its chapters contain several visuals, diagrams, and charts for explaining various concepts of C++. With this book, you will also get review questions including quizzes for complete learning that will last for a longer period.
Upon completing each of its chapters, you will be presented with some or other kinds of challenging projects that will test your knowledge and understandings of C++. It the end, I’ll definitely recommend this book as one of the simplest ones that is perfect for all the beginners wondering where to start C++.
7. C++ The Core Language
Directly entering into the world of Object-Oriented Programming of CPP can be challenging for many but this C++ Core Language book does the perfect job of breaking down all the concepts and the features for complete learning. This makes C++ Core Language a wonderful coding library that will help you with the entire process of writing a CPP app.
One thing that intrigued me about this book was its teaching styles. It covers the whole concepts rather than just explaining to you the individual components responsible for C++. With this book, you will not only learn to write the code for creating C++ apps from the ground but will also learn all the features behind it.
In each chapter, there are various exercises that come in handy for learning class setup, splay trees, hashing, and multiway tries. You can literally find 100s of books that can explain different components of C++ but this book not only explains all of them but also help you to implement and put it together in real-time.
8. Practical C++ Programming
Now, the 2nd edition of this book is available. It consists of more than 600 pages that will give you a strong technical reference on C++in the real world. Just like many other books listed here, Practical C++ Programming also includes real-world exercises for learning various workflows and libraries used in C++ app development.
Each exercise is dedicated to different concepts that will help you in correctly writing the C++ code in this latest era. Despite this, I will refrain from its use if you are a newbie who is looking to explore the world of C++ from the very beginning. It demands you to have at least some prior knowledge along with the idea of how to set up a basic program.
This book also moves fast when compared to others, so again you will find difficulties in keeping up with this book if you are new to functions and variables. However, if you are an intermediate level, then you will find it one of the most useful resources on a pragmatic guide to C++ development.
9. C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design
I will refer to it as one of the most valuable C++ books if you are a complete beginner. It explains all the concepts of C++ in detail and is well suited for all the newbies. This book breaks down C++ into a step-by-step process that will help you in learning OOP principles, structured programming, I/O streams, and input or output features without any hassle. Moreover, C++ Programming also includes exercises.
Upon completing each of its chapters, you’ll be introduced to various ideas that will test your knowledge & understanding to the core. It is a complete resource for someone who is starting with zero knowledge & experience. This book is also preferred in colleges and that is the reason I consider it one of the “traditional resources” for learning C++ programming language.
10. C++ Without Fear
If you are about to begin this book then trust me, you don’t have to worry about programming anymore. This behemoth can initially intimidate you of you don’t know anything but will keep you glued to each of its chapters. It is one of the few C++ books that will teach you C++ in such a way that you will be excited to begin the new chapter without any delays.
Its author Brian Overland did a wonderful job by explaining all the concepts in the most interesting way possible. This book includes over 600 pages that will explain to you the C++ development without any stress. All its chapters cover various concepts from scratch, but the only difference is that it is presented in a question form that forces you to think about the entire process.
Along with the common questions on OOP protocols, you will also get insights into Visual C++. Every chapter of this book will help you learn new topics via puzzles, creating games, or small applications from scratch. Afterward, you will explore its Standard Template Library. All and all, it is an incredible way of learning C++ from the beginning.
11. Discovering Modern C++
In the world of programming, there are hundreds of options to explore such as mathematical models, science experiments & even big data testing. Discovering Modern C++ is one of the best C++ books that will help you to gain deeper knowledge with all the techniques involved in C++ programming.
It is a lengthy book with over 450 pages that includes chapters on every possible concept revolving around C++. The good things about this book are that it initially starts with the very basics concepts such as loops, variables, error handling, and functions. As you will advance with this book, you will learn about all the latest techniques and its correct implementation in your modern projects.
These are the reasons why this book is preferred by all beginners as well as experts. It is definitely more than just the basic programming book on the C++ language. It is a perfect resource that will teach you C++ the right way along with the implementation in real-life.
12. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming
Seeing all the advancements, it is no doubt that the gaming industry is booming. Every day more and more people or programmers are stepping into this world. When it comes to this C++ book, you will find it amazing if you are trying to learn how to create games using C++. This book teaches you all the fundamentals in a clear-cut path for all the game developers.
Again it a lengthy book with over 400 pages that will help you master all the basics and every other concept in-details. Its latest version “4th edition” is well updated that covers custom functions, variables, and loops with all use examples taken directly from the gaming world.
Upon completing this book, you’ll find using standard library easy for creating various games like tic-tac-toe, hangman & blackjack. Though you might find all these as simple examples but in the end, it will help you master C++ programming & its use in gaming.
13. C++ Cookbook
Beginning with this book, you will be able to save your time significantly as it includes pre-defined code snippets. Apart from just the snippets, it also covers all the basics of C++ along with the full solutions for all the common issues related to development in C++.
It is packed with solutions from almost everything such as pulling the contents of a local directory, parsing XML/JSON code & even using standard containers with ease. But before you begin with this book, I’ll recommend you to have some prior coding experience as it won’t provide more details into every recipe of C++ programming. However, for a reference, it is one of the most brilliant and valuable resources ever produced.
Also Read: Learn to Write C++ Programs on Linux
So, here we are with our list of C++ books!
We have covered an exhaustive list of C++programming books. Though the list was massive, I wanted to share C++ books for all the skill levels. Whether you are a newbie looking to enter the world of C++ programming or the C++ programmer looking for more advanced concepts; the above list has everything to satisfy everyone’s needs.
All of the above-mentioned books almost cover everything from the C++ overview to the important C++ concepts, C++ IDEs & all the technical jargon of C++ programming language.
If you are already into C++ programming & want to know about all the C++ interview questions, then you can read “Common But Essential C++ Interview Questions”. And, if you want to learn C++ from interactive video then we have found an interactive tutorial “C++ For Absolute Beginners: The Starter Guide” wherein a C++ expert will personally help you to master the C++ programming language!
