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Professional C++

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Master complex C++ programming with this helpful, in-depth resource From game programming to major commercial software applications, C++ is the language of choice. It is also one of the most difficult programming languages to master. While most competing books are geared toward beginners, Professional C++, Third Edition, shows experienced developers how to master the latest release of C++, explaining little known features with detailed code examples users can plug into their own codes. More advanced language features and programming techniques are presented in this newest edition of the book, whose earlier editions have helped thousands of coders get up to speed with C++. Become familiar with the full capabilities offered by C++, and learn the best ways to design and build applications to solve real-world problems.Professional C++, Third Edition has been substantially revised and revamped from previous editions, and fully covers the latest (2014) C++ standard. Discover how to navigate the significant changes to the core language features and syntax, and extensions to the C++ Standard Library and its templates. This practical guide details many poorly understood elements of C++ and highlights pitfalls to avoid.Best practices for programming style, testing, and debugging Working code that readers can plug into their own apps In-depth case studies with working code Tips, tricks, and workarounds with an emphasis on good programming style Move forward with this comprehensive, revamped guide to professional coding with C++.

984 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

96 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Marc Gregoire

8 books1 follower

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5 stars
64 (54%)
4 stars
32 (27%)
3 stars
16 (13%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
20 reviews
July 17, 2016
Just a basic/intermediate level textbook. Unsuitable for people wanting to learn the language as it doesn't contain exercises.
Not at all at the level of "experienced developers", containing no tips or tricks that you can't find in the excellent reference work The C++ Programming Language by Stroustrup.
To make matters worse, this book keeps repeating that it will learn you how to code C++ professionally, continuously reminding you how it is actually wasting your time if you already know the C++ basics+.
Profile Image for Nikolas Mavrogeneiadis.
9 reviews21 followers
March 5, 2024
For me, this book is one of the best books written for C++. It is designed for intermediate+ programmers and contains much information about how to write code and some helpful tips. I think that author should have explained more some examples, but this is not a problem. Love it!
Edit: Reading the last version, still love this book and it contains even more examples with good explanation.
Profile Image for Aliaksei Ivanou.
108 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2024
"Professional C++" by Marc Gregoire is an outstanding resource for developers looking to master modern C++. The book covers key topics like best practices, advanced templates, and effective use of the STL, with a strong focus on C++11 through C++20. The explanations are clear, and the practical examples are plentiful, offering valuable insights that can directly benefit real-world work.
I particularly appreciated the sections on performance optimization, debugging, and multi-threading, which have already improved my code. While some chapters are dense and may overwhelm beginners, experienced developers will find it invaluable.
This is a must-have reference for anyone serious about leveraging the full power of C++.
Profile Image for Adrian.
18 reviews
July 28, 2023
The book as it sounds is very detailed and comprehensive. All details of cpp utilizations are talked deeply.
However, I think a book that is aimed for teaching people something, if that’s the intention of this book, should try to make things as simple as possible and uses a variety of teaching techniques that most successful self learning books utilize. Although the content is great and valuable, it’s a bit hard to learn and progress. It seems the author has paid a lot attention to present a comprehensive and “right” material, but not that much to how to present them to make learning and using them easier not more complex.
158 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2024
"This is another example of C++ arcane syntax" is a direct quote from the book. And a perfect segway for me to speak about how I'm not impressed by C++. It seems there is something called POLA, although I call it least surprise principle. For me, if Ruby is in one extreme (Ruby doesn't surprise, you often can try something and it will work logically), C++ is in the other extreme (always edge cases). I might end up using C++ but I don't like it.

So before commenting on the book, I needed to try to erase my feelings for the language and try to focus on the book.

And I read it until the end, so that I could write my honest opinion.

So I will. I set 3 stars, because 2 stars seemed harsh. But at over 1100 pages plus apendixes, you would expect more. And IMO, you only get a list of features, edge cases, surprisingly a lot about software engineering in general. Do I really want to read about waterfall/spiral models in a 2021 C++ book? Do I need to read about MVC and not in the context of C++ applying design patterns?.

And poor examples. The only running theme is the Spreadsheet Cell, Grid and so on and it is poor. The other examples are mostly Foo/Bar. Or even something along the lines "you would usually do this in this other way but then my example wouldn't make sense".

Again IMO, you don't get a coherent explaining of the language. This setup might be useful as a refence, but not as a tool to really get the language.

Final straw. Try to look for explicit in the index. And get page 438. Which is in the context of templates, not in the usual explicit for constructors. Not even the index.
Profile Image for Denis Karataev.
20 reviews
May 12, 2023
I read 5th version(2021).
First 70-80% of the book is 5 star. Good topics with good examples. Best content I've ever read on C++. Reminds me of Scott Meyers style, it's a pleasure to read/study.
Last 30-20% is more about some abstract or advanced topics. But it feels like the author was unable to decide, did he want to cover the topic decently or just say a few things about it in general and give some links to more advanced literature. Seems like he stuck in between, so sometimes it was hard/boring to read, but still worth it.
Overall this is a good comprehensive book. I learned a lot from it.
261 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2018
Very comprehensive discussion of C++ in all of its amazing majesty and awesome detail. Excellent coverage, mostly well written.
22 reviews
January 28, 2023
Easy to follow and good as reference. Few topics are not explained in detail but enough for most of the features and developers IMHO.
Profile Image for Andre.
66 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2012
People have billed C++11 as a completely new language. If it is, then this book made it seem like it was the same old language that I knew way back in the day, with some extra sauce.

Incidentally, it made C/C++ seem a whole heck of a lot easier than I remember it being.

I wouldn't recommend anyone to read it cover to cover (like I did)... but it works well as a reference for basic, intermediate and advanced concepts. //
10 reviews
Want to read
April 9, 2013
Just starting to read this.

Looks like some of the stuff is pretty basic, but it's difficult to draw a clear line between what any individual reader would or would not be interested in.

So far, looks like it'll be helpful for getting me back into C++.
Profile Image for Moustafa.
14 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2017
Very good as a second book in C++. Not suitable for absolute beginners, but will be so useful if you are ready know the language basics and you wanna get a grasp of intermediate level program design using C++ features, covers C++11 as so well.
Profile Image for Duip.
67 reviews
Read
March 18, 2025
readed the 2024 version. The book tactures almost all topics on C++, sed not comprehensive nor lucid sufficiently. Very temposumingly verbose.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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