C++ for Lazy Programmers: Quick, Easy, and Fun C++ for Beginners

by Will Briggs

Learn C++ the quick, easy, and "lazy" way. This book is an introductory programming text that uses humor and fun to make you actually willing to read, and eager to do the projects -- with the popular C++ language.
C++ for Lazy Programmers is a genuinely fun learning experience that will show you how to create programs in the C++ language. This book helps you learn the C++ language with a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals and helps you understand how to be a productive programmer. It provides detailed help with both the Visual Studio and g++ compilers plus their debuggers, and includes the latest version of the language, C++17, too.
Along the way you'll work through a number of labs: projects intended to stretch your abilities, test your new skills, and build confidence. You'll go beyond the basics of the language and learn how build a fun C++ arcade game project. After reading and using this book, you'll be ready for your first real-world C++ application or game project on your own.

What You Will Learn
Program for the first time in C++ in a fun, quick and easy manner
Discover the SDL graphics and gaming library
Work with SSDL, the Simple SDLwrapper library
Use the most common C++ compilers: Visual Studio, and g++ (with Unix or MinGW)
Practice "anti-bugging" for easy fixes to common problems
Work with the debugger
Acquire examples-driven concepts and ideas
Build a C++-based arcade game application
Apply built-in Standard Template Library (STL) functions and classes for easy and efficient programming
Dip your toe in C, C++'s ancestor, still extensively used in industry
Use new C++11/14/17 features including lambda functions, constexpr, and smart pointers

Who This Book Is For
Those who are new to C++, either as a guide for self-learners or as an accessible textbook for students in college-level courses.

642 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2019

Reviews

[Melesa Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

C++ for lazy programmers is a must read for anyone desiring to learn C++ as well as for developers who have been programming for years. Infused with Will Brigg’s relaxed humor, the text provides hands-on learning enjoyment for all ages. One of the elements that makes this text so unique and exciting is its novel approach to learning. Rather than starting with the mundane definitional monologue of variables, loops, functions, and arrays that are characteristic of most C++ textbooks, C++ for lazy programmers begins with the application and coding of drawings, color, images, and even sound using Will’s personal (and free) SSDL library. Tools for developing graphical user interfaces, including game development, are interwoven with the fundamental precepts of programming. Students learn how to program in C++ effortlessly as they develop fun and creative programs—all the while learning more and more advanced concepts as they progress through the book. Classes, inheritance, operator overloading, dynamic memory allocation, file management, templates, exception handling, iterators, bit-wise manipulations, pointers, and polymorphism are just a few of the more advanced concepts that are included. Aside from its vast array of technical and theoretical content, by far, the best aspect of this book is its style. While reading this book, you feel as if Will Briggs is sitting right by your side, guiding you, joking with you, and sharing your excitement as you master the art of programming in C++. It is a book that you will enjoy reading time and time again.

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the programming textbooks I've read (and it's a lot), this is definitely one of the easiest, if not THE easiest, textbook to read! It is clear, concise, and has good examples to show good formatting and how to implement the concepts taught.

[Laurie Gilbreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This conversational, easy to understand book makes C++ accessible for anyone. It also steers clear of the stodgy, introductory content and gets right to the action - programming.