ISBN0-321-40939-6

We're using 'Starting Out with C++: From Control Structures through Objects' in our freshman C++ class. The author Tony Gaddis has a very nice, lucid writing style that explains the basic fundamentals of the C++ language to a beginning crowd: the text is not bogged down with overly verbose technical language as this is not appropriate for beginners.

But don't think that Gaddis doesn't introduce technical aspects of the language to the reader: he does, and does so in a fresh, clear manner, which makes this text actually very enjoyable in the classroom and even outside of the classroom.

I love the code samples in every chapter which makes for great studying: you can sit down with the text in your lap and type the code examples in your compiler, run it, see the results, and play with it. The author seems to understand that you really learn C++ (or any language for that matter) by not reading the book, but through trying the examples as there are literally TONS of code examples per section in each chapter to try out.

I also really appreciate the checkpoints capping every section to test your knowledge of what you just read, the "gotcha" notes interspersed throughout each chapter, as well as the 'Focus on Software Engineering' asides that introduce beginning programmers to important aspects of code style, comparisons/contrasts between C and C++, what constructs are better to use in certain situations over others, etc.

The text also comes with a CodeMate CD-ROM and sold separately is the Lab Manual but also comes in handy (or is a necessary evil if you have to purchase it anyway for lab like me).

All in all, if you are a computer science/engineering major or minor or you're simply someone who wants to learn how to program from a text that covers material more like a college textbook rather than an O'Reilly overview book, 'Staring Out with C++' is the way to go. If you read through the chapters, do the checkpoints, run the code examples, do the chapter reviews at the end, and pay attention to the 'Focus on Software Engineering' and gotcha asides, you'll be up and programming in C++ in NO TIME. This is a beginner's text but you'll learn about typecasting, creating your own functions, and the chapter on loops and decision-making was the best I've seen in any introductory C++ text yet. Major kudos to Gaddis: keep up the excellent work! FIVE STARS!

This book is used as the textbook for the class in C++ I am taking. It makes no assumptions about previous knowledge in programming and is very thorough in testing your understanding as each concept is presented. It has obviously been tested in the classroom as it anticipates many of the questions a beginner would have about programming and the C++ language.

The book includes a C++ compiler by Borland so if you have a Windows computer you can follow along with the programming exercises. There is another version of the book that has a Microsoft compiler instead of the Borland compiler, but you have to make a special arrangement with the publisher to purchase it (according to information in the book).

I would recommend this book to people who are new to programming as well as to the C++ language. I have tried to learn C++ on my own with other books and was frustrated--they would start too basic (how to turn the computer on) and would introduce subjects in a haphazard manner ("here is a list of all C++ operators and what they do"). This book develops its topics in digestible chunks of information with each chapter building upon the previous chapter.

This book won't teach you everything you need to know about programming or the C++ language, but it will give you an excellent start.

I would like to add to my review that the book does have errors in the exercises that could seriously frustrate a reader who doesn't have an instructor or other resource for outside help. Some exercises can only be solved using concepts taught in later chapters, which I believe is an important flaw.

There are also typos in the example programs that could derail someone studying without assistance from an instructor. I still believe this is a very good textbook, but now I believe it should either be avoided by people learning programming on their own, or be used with other C++ reference works.

I purchased this book for a C++ course I am taking. I have found it very easy to follow. I also like how the author does not get bogged down in minutiae or jargon but quickly gets into topics that are usually reserved for later--such as file processing.

I bought this book a month back.Its an amazing book for beginners. Its well written and have good examples.

It will bring you trouble if you are new to programming.
By "trouble" I meant the book is very successful in teaching u how to build a solid programming foundation, thus you will have hard time with your teacher's assignments.

I have read some other books about C++ before and found "no problem" in them because after reading, I have no clue... and of course, I don't do the assignments.

The choice is yours.