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4.35 of 5 stars
The Barnes & Noble Review
Since early in the 90s, working C++ programmers have relied on Scott Meyers s Effective C++ to dramatic... read full description

reviews

Dec 16, 2009
Mark rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I hate C++. Even after using it for several years I was still unaware of some of the pitfalls of the language. This book is a absolute necessity if you're doing any C++ coding, as it's analogous to having a veteran C++ programmer sit with you for an afternoon and point out all of the things to avoid.

Once in college, I remember discovering the fact that the copy constructor is called on objects passed in by value through an afternoon of intense debugging. These seem obvious to me More...
2 comments like (2 people liked it)
Oct 04, 2009
Emil rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Most books on c++ just list features of the language, without really explaining when should you use them and how to combine them. This books does so. It will help you design cleaner, more stable, well formed, and efficient programs in C++.

Here are some of the most valueable (for me) subjects found in this book:

- Efficient memory management when you need it
- Proper mechanisms to use to express yourself when writing classes - when to use templates, single inheritance, More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Mar 24, 2011
Joecolelife rated it: 5 of 5 stars
An absolutely terrific book focusing on basic C++ and object-oriented programming techniques. A crucial book for anyone new to C++ to read.
While _Effective C++_ is an important and fundamental part of any C++ programmer's library, truly advanced C++ engineers are likely familiar with most or all of the techniques presented here (dynamic allocation, constructors, basic coding style, etc.). Scott Meyers' second book, _More Effective C++_, covers significantly more advanced techniques which t More...
Dec 01, 2008
Jay rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I read this as I was getting back into C++ development from a few years of primarily using Java. It does an excellent job of explaining the reasons behind various conventions and practices, and also goes into lots of detail about the uses of some of the language's features. It probably would be quite useful in preparing for a technical job interview as well as for everyday development.
Feb 19, 2009
David rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Though any collection of tips and tricks is likely to be somewhat uneven in its usefulness to you, Scott Meyers really does have an excellent book here. This should be bundled with Stroustrup's beast to make the perfect C++ book.
Jul 07, 2010
Manuel rated it: 5 of 5 stars
If your doing C++ programming this is a must have. It covers many of the subtle gotchas. Even after using C++ for many many years I still find myself referencing the book when I am entering aspects of the language I don't regularly use.
Dec 20, 2010
Ivan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
A good book to use as a refresher of C++ program design style. There was nothing in particular that I didn't know already, but it was still useful to read some of the rationales for different suggestions.
Dec 08, 2009
Nathan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Good gotchas to know about. Unfortunately, I had learned (sometimes the hard way) a fair number of them before reading this. Third edition adds some important new ones.
Dec 19, 2008
Nick rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A necessary reference for anyone doing professional C++, but what this book really ought tell you is that professional C++ is a terrible idea.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 15, 2009
Darcy is currently reading it
This is what I'm reading, expect for the fact I'm reading the first edition which has only 50 ways to improve. What could the other 5 be!!!??!
Apr 13, 2009
Alan rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent, entertaining read when I had to work through some C++ at a previous job. It helped me implement the memory-management pattern described therein.
Sep 10, 2009
Alexander rated it: 3 of 5 stars
It's a prequel of the “More Effective C++” and it talks more about general concepts of programming.
Mar 11, 2010
Danien rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great reference and seminal reading for C++ programmers.
Dec 28, 2009
Suresh rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent book. A must read for all C++ professionals
May 24, 2009
Sodwyer rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Essential reading and rereading for anyone who codes in C++
Jan 10, 2012
Amit rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Slightly verbose, but still a classic.
Jul 27, 2010
Edmond rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very good book on C++
Dec 19, 2010
Tjhei rated it: 5 of 5 stars
super.
Aug 29, 2011
Vladimir rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Another book in my personal "better late than never" likbez.
This is a great second book on C++ - after a basic primer and some real-life experience.
I've tried reading it some five years ago - it was too early for me, so I ended up properly reading it only now, later than I should have, but it was still totally worth it.
Well, what am I saying - everybody knows that it's a must-read classic.
Dec 04, 2011
David rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Contains a mix of simple and advanced techniques for writing better C++. You will learn a lot about C++ from reading this book, even if you are already a professional programmer. You'll want to start doing almost everything in this book after this. I would compare it to Bloch's Effective Java as an absolutely essential tool in improving one's skill in a particular language.
May 14, 2011
Fred rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Simply outstanding for anyone wanting to take their software to the next level.
Jan 15, 2012
Max rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a great help for me to refresh my C++ knowledge after several years of C# development. Recommended by many other developers it covers some of the fundamental language areas. It is still not at all obsolete after many years, though I hope to see newer books covering C++10 soon.
Feb 28, 2010
Bill rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I skimmed through this as part of preparing for job interviews. I have the previous edition and will be getting the new one for my shelf at my new job.
Dec 17, 2009
Ren the Unclean rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is full of insight into common and uncommon mistakes people make when coding in C++, as well as ways to make your coding more efficient and reliable. It is easy to understand and very well written.

I would say that anyone who programs in C++ should read this book.
Oct 16, 2009
Michael rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Actually got me nostalgic for C++.
Apr 22, 2009
Drjackman rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I saw "read", but I didn't make it through the whole book - just most of it. Mostly because I'm not using C++ these days. But, I couldn't help but find this book very interesting and a must-have if you're a C++ user.
Jan 13, 2009
Mitchell rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A must-read for C++ programmers. The book covers important "gotchas" as well as more generally useful information. The format makes it convenient to read in small chunks (you can read a lesson while doing a build).
Sep 13, 2007
Stephan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
For anyone who has to code C++, this is a great book to have around. I learned C first, and I didn't really shake c-style out of my c++ until I read this book. In general though, helped my design quite a bit.
Sep 08, 2011
ju rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Задължителна книга за всеки уважаващ себе си C++ програмист. Съвети които си заслужава да се знаят!
Jan 18, 2008
Dax rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Any object-oriented programmer should read this book. They're just simple, practical 55 tips that can keep you from getting into trouble in the long run.