This is a must-have reference for C++ programmers. Although it's labeled a tutorial, it should not be considered an introductory text. It assumes you already know C++ pretty well. However, it is an introduction to the Standard Template Library (STL), which anyone doing a lot of C++ programming should become familiar with. This very large, comprehensive book lists every class and method in the STL in a very well organized fashion, and gives ample examples for using them.
I purchased this book to learn how C++ library-based programming is done in the real world, not in the classroom where we must reinvent the wheel for every project.
I was skeptical when I read the other reviews, but I am extremely impressed with this book. I have not had the chance to sit down and read the book cover to cover yet. However, I have cracked it open a few times when I've gotten stuck, and have been amazed that I have been able to quickly and effortlessly find clear, concise, and thorough answers to every STL question that I've had.
The book is extremely well written: it's well structured, well indexed, and easy to digest. Extremely cost effective.
"The book" for C++ standard library; works both as a tutorial and a reference. Examples and explanations are clear and concise. One of the best programming books I've ever read.
Why is it Russians know so much about C++? It's one of those difficulty to explain but self evident truths about the world.
If you are a for real C++ programmer, you need this book. This book has tutorials how on to use most elements of the standard library, which is nice, but more importantly it explains how and why the different parts of the library fit together. Understanding the relationship between iterators, containers, and algorithms is crucial.
That said, this book really needs an update to cover all the stuff added into the library in C++11.
Great resource for STL! Lot of examples, full explanation of every hidden detail about the C++ standard template library. The reference parts of each chapter is little boring, but it's possible to skip them, without losing the important notions (but i recommend to read all parts of the book). Ok with c++11 new features, explained very well with classes and real code. I'd like more info and examples on concurrency, so I will go looking for a detailed book about it.
Very cleanly organized, covers all the basics and advanced topics, nice index. I like how the methods on each class are presented in tables throughout the chapters, but since they discuss groups of methods in different sections, not all the methods appear in one table, which is a con.