C++ Primer
by Stanley B. Lippman · first published 1989
77% recommend23% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A beginner-friendly introduction that teaches modern C++11 from the start, using the standard library early and including exercises. Suits newcomers and programmers from other languages, and works as a reference.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The third edition of the C++ Primer combines Stanley Lippman's practical experience with Josee Lajoie's inside knowledge of the ANSI/ISO Standard C++. This tutorial is rewritten to describe the features and programming usage of Standard C++. Especially useful for developers new to C++ are the many real-world programming examples that illustrate the design of generic and object-oriented programs, the use of templates, and other aspects of program design using Standard C++. In addition, the C++ Primer provides usage and efficiency guidelines where appropriate.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2013–2026A Tour of C++
Bjarne Stroustrup
Recommended by 65 · mentioned by 9365 recommend · 93 mention65 recommend · 9365 recommend
2007–2026Accelerated C++
Andrew Koenig, Barbara E. Moo
Recommended by 47 · mentioned by 6047 recommend · 60 mention47 recommend · 6047 recommend
2008–2021Effective STL
Scott Meyers
Recommended by 13 · mentioned by 1813 recommend · 18 mention13 recommend · 1813 recommend
2014C++ FAQs
Marshall P. Cline
Recommended by 1 · mentioned by 21 recommend · 2 mention1 recommend · 21 recommend
2014–2018C++ common knowledge
Stephen C. Dewhurst
Recommended by 2 · mentioned by 22 recommend · 2 mention2 recommend · 22 recommend
2014–2026Effective Modern C++
Scott Meyers
Recommended by 63 · mentioned by 11163 recommend · 111 mention63 recommend · 11163 recommend
2010–2021More Effective C++
Scott Meyers
Recommended by 7 · mentioned by 107 recommend · 10 mention7 recommend · 107 recommend
2007–2026Modern C++ Design
Andrei Alexandrescu
Recommended by 29 · mentioned by 6929 recommend · 69 mention29 recommend · 6929 recommend
Well it depends on where you stand. For beginners a very good book from my experience is C++ Primer by Stanley B. Lippman, Josée LaJoie, Barbara E. Moo. The 5th edition even goes into the newer topics like the aforementioned lambdas, also variadic templates. A nice thing is that it comes with exercises,…
on “The Rook's Guide to C++” ↗As a newcomer to C++ myself, I found Stanley Lippman's C++ primer to be helpful. The latest edition includes the newer features. And in case it helps, the main things I find myself using differently to C are: - Smart pointers. If you're not using them, use them. They're…
on “C++17 is formally approved” ↗"C++ Primer", by Stanley Lippman, Addison Wesley That's probably the best introduction book. It's super-long, but after you've worked with C++ for a while you'll understand why. "The C++ Programming Language"…
on “Ask YC: C++” ↗"C++ Primer" by Lippman et al. is the best book in my opinion http://www.amazon.co.uk/C-Primer-Stanley-B-Lippman/dp/032171...
on “Ask HN: How much would you charge to mentor me in C++?” ↗Stanley B. Lippman - C++ Primer - http://www.amazon.com/Primer-5th-Stanley-B-Lippman/dp/032171... I haven't been using C++ for a few years now and I needed a quick refresher. While I wouldn't call C++ Primer quick it covers all the…
on “Ask HN: What are the latest and greatest books on your favorite language?” ↗I'd recommend to choose one of these two books: Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++, 2nd Ed., Bjarne Stroustrup https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Principles-Practice-Using... C++ Primer, 5th Ed., Stanley Lippman https://www.amazon.com/Primer-5th-Stanley-B-Lippman/dp/03217... For a very brief introduction: A Tour of C++, Bjarne Stroustrup https://www.amazon.com/Tour-C-Depth/dp/0321958314/ref=sr_1_1...
on “C++17 Standard Published” ↗I found "C++ Primer" by Lippman et al very well written and comprehensive. It includes C++11 features and every chapter has exercises to make sure you understand the content. https://www.amazon.com/Primer-5th-Stanley-B-Lippman/dp/03217...
on “Ask HN: Best way to learn modern C++?” ↗…community-verified book list available at StackOverflow" In other words, use the StackOverflow list to choose the right teaching material [2]. A Tour of C++ (Bjarne Stroustrup) has been a good refresher, with C++ Primer (Stanley Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo) as the primary reference for further clarification. Also use GeeksForGeeks and LeetCode practice problems. [1] https://www.quora.com/Which-is-the-best-book-for-learning-c+... [2]…
on “Modern C++ for C Programmers: part 5” ↗…are C++ Common Knowledge, Modern Effective C++, and Effective C++. Two of those predate C++11, but most of the advice is still applicable. As for introductory texts, I guess there's: Accelerated C++, C++ Primer, Discovering Modern C++, A Tour of C++, and of course C++ Crash Course (the book under discussion). I wouldn't get too hung up on "modern" C++. The vast majority of C++ programmers learned the old stuff…
on “On Writing a C++ Book” ↗…that are likely controversial. I preferred a different C book to K&R: "K. N. King. C Programming: A Modern Approach". Second, I could not grok Stroustrup's writing style. I preferred Stanley Lippman's C++ Primer. A new version of that has been around the corner for years .. current ETA is mid next year,
on “Is K&R still a relevant read for a beginner? Is there a 'K&R' for C++?” ↗Stanley Lippman's "C++ Primer" 2e was the first book recommended by an expert, when I started learning C++. (At the time, this wasn't just another of today's programming language books, of learning a slightly different syntax for…
on “Stan Lippman, early contributor to C++, died (2022)” ↗0. Books--one of these: http://isocpp.org/get-started Personally, if you aren't new to programming per se, I'd go with "C++ Primer" by Lippman/Lajoie/Moo since it smoothly integrates modern C++11 throughout the entire text (instead of sticking it into a separate section, as some of the other books do). After that, "C++ Concurrency…
on “The Convergence of Modern C++ on the Lisp Programming Style” ↗…to study: It's a fairly easy language to read if you're familiar with other curly languages like Java or PHP, especially if you're ignoring most of the standard library and OOP. See if your library has C++ Primer (Lippman) or any O'Reilly C++ books, or pick up one from this list (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/388242/the-definitive-c-b...). Then just work through the first few chapters, solving each question/example.…
on “Ask HN: Help me learn C++ in a week” ↗C++ Primer, 5th Edition, by Stanley B. Lippman, Josée LaJoie, Barbara E. Moo: https://www.informit.com/store/c-plus-plus-primer-9780321714... and http://isocpp.org/
on “Stroustrup on next-gen C++: I didn't want to let go of my baby” ↗C++ Primer was updated to C++11. http://www.amazon.com/Primer-5th-Edition-Stanley-Lippman/dp/... The C++ FAQ is really helpful but doesn't seem to be updated to C++11 http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq/ Fortunately…
on “Stroustrup on next-gen C++: I didn't want to let go of my baby” ↗