Product Description
An Introduction to Programming with C++, Sixth Edition is the latest C++ offering from Diane Zak. This book is distinct from other textbooks because of its unique approach, which motivates students by demonstrating why they need to learn the concepts and skills presented. Each chapter contains Mini-Quizzes, Labs, and Try This features to help readers practice and absorb the content as they go along. This edition also includes completely new applications and exercise… More >>
An Introduction to Programming With C++
#1 by Anonymous on May 27, 2010 - 5:05 am
I have taught computer science at the college level for 20 years. C++ and C are programming languages that are of special interest to me. Almost all of the programs written by the author that are in ths solutions online file DO NOT RUN! You have to rewright them.Overall, the book is not very good. I suggest the book, “A First Book of C++ From Here To There”, by, Gary Bronson.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by P. Peters on May 27, 2010 - 5:11 am
Its ok, I suppose. I was not very impressed. Rather sloppy, alot of the examples did not compile properly. If you want to get away from Programming for Window, avoid this book, because it teaches using MS VisualC++
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by Bonnie Newburg on May 27, 2010 - 7:52 am
Okay, I’m baffled about the reviews that rave about how clearly this book explains things, because I’m a straight A student and the author has completely lost me. If you are trying to attempt to teach yourself a programmng language, this isn’t the book. How do I know? Because even though I’m taking a college level class, that’s practically what I’m doing – the professor isn’t going over anything. I guess we’re supposed to absorb it from osmosis, but it won’t happen with this book. I’m reading chapters twice, and still not getting it. So, here I am, looking for something that will help me learn this stuff because this is a required class and I need to pass it…
Rating: 2 / 5
#4 by Jose Borroni on May 27, 2010 - 9:03 am
A very good teaching book for students having the first contact with programming.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Raven on May 27, 2010 - 11:09 am
I used another book in this series and was very pleased with it so I was hopeful when using this book. Unfortunately, this book was very disappointing to me in several areas. I hope that you can find these constructive criticisms useful when choosing whether to purchase this book or not.
* Abstract and over-simplified first chapter
Instead of starting the first chapter with a first program, it started off with “Rob the robot” — a robot to give directions to. Though the simplicity was good for beginning student, it was difficult to take it seriously and to have the text hold one’s attention when such a juvenile example was used.
* Not well-organized
Topics like IPO Charts and Control Structures were mentioned before even showing the reader what a simple C++ program looked like. This made it difficult to place those topics and confusing — I personally found it confusing and I have previous experience programming.
* Very dry reading and exercises
The exercises were mathematic word problems early in the book. It was almost painful to go through them as there was nothing interesting, unique, or entertaining about them. I have read other programming books and it truly did not need to be so boring.
* Microsoft Windows bias
If you’re working with a Mac or Linux computer or any other operating system other than Windows, you’re out of luck because there are pages and pages that will not apply to you. Especially in the directions to labs and exercises, you are given instructions specific to Windows. There are not alternative instructions and you will need to either have above-average technical knowledge of how to get around it or you will have to use both Windows and Microsoft Visual C++ Studio Express Edition. If you don’t have it, there are pages that will be entirely incomprehensible or meaningless to you.
Overall, I personally disliked this book and felt it was a waste to purchase it. In order to understand the topics better, I actually had to go out and buy another book. I purchased Sam’s Teach Yourself C++ in One Hour a Day and found it to be much easier to understand, the order of lessons was much, much, much better and programming itself was introduced without over-simplification or concepts like IPO charts (which are useless without first knowing what a program even looks like). I would personally recommend this instead or as a supplement if you are using this for class as I am personally forced to use this book for class but needed a supplement in order to properly understand the coursework. Sam’s Teach Yourself C++ is not perfect and some parts of the first chapter are somewhat advanced and can be safely ignored but you’re not treated like a child nor are the exercises or reading very boring. Unlike An Introduction to Programming With C++, there is nothing you don’t really need to know — not a lot of padding so not a lot of wasted time.
I hope this helps you to make your decision whether to purchase or not. Good luck learning!
Rating: 2 / 5