If you want to work in game development, you need to understand C++. Many programming languages, including Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, Verilog, Perl, PHP, Limbo, and Unix, are derived from C++. One of the best ways to learn about this important programming language is to read some of the best C++ books.
Whether you’re an advanced programmer or you’re at the very beginning of your career in programming, trying to find the right resources can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of the best books to learn C++. Without further ado, here are the best books for C++ and more helpful information to help you during your programming journey.
How Can I Choose the Best Books for a C++ Engineer?
If you want to be a successful C++ engineer, you should never stop learning. In such a rapidly evolving field, there will always be something new to read up on. To find the best C++ books for you, it’s important to clearly understand what you’re looking for.
Tips for Choosing the Best C++ Books
- Have specific goals. Do you want to be a C++ game developer, software developer, or something else? What are you aiming for? Think about what you want to achieve and what skills or knowledge you need to gain.
- Know what you need to know. Are you a complete beginner, a novice, or an advanced C++ programmer? You should take this into account as you might get overwhelmed if the book content is too advanced or bored if the content is below your skill level. Know exactly where you are with your knowledge of C++.
- Know what you don’t know. It is good to know what you’re missing so you can fill the gaps with knowledge and new skills. When choosing a book, it’s especially crucial to know what stage you’re in and what you need to learn to get to the next stage of your C++ journey.
- Research the book. Read the summary of the book to find out what the book offers. Google the book for more info, or ask people who have read the book to give you some more insight.
- Read book reviews. Reading a few reviews can help you decide if the book is right for you. Look for reviews from people like you, as well as reviews from experts in the field.
The 10 Best C++ Books: An Overview
| Name | Publisher | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A Tour of C++ | Addison-Wesley Professional | Standard library, improved containers, random numbers |
| Object Oriented Programming in C++ | Sams Publishing | OOP methodology, variables, loops |
| C++ Primer | Addison-Wesley Professional | Variables, object-oriented programming, expressions |
| C++ Primer Plus (Developer’s Library) | Addison-Wesley | Class Inheritance, Compound Types, Objects and Classes |
| Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied | Addison-Wesley Professional | Design patterns, C++, Generic Programming |
| C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide | Que Publishing | Program structure, operators, functions |
| C++ Concurrency in Action: Practical Multithreading | Manning Publications | Thread library, C++ memory model, concurrency |
| C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and Best Practices | Addison-Wesley Professional | Initialization, definitional dependencies, dynamic polymorphism |
| C++ Template Metaprogramming: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques from Boost and Beyond |
Addison-Wesley Professional | Boost MPL library, Standard Template Library metaprogramming tools |
| C Programming Language | Prentice Hall | Basic data types, operators and expressions |
The 10 Best C++ Books: A Closer Look
Below are the best books to learn C++! In this list, you’ll find C++ books for people at all skill levels. These books can help you learn about the language basics, like operators or variables, or dive into more complex topics like polymorphism or metaprogramming.
1. A Tour of C++
- Author: Bjarne Stroustrup
- Best for: Intermediate programmers
If you want to become an expert in C++, this is a must-read book. It contains information on advanced concepts like uniform initialization, lambda expressions, concurrent C++ application, initialization, improved containers, and random numbers.
2. Object Oriented Programming in C++
- Author: Robert Lafore
- Best for: Beginners
This is a handy and practical programming book that delves into OOP methodology. Reading this book will help you learn about how to perform basic arithmetic in C++, variable types, and calling functions. Many reviews say that this book is easy to understand, even when it deals with more advanced topics.
3. C++ Primer
- Author: Stanley B. Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara Moo
- Best for: Beginners and people with no programming experience
C++ Primer is a must-read as it explains basic programming concepts such as ranges, modules, coroutines, etc. It is a thorough book with over 200 practical examples from the real world. It is one of the best-selling books on the subject for complete beginners who want to learn the C++ language.
4. C++ Primer Plus (Developer’s Library)
- Author: Stephen Prata
- Best for: Beginners and people with no programming experience
The C++ Primer Plus is another go-to book for beginners. It has hundreds of practical code examples, with review questions and programming exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding. This book teaches the reader about classes and dynamic memory, operator precedence, functions, and more.
5. Modern C++ Design: Generic Programming and Design Patterns Applied
- Author: Andrei Alexandrescu and Debbie Lafferty
- Best for: Intermediate and advanced programmers
This is one of the best books on design patterns and C++ object-oriented development. You will learn advanced generic programming techniques and design patterns such as command, singleton, visitor, and factories. This book is best for those who are familiar with the standard template library and the fundamentals of generic programming.
6. C Programming Absolute Beginner’s Guide
- Author: Greg Perry and Dean Miller
- Best for: Beginners
This essential book is among the most used by those seeking to learn C programming. If you’re a beginner, this book will introduce you to all the basics: operators, functions, expressions, program structure, storage, data arrays, and more. It’s also worth noting that Greg Perry and Dean Miller are some of the most experienced and successful authors of introductory books for C programming.
7. C++ Concurrency in Action: Practical Multithreading
- Author: Anthony Williams
- Best for: Advanced programmers who are new to concurrency
C++ Concurrency in Action provides you with valuable resources about concurrent applications, threading memory models, and multithreading support libraries. In this book, you will also learn about designing and debugging multithreaded applications. Note that advanced skills in coding are required to understand this book.
8. C++ Coding Standards: 101 Rules, Guidelines, and Best Practices
- Author: Herb Sutter and Andrei Alexandrescu
- Best for: Intermediate and advanced programmers
This book covers nearly every aspect of C++ programming, including operators, functions, inheritance, class design, and coding style. If you are wondering how to use STL containers and algorithms, this is the perfect book for you. You’ll find 101 best practices, idioms, and common pitfalls that will help you write proper and efficient C++ code.
9. C++ Template Metaprogramming: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques from Boost and Beyond
- Author: Aleksey Gurtovoy and David Abrahams
- Best for: Intermediate and advanced programmers
This book is one of the more advanced C++ books. It delves into metaprogramming tools and explains C++ idioms. If you’re looking for a way to manipulate programs while compiling, you can use the Boost Metaprogramming Library tool found in this book.
10. C Programming Language
- Author: Dennis Ritchie, Brian W. Kernighan
- Best for: Beginners
A must-read book for novice programmers who want to learn ANSI standards. In it, you will find advanced features about program structure, external variables, scope rules, and a bit about preprocessors. In the 2nd edition, there are more key examples and problem sets to help you understand how to apply complex language constructs.
Alternative Ways to Learn C++
Reading the best books for C++ is a great way to expand your C++ programming knowledge, but there are other ways you can progress as a C++ programmer. One alternative way to learn C++ is by attending some of the best C ++ bootcamps. There are many bootcamps where you can learn one-on-one with a mentor.
Another way to learn C++ is by taking online courses. Online courses are similar to bootcamps, but they can be a better option for some because you learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. C++ is a popular programming language, so there are many online courses. You can find some of the best online C++ courses on Coursera and Codecademy Pro.
Is Learning C++ Worth It?
Yes, learning C++ is worth it. While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10 percent decline in job outlook, there will still be around 9,700 computer programmer job openings each year until 2030. According to BLS, the median annual wage for computer programmers was $93,000 as of May 2021, making it a well-compensated field.
Best C++ Books FAQ
C++ was invented and designed by Bjarne Stroustrup in the early 1980s. C++ is based on the C language. Because this programming language has complete control over memory allocation and management, it is one of the most difficult languages to learn and scale.
Overall, Python is better than C++ in terms of simplicity and syntax. However, C++ outperforms in terms of performance, speed, and breadth of its application areas. Python is beginner-friendly, and there are many ways to learn Python. However, C++ has more syntax rules and is more complicated.
You should learn JavaScript as it is a widely used programming language. However, if you want to build apps that run on a client’s system, then you should use C++. If you want to develop web pages, then you should use JavaScript. If you like backend, most high-level machine language libraries use C++ in backend development.
Yes, C++ is the go-to language for game developers. While you do need a game engine to create games, engines are enabled through the use of C++.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
