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Learning C++ for Java Programmers?
The Real Joe Faith asks: "The O'Reilly book 'Java in a Nutshell' used to include a really handy introduction to Java specifically aimed at C++ programmers. It meant an experienced programmer could re-use their knowledge and get up to speed quickly. But what about going the other way? I know a fair amount of Java but, for my sins, have always avoided C++. Now I need to learn it. Fast. Not just the syntax, but also about the various standard libraries out there. Now that Java is the standard language on most computer science courses I guess there will be a few people in the same boat. Can anyone recommend a good book (or any other information source)?" For those Java programmers among us who have gone this route, what books did you use to assist you in the transition to C++? How well did these books work for you?
This is probably the best tutorial I've come across for the Standard Template Library.
Good luck!
heres a book that was suggested by my professor here at CMU for our intro to C class: "C for Java Programmers" by Thomasz Muldner" ISBN: 0-201-70279-7 not exactly c++ but may be you can find something like it. in anycase, should help others.
The parent post has a point. C++ is a difficult language to pick up quickly. My college has 3 C++ courses that are prereqs to just about all the other cs courses, and I still didn't learn it well until my senior year when I had to use it again.
Learning C++ for any practical use will take time and practice to learn all of the nuances, especially the copy constructors, operator overloading, and all of that junk.
I was in the same boat a year ago. I think (good) Java developers needs are unique when approaching C++ because we already know about 80% of the syntax and concepts, but we need a quick way to get into the STL, tips on how NOT to hang yourself (far too easy in C++), and some sense of how C++ programmers organize code.
For getting into the STL, I chose Accelerated C++ by Koenig and Moo. It is very basic at the beginning. However, it's not a 700-page behemoth (a Good Thing), it approaches C++ as OOP from the outset, and it starts using the STL from chapter 1. I'm sure you'll need a full STL reference after this book, but it serves as a decent starter. (I also have "The C++ Programming language" by Stroustrup and it's a bit too close to a language definition... good reference, bad primer)
For the tips, Scott Myers books can't be beat. Enough people have heaped praise on them that I won't bother with it here.
That leaves the last part of my education: "how do C++ programmers organize code". Unfortunately, the C++ world doesn't seem nearly as unified as the Java world. I started out doing things very Java-like, but decided that probably wasn't going to work if I eventually start coding with other people. Accelerated C++ has some tips. The C++ Programming Language also has a lengthy discussion on how to organize your code. Being the completely anal guy I am, I wanted to get it right the first time. Unfortunately, that's not possible. My style is still changing frequently as I see elements I like. I'm sure it will calm down if I ever get a job in a C++ shop.