C++ Pocket Reference

Chapter 1. C++ Pocket Reference

Introduction

The C++ Pocket Reference is a quick reference to the C++ programming language as defined by the international standard INCITS/ISO/IEC 14882–1998. It consists of a number of short sections, each further divided into specific topics. Many of the topics include pointed, canonical examples.

At the outset, it is important to recognize that C++ is a vast language, admittedly difficult to describe in a pocket reference. As a result, this reference is devoted almost exclusively to presenting the language itself. Other references are available from O’Reilly & Associates describing the C++ Standard Library, a vast subject on its own. The C++ Standard Library includes all of the facilities of the C Standard Library plus many new ones, such as the Standard Template Library (STL) and I/O streams.

This book has been written for developers with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels in C++. Those with experience using C++ will find this book to be a uniquely focused reference to its most commonly used features. If you are new to C++, you may wish to work with a tutorial first and return to this reference later to research specific topics.

Typographic Conventions

This book uses the following typographic conventions:

Italic

This style is used for filenames and for items emphasized in the text.

Constant width

This style is used for code, commands, keywords, and names for types, variables, functions, and classes.

Constant width italic

This style is used for ...