book

Introducing C++

Name: Introducing C++
Author: Frances Buontempo
ISBN: 9781098178147

by Frances Buontempo

March 2026

Beginner

348 pages

7h 27m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Read now

Unlock full access

Foreword
Preface
Who Is This Book For?Structure of This BookConventions Used in This BookUsing Code ExamplesO’Reilly Online LearningHow to Contact UsAcknowledgments
1. Hello, World!
Installing ToolsLinux and macOSWindowsUsing Your ToolsRunning Your ProgramWriting to the ScreenUsing printlnTroubleshootingUsing coutUnderstanding println and cout in DepthConclusion
2. Variables and Keyboard Input
Declaring VariablesCharacter InputDetecting Input ProblemsInput of Real NumbersDetecting Problems with NumbersDetecting More General ProblemsA Function for Input with Some TestsStarting with a Failing TestBreaking Your Code into FunctionsStarting with a Failing Test, AgainTesting Bad InputRefactorCalling Your New Function from mainUnderstanding Variables, std::cin, and Functions in DepthClearing Input ErrorsMore on FunctionsConclusion
3. Exceptions and Expectations
ExceptionsThrowing ExceptionsTrying and CatchingHandling Exceptions with a try/catch BlockExpectationsUnderstanding Exceptions and Expectations in More DepthOther Exception TypesPosition of catch BlocksExpected Without a ValueConclusion
4. Using Loops, Arrays, and Vectors
Input of Several Numbers Using a LoopA while LoopUsing an ArrayDisplaying and Using the NumbersUsing a VectorAdding More Elements to a VectorA Few Other Container FunctionsGetting Several Numbers in a VectorUnderstanding Sequential Containers in More DepthInitializing Containers with an Initializer ListWhat Happens When You Add to a VectorWhat Happens When You Delete from a VectorInitializing a Vector with a Fixed ValueOther Sequential ContainersConclusion
5. Using Standard Library Algorithms
Getting Several Numbers Into a Vector (Again)Analyzing Your Numbers Using AlgorithmsUsing Predicates in AlgorithmsUsing Iterators in AlgorithmsThe Old Way to Remove ItemsFinding an Average with an AlgorithmUnderstanding Algorithms in More DepthUsing for LoopsBinary Operators and PredicatesMore on IteratorsConclusion
6. Lambdas and the Ranges Library
Removing Negative Numbers Using a LambdaUsing a Lambda to Vary Behavior via std::functionFiltering Out Negative Numbers Using the Ranges’ ViewUsing Lambda Captures for Fun and ProfitUnderstanding Lambdas and Views in More DepthLambda Captures by ValueLambda Captures by ReferenceComposing ViewsLazy ViewsConclusion
7. Random Numbers
Generating Random NumbersWriting an Overload for a FunctionBuilding a Trading GameUnderstanding Code with Random Numbers (and Vectors) in DepthUsing a Normal DistributionConsiderations for Code That Uses Random NumbersCreating and Filling VectorsConclusion
8. Working with Files
Writing to a FileDetecting and Reporting ProblemsUsing the Filesystem LibraryReading from a FileUnderstanding Files in DepthDifferent File ModesBitwise Operators and BitmasksReading Previous PricesConclusion

9. Strings and Formatting
C-Style String Literals and CharactersProviding Arguments to mainCreating and Manipulating a std::stringOther Ways to Create a std::stringMore std::string FunctionsString ViewsFormatting and More on std::printlnstd::format and Format SpecificationsAn Improved Trading GameUnderstanding Strings in DepthJoining std::strings EfficientlyUsing std::println to Save to a FileConclusion
10. Classes: Member Variables and Member Functions
A Simple ClassPrivate and Public Access SpecifiersConstructors and DestructorsUsing the Stock Class in a std::vectorIntroducing Classes in DepthConstructors and Destructors in DepthSplitting a Class Between Header and Source FilesConclusion
11. Classes: Special Member Functions and Move Semantics
Copying ObjectsMoving ObjectsMove and Copy AssignmentsCopies and Moves in DepthHow Does a std::string Work?Move Constructors and Move AssignmentsCopy Constructors and Copy AssignmentsConclusion
12. Memory Management with std::unique_ptr
Creating a std::unique_ptrUsing a std::unique_ptrSmart Pointers in DepthMore on Pointers and ReferencesUnique Pointers in More DetailOther Smart PointersCustom DeletersUsing a std::unique_ptr in a ClassUsing the Exchange ClassConclusion
13. Classes: Virtual Functions and Inheritance
Base Class and Derived ClassesDefining an Abstract Base ClassA Derived ClassUsing Derived ClassesA New Trading GameAdding Another Derived TypeVirtual Functions and Inheritance in DepthVirtual DestructorsVirtual Functions and SlicingConclusion
14. Using std::variant and std::visit
Creating and Using a std::variantUsing a std::variant in std::visitUsing the Event in the Trading GameThe std::variant in DepthSpotting and Handling Potential Problems with std::variantUsing std::optional and std::anyConclusion
15. Templates and std::unordered_map
Making a Lookup TableWrite Your Own TemplateSpecializing std::hashAdding an Equality Operator for an EventAdding a Way to Display the EventsKeeping a Tally of Events in Your Trading GameAssociative Containers and Templates in DepthMore on TemplatesConclusion
Index
About the Author

Overview

You know how to code, but you're ready to level up. You've heard about the power and performance of C++, a language vital to fields like AI, game development, and high-performance computing. But where do you even start? Existing resources are outdated or overly academic, or they assume a deep understanding of C. You need a guide that respects your existing skills and gets you coding fast with modern C++.

This book cuts through the noise, focusing on the essential elements of C++ with hands-on projects that quickly build your skills and confidence. Author and C++ expert Frances Buontempo gets you up to speed quickly with the latest features and best practices of the language, preparing you for more advanced exploration.

Write clean and efficient C++ code
Understand core concepts and syntax
Apply various programming approaches, from OOP to functional styles
Read and understand complex C++ definitions and resources

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.

Julian F.

Head of Cybersecurity

I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.

Addison B.

Field Engineer

I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.

Amir M.

Data Platform Tech Lead

I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.

Mark W.

Embedded Software Engineer

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781098178130Errata Page

Cloud Computing

Data Engineering

Data Science

AI & ML

Programming Languages

Software Architecture

IT/Ops

Security

Design

Business

Soft Skills