C++ for Java Programmers

Very useful. It respects its contract: saving your time by progressively build on your Java background the core concepts necessary to understand the C++ language (instead of reading a 1000 pages reference book). Sometimes the comparison of design issues between JAVA and C++ (for instance about class immutability) suppose that the reader has already a solid knowledge about object oriented programming and/or design patterns, but not necessarily requires it (by the way, if you're a JAVA programmer and you didn't read Effective Java Programming Language Guide, you may have missed something). Along with a strong experience in C, this book allow you to become an intermediate C++ programmer in only few days ! And remember: "[...] it is certainly not true that Java is better than C++, neither would we say that C++ is better than Java. Instead, a modern programmer should be able to use both languages, as each language has applications that can make it the logical choice". I deeply agree with the author's opinion.

The book is logical and mostly clear. It has its weaknesses but for a Java programmer who wants to understand how the C++ sections of the project could possibly be taking so long and causing such problems, this probably the right book to start with (i.e. I haven't found a better one and am reasonably satisfied).

I used this book in an introductory C++ class in college. Being a senior in Computer Science who has only been taught with Java, this book is a great starter to get into the world of C++. Nearly everything that is explained in the book is given an equivalent example in Java. Having never used C++ before, I can recommend this for those who are starting with C++, but have a strong Java background. I wouldn't recommend this as an introductory book for a beginner in the world of programming, as it delves into many advanced topics right away.

Although C++ is definitely on the decline, it will be a major force in the programming world for years to come. This book is an excellent intro to the language taught specifically for a person with some Java experience, and it does do an effective job of comparing and contrasting the two languages. The analogies, I feel are invaluable to understanding abstract concepts in C++, and the approach is better than starting from the ground up, if you understand Java at a fundamental level. I also have to disagree with the reviewer below: the writing is quite good, it's concise and not excessively technical. I suspect that that reviewer is unfamiliar with contemporary texts on computer science, because this is one of the more readable ones I know. Although the latter few chapters were not, I feel, exceptionally helpful, the book is a much better and lighter (not to mention cheaper) alternative to others out there, and is quite worth it, in every way.

I read a lot of computer books and was more hopeful that this book would be easier to handle than what reality dished out. After the third chapter, I was totally lost, then I realized that the most applicable use of this book is as a FINE REFERENCE rather than a cover-to-cover type of read. So, whenever a C++ compilation fails, at least I know that this book will likely be helpful, but really with the mindset that a pinpointed problem needs to be solved. The author clearly knows his stuff. If you're looking for a guided tour of the transition from Java to C++ with the hope that you could accomplish it in one sweep through a book, then look elsewhere, if even such a book exists. Judge for yourself, but perhaps this goal is unreasonable. WELL DONE, Mr. Weiss.