C++ Builder 5 Developer's Guide [With CDROM]

I don't do a lot of programming so I was able to put off buying this book until just recently. I've been so pleased with it that I know now I should have bought it long ago. It's very well written and full of hands-on real world examples. Reading and understanding the Authors is very uncomplicated. They take you from VCL basics to serious in-depth development quickly with articulate facundity. I've found the chapter on Windows API programming to be especially benefecial. If you do any programming with CPP Builder you're unlikely to get very far without this book. Also worth mentioning, I've found most of this book to be an excellent reference for earlier versions including CPP Builder 3 as well. I found the complaints about the chapters on CD-ROM to have no real merit. The chapters on the CD could easily have made up another volume to be purchased seperately. I consider it something extra. The book contains almost 1400 pages of excellent documentation and reference text and on it's own measure earns a 5 star rating.

This is the only C++ Builder 5 book available in book stores. Fortunately, it is a GREAT book. It covers the topics (see Table of Contents by clicking on the hyperlink) well.As pointed out, the PDF file could be improved. Certainly if hyperlinks are included would make it easier and more practical for the reader.As for some chapters being available only on the CD-ROM, I would say that it is a matter of personal preference. Would you mind buying another book or just leave it as chapters on the CD-ROM? But it is great stuff and I personally find it easily to look for stuff printed in book form rather on CD-ROM.If you are using C++ Builder 5, you will find this book useful.

Yes, the PDF file is lacking significantly. Unfortunately thenavigational pane and links were overlooked in the first edition andwe were all disappointed.The second print run should begin in thenext few weeks or so and the PDF file will be fixed. The new PDF filewill include a TOC with links in the navigation pane and links fromthe index, making it much more useful (no more guessing the pagenumber or searching!)...In addition to the PDF file there are anumber of technical corrections that have been made...

First off, there are two things that would have made this book better. Not putting any chapters on the CD (and lose a lot of value), and make it a hardcover instead of the flimsy glue-back binding. I like my textbooks to be strong and able to fold out on a desk and not bend permanently. This one as thick as it is really should be a hardcover.On to more important things...The content is excellent. A lot of possible space wasting images have been left out which leaves a lot more information. There are plenty of images to get the point across. It starts out with chapters explaining the more simple features and ending with OpenGL & DirectX, and Creating Help Files. The contained CD is excellent and makes a great example for other authors to go by. The installation program actually works! Source code, 3rd party programs, 60 day trial of C++Builder 5, components, and other goodies are included on the CD.The Debugging Applications chapter is one I plan on spending a lot of time with. It includes great pictures and explanations galore of Builder's debug window setup.The layout as well as overall content is what is to be expected of a Developers Guide. I own hundreds of technical books and this one is right up there with my best ones! This team of authors did a great job of combining skills.

OK, so there haven't been a lot of them. Nevertheless, this one will be tough to beat. I just got the book and have already found several topics that simply aren't covered (or covered well) in other tomes. The chapters on compiling/optimizing, debugging, and DLLs and Plug-Ins alone are worth the price of the book. The chapters on COM/DCOM are a tad short, but not the worst I've seen. I am also pleased with the chapter on Microsoft Office integration. The early chapters on programming with C++ Builder 5 and user interface principles were also excellent. All in all, I'm glad I got it "hot off the presses" and I'm sure I'll get plenty of wear and tear out of it before too long. A satisfying purchase. :)