Problem Solving, Abstraction, and Design Using C++

I used this book in two programming classes. Although it is a bit wordy, its good because it explains C++ programming very well. Also, it is complete - it begins explanations of procedures in a simple, easy to understand manner, and builds on that chapter by chapter until it ends with dynamic data structures. If you're needing to buy the 5th edition, you can save a lot of money by buying this one - it is virtually identical.

As an instructor of this course, I enjoyed stressing to my students that they must develop their problem-solving skills and programming style. That's the strength of this book -- a huge emphasis on the importance of breaking down a big problem into easier parts (it's clear that the authors paid attention to G. Polya's How to Solve it), and tips on programming style, from the naming of identifiers (variables) to the use of reference vs. value parameters. This was a great support as I taught this course to a class with a very mixed programming background.

I was dying trying to acutally learn from those stupid little AP review books, and my very experienced comp sci teacher recommended I buy this book. I'm only an 11th grade HS student, and I have no problem understanding this text.

I used this book for my freshman C++ class and I think it was understandable. People who rate this book one star are the people that should be weeded out of computer science programs. Although C++ can not be spoon-fed, this book makes a good attempt. Unless you are in a college C++ class that requires this book, then get an O'Reilly book ("Practical C++ Programming"). You get more useful, real-world instruction.

if you are unable to understand this book maybe you should consider other fields of studies. To me it was understandible and easy to follow. By the way this book was uswd in my 1st programming class