Introduction

C++ was my first programming language. While Ive since learned others, Ive always thought C++ was the best programming language, perhaps because of the power it gives the programmer. Of course, this power is a double-edged sword, being also the power to hang yourself if you are not careful. Nonetheless, C++ has always been my favorite programming language.

C++ also has been the first choice of others, not just in the business world because of its power, but also in academia. Additionally, many other programming languages, including Java and C#, are based on C++. Indeed, the Java programming language was written using C++. Therefore, knowing C++ also makes learning other programming languages easier.

Why Did I Write this Book?

Not as a road to riches, fame, or beautiful women. I may be misguided, but Im not completely delusional.

To be sure, there are many introductory level books on C++. Nevertheless, I wrote this book because I believe I bring a different and, I hope, valuable perspective.

As you may know from my author biography, I teach computer science at Los Angeles Valley College, a community college in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, where I grew up and have lived most of my life. I also write computer programs, but teaching programming has provided me with insights into how students learn that I could never obtain from writing programs. These insights are gained not just from answering student questions during lectures. I spend hours each week in our colleges computer lab helping students with their programs, and more hours each week reviewing and grading their assignments. Patterns emerge regarding which teaching methods work and which dont, the order in which to introduce programming topics, the level of difficulty at which to introduce a new topic, and so on. I joke with my students that they are my beta testers in my never-ending attempt to become a better teacher, but there is much truth in that joke.

Additionally, my beta testers err, students, seem to complain about the textbook no matter which book I adopt. Many ask me why I dont write a book they could use to learn C++. They may be saying this to flatter me (Im not saying it doesnt work), or for the more sinister reason that they will be able to blame the teacher for a poor book as well as poor instruction. Nevertheless, having written other books, these questions planted in my mind the idea of writing a book that, in addition to being sold to the general public, also could be used as a supplement to a textbook .