Foreword

C++ is incredibly resilient. First conceived to be merely a "better C," it evolved into a language that continues to amaze even its creators. It endures shifts in programming paradigms and changes in underlying platforms.

Support for object-oriented programming was the first improvement over C. Then exceptions and templates came along. Later, template metaprogramming was "discovered." Managed C++ is another enhancement of the language, which supports a rich runtime, with features such as garbage collection, a unified type system, networking and multithreading support, versioning, and others.

Though designed as a general-purpose programming language under .NET, Managed C++'s main strength is its scrupulous support of the "unmanaged" C++, easing the transition from unmanaged to managed code. Managed C++ allows you to maximally leverage your existing C++ code and start using "managed" features of the languages gradually. This is somewhat similar to how a C programmer would switch to C++: by continuing to use the C subset of C++, taking advantage of C++ as his or her knowledge of it matures.

Managed C++ is opportunistic, just like C++ is. Having to support the existing C++ code base explains many of the compromises the designers of Managed C++ had to make. One of them is the use of double underscores (_) in the new keywords, such as __gc, __value, and others. Although gc and value would have clearly been "prettier," introducing such keywords would break millions of lines of existing code where gc and value are used as identifiers.

Most .NET programming books focus on C# or Visual Basic .NET, and that's pretty much it. This makes Stephen's choice of Managed C++ as a general-purpose .NET programming language unusual and refreshing. As the examples in the book demonstrate, Managed C++ is in no way inferior to other, more "traditional" .NET languages. Plus, you will learn to do things that are simply not available in any other language.

This is a book for working programmers. It is not about the technicalities of the language and the intricacies of its syntax. Instead, it goes straight to the point and shows you how to use the language to "get the job done." Thanks to Stephen's easygoing style, you will find his explanation of Managed C++ very readable, and you will be able to digest it quickly and move on to what he calls "fun topics."

Stephen covers a lot of material in his book. No doubt, he has valuable experience in the field and he is successful at sharing it.

Artur Laksberg
Managed C++ Compiler Development Team
Microsoft Corporation