Introduction

Welcome to C++! We have worked hard to create what we hope you will find to be an informative, entertaining and challenging learning experience. C++ is a powerful computer programming language that is appropriate for technically oriented people with little or no programming experience and for experienced programmers to use in building substantial information systems. C++ How to Program, Fifth Edition, is an effective learning tool for each of these audiences.

The core of the book emphasizes achieving program clarity through the proven techniques of object-oriented programmingthis is an "early classes and objects" booknonprogrammers will learn programming the right way from the beginning. The presentation is clear, straightforward and abundantly illustrated. We teach C++ features in the context of complete working C++ programs and show the outputs produced when those programs are run on a computerwe call this the live-code approach. The example programs are included on the CD that accompanies this book, or you may download them from www.deitel.com or www.prenhall.com/deitel.

The early chapters introduce the fundamentals of computers, computer programming and the C++ computer programming language, providing a solid foundation for the deeper treatment of C++ in the later chapters. Experienced programmers tend to read the early chapters quickly, then find the treatment of C++ in the remainder of the book both rigorous and challenging.

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Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the exciting things computers do. Using this textbook, you will learn how to command computers to do those things. Computers (often referred to as hardware) are controlled by software (i.e., the instructions you write to command the computer to perform actions and make decisions). C++ is one of today's most popular software development languages. This text provides an introduction to programming in the version of C++ standardized in the United States through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and worldwide through the efforts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Computer use is increasing in almost every field of endeavor. Computing costs have been decreasing dramatically due to rapid developments in both hardware and software technologies. Computers that might have filled large rooms and cost millions of dollars a few decades ago can now be inscribed on silicon chips smaller than a fingernail, costing a few dollars each. (Those large computers were called mainframes and are widely used today in business, government and industry.) Fortunately, silicon is one of the most abundant materials on earthit's an ingredient in common sand. Silicon chip technology has made computing so economical that about a billion general-purpose computers are in use worldwide, helping people in business, industry and government, and in their personal lives.

Over the years, many programmers learned the programming methodology called structured programming. You will learn structured programming and an exciting newer methodology, object-oriented programming. Why do we teach both? Object orientation is the key programming methodology used by programmers today. You will create and work with many software objects in this text. You will discover however, that their internal structure is often built using structured-programming techniques. Also, the logic of manipulating objects is occasionally expressed with structured programming.

You are embarking on a challenging and rewarding path. As you proceed, if you have any questions, please send e-mail to

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We will respond promptly. To keep up to date with C++ developments at Deitel & Associates, please register for our free e-mail newsletter, the Deitel® Buzz Online, at

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We hope that you will enjoy learning with C++ How to Program, Fifth Edition.