My current job requires solid knowledge of the C++ programming language. However, my computer science undergraduate program did not cover anything concerning C++ (how strange is that?). I was hired as a new graduate because of my Java skills, but it turned out that the project I was going to be coding in Java fell through. I was then given projects to do in C++. So, there I was, with no C++ skills whatsoever, having to learn as quickly as possible in order to fulfill my obligations. I’ve never been one to go out and buy programming books, so I did some searching on the web.
The result: A Beginner’s C++ and Thinking In C++ (PDF format here), both graciously provided by the authors for free online.
I quickly read through these books and gained a very clear grasp of C++ (note: I do have experience in object-oriented and C programming, so I picked it up more quickly, perhaps, than those who have no such background). They served as a wonderful starting point for me and have been a great reference when I have needed to brush up on certain skills. Since then, I have referred them to several fellow engineers, who have found them just as helpful as I have.
