A Tour of C++

Synopsis

In A Tour of C++, Third Edition, Bjarne Stroustrup provides an overview of ISO C++, C++20, that aims to give experienced programmers a clear understanding of what constitutes modern C++. Featuring carefully crafted examples and practical help in getting started, this revised and updated edition concisely covers most major language features and the major standard-library components needed for effective use.

Stroustrup presents C++ features in the context of the programming styles they support, such as object-oriented and generic programming. His tour is remarkably comprehensive. Coverage begins with the basics, then ranges widely through more advanced topics, emphasizing newer language features. This edition covers many features that are new in C++20 as implemented by major C++ suppliers, including modules, concepts, coroutines, and ranges. It even introduces some library components in current use that are not scheduled for inclusion in the standard until C++23.

This authoritative guide does not aim to teach you how to program (for that, see Stroustrup's Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++, Second Edition), nor will it be the only resource you'll need for C++ mastery (for that, see Stroustrup's The C++ Programming Language, Fourth Edition, and recommended online sources). If, however, you are a C or C++ programmer wanting greater familiarity with the current C++ language, or a programmer versed in another language wishing to gain an accurate picture of the nature and benefits of modern C++, you won't find a shorter or simpler introduction.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics

* Introduces the basic syntax of C++.
* Covers data types, variables, operators, and expressions.
* Example: Declaring a variable:
```cpp
int age = 30;
```

Chapter 2: Control Flow

* Explores different control flow statements, such as if-else, switch, and loops.
* Explains the use of branching and conditional execution.
* Example: Using an if-else statement:
```cpp
if (age >= 18) {
cout << "You are an adult.";
} else {
cout << "You are a minor.";
}
```

Chapter 3: Functions

* Introduces the concept of functions and their role in code reusability.
* Covers function prototypes, parameters, and return values.
* Example: Declaring and calling a function:
```cpp
int sum(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}

int main() {
int result = sum(5, 10);
cout << "The sum is: " << result;
return 0;
}
```

Chapter 4: Arrays and Strings

* Explains how to work with arrays and strings in C++.
* Covers array declarations, initialization, and manipulation.
* Example: Declaring and initializing an array:
```cpp
int numbers[] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
```

Chapter 5: Classes and Objects

* Introduces the concepts of object-oriented programming in C++.
* Covers class declarations, member functions, and data members.
* Example: Creating a class and object:
```cpp
class Person {
public:
string name;
int age;
};

int main() {
Person person;
person.name = "John Doe";
person.age = 30;
}
```

Chapter 6: Input and Output

* Explains how to handle input and output operations in C++.
* Covers stream objects, file I/O, and error handling.
* Example: Reading an integer from the console:
```cpp
int age;
cout << "Enter your age: ";
cin >> age;
```

Chapter 7: Pointers and References

* Introduces the use of pointers and references to manipulate memory addresses.
* Covers the different types of pointers, their operations, and the distinction between pointers and references.
* Example: Declaring and initializing a pointer:
```cpp
int* p = &age;
```

Chapter 8: Templates and Generic Programming

* Explores the concept of templates and their use in creating generic code.
* Covers template functions, classes, and their advantages.
* Example: Declaring a template function:
```cpp
template
T max(T a, T b) {
if (a > b) {
return a;
} else {
return b;
}
}
```

Chapter 9: Standard Template Library (STL)

* Introduces the Standard Template Library (STL) and its various containers and algorithms.
* Covers vectors, lists, maps, and sorting algorithms.
* Example: Creating a vector and iterating through it:
```cpp
vector numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
for (int num : numbers) {
cout << num << " ";
}
```