On: Ask YC: C++

[copenja]

First:

Accelerated C++ by Andrew Koenig and Barbara E. Moo

   -Great book aimed at absolute beginners written
    by top of the line experts.  Koenig worked at 
    AT&T and was a major player in the C++ standards
    committee.

Second:

Effective C++ by Scott Meyers

    -This book is spectacular and will take you from
     beginner to the next level.  It is very well 
     written and an easy read.  More Effective C++
     and Effective STL are also good.

Reference:

The C++ Programming Language Bjarne Stroupstrup

    -This should be your reference book.

If you want some Guru level references I can list a couple more advanced books if your interested...

[anupamkapoor → copenja]

i think "ruminations on c++" by the same authors i.e. andrew koenig and barbara moo is also very good. if you can get your hands on "barton and nackman", its nice too.

imho, the fundamental problem with the language is the principal of maximum-surprise. what you don't know can really hurt you...

[kashif → copenja]

Ok. This sounds like a plan. Thx

[deepsea → kashif]

Yup. It's a very good plan. The key is Accelerated C++. Just lock yourself in a room with a computer and a coffee machine and get through that book. It's short, well written, and contains examples throughout that you should be typing in as you progress through the book.