Originally Posted by
rogster001
The C++ (dummies) one i recommend as it does have an interesting first half which is more 'generic' programming background and will teach you a lot about 'what is a variable', logic, data storage concepts etc. ok so it does this with an eye on C++ constructs but the fundamentals are there, and for me that section is an enjoyable read in itself, away from the keyboard, even when you think you 'know it', a bit like its nice reading cookery books (well i think so) even when you have no intention of cooking anytime soon. I read this for the first time when most of the stuff in it was already familiar ground to me, that didnt make it any less useful or informative though, especially for a self taught coder...like you are going to be..!
The second half is more the defining C++ features of Object orientated concepts, STL and so forth, this again is presented in a fascinating way at first but then gets a bit repetitive in analogy and example, in my opinion anyhow, but for a total newbie it should be a really interesting and useful read.
PS The copy I have is old now and recommends DEV C++ as the free IDE to obtain, this project is no longer under maintenance so if you see that anywhere you should instead use something like Code Blocks , or Pelles, both quality, and free.