Rating: 
Summary: An excellent reference to advanced C++ features
Review: I would consider myself as a veteran in C with limited exposure in C++. My recent project demanded the use of STLs. To be honest, I was initially a bit worried how I would catch up with this new thing (at least new to me). Thanks to Josuttis who really made my life easy. It is a very powerful reference book and has plenty of good examples to explain the standard libraries. I really didn't get a chance to read the whole book. I don't think the book is of that kind either. You want to know how to use say for example the vector, linked list, algorithms or whatever of the STLs. And here you have a wealth of information that will jumpstart your effort.
Rating:
Summary: MVP in my programming book collection
Review: I, and every person that has this book, highly recommend it. If you plan to use C++ *well*, then this book is the best programming companion you will find.
Rating: 
Summary: English is terrible
Review: English is not my native language, but even I found the English translation of this book is poor.
Sometimes the author tried to explain something that should be helpful, but he stopped right before the point that you could fully understand it.
Rating:
Summary: A Solid Reference
Review: This is an excellent reference book on STL containers and algorithms, from the perspective of an intermediate-level programmer (self-taught, two years' C++). I use this reference every day - the hardcover helps it lie nicely on my desk - perhaps in part of what I'm doing: plain(?) C++, not Windows MFC, using the boost::bind from the (freely downloadable) C++ Boost Libraries to write functors (objects that define the call operator) for use as predicates in calling STL algorithms on STL containers. So yes, in my limited experience, Josuttis's book contributes to a happy level of productivity and lets me draw on the STL because it is part of a package deal: Meyer's Effective STL (e.g. item 43: prefer STL algorithm calls to hand-written loops, so as to improve code readability and speed), the Boost::bind library, and Josuttis's reference. If boost doesn't appeal, in chapter 8.3ff Josuttis does supply source code for supplementary composing function objects. With neither those nor boost, any STL algorithm using a functor parameter would likely not merit the learning time, and I'd have STL containers, iterators, and more hand-written loops.One odd thing: the reference layout has worked well enough for me that I haven't felt the need to read from cover to cover, because the index & table of contents & occasional apt cross-reference almost always put me in the 1-5 pages that answer my question. I browsed another STL book in the bookstore today & wondered, why haven't I come across so helpful a description of user-defined iterators in Josuttis? When I got home, now with question in mind, I found the same information in Josuttis within a minute. I can readily imagine advanced users having questions not addressed in Josuttis, but at present his succinct STL pitfall flags, cautions & workarounds pretty much keep me from STL grief. OK, so intriguing design concepts are not what this book is about; but the efficiency and thoroughness mean that his writing style is not plain, it's lucid *smile*.
Rating:
Summary: *THE* book for STL
Review: I purchased this book to learn STL over 2 years ago, after fumbling through a couple others on the subject. Not only was this the most clear for learning STL, it is one of my most used reference books to this date. Well written and organized.
| 
