The Elements of C++ Style

Rating:
Summary: An essential programmer's guide
Review: Packed into a deceptively-diminutive size paperback package is an essential programmer's guide which should be a reference bible for all C++ programmers: a survey of the basic elements of formatting, naming, documentation and programming which provides a foundation of rules for writing in C++. Organized by programming conventions and principles, Elements Of C++ Style is invaluable for the programmer who would produce consistent, accurate documentation.


Rating:
Summary: Small in size, large in content
Review: This book is too small to be used as a physical weapon in the "style wars." Nevertheless, it is large in terms of content. Nearly all of the areas of style differences and disputes are covered. The authors do a good job in presenting their solutions to style difference problems without resorting to evangelical techniques. They express their opinions, justify them and then move on to the next style issue. Small segments of code, demonstrating both the right and wrong ways, are used to illustrate the point.
The issues are placed into several groups:

* General principles.
* Formatting conventions.
* Naming conventions.
* Programming principles.
* Programming conventions.
* Packaging conventions.

The 175 style issues are summarized into a set of short rules at the end of the book, which makes it easier to find specific elements.
This book is not a bible, setting down the commandments for the proper style to be used in creating C++ code. It is a set of suggestions, and if you read it with that in mind, you will find this book of value.