What resources should I use to learn C++?

Where to learn the C++?

If you are an individual, you should learn C++ from books. Learning from books is, arguably, the best way to learn the C++ essentials.

Which books should I choose?

You should do some research and make an informed decision as to which C++ starting book (or books) you should learn from. Don’t be afraid of choosing a C++ book that is not mentioned so often, as there are some hidden gems out there. When choosing a C++ book, choose a book that talks about:

  • Modern C++
  • Why you should avoid raw arrays and pointers
  • Mentions at least the C++11 standard

What could be some drawbacks to learning from a book?

A C++ book can be unnecessarily lengthy and overwhelming, especially for a beginner. Books can vary significantly in quality, so it is up to us to make an informed decision about which book to choose. Traditional publishing may not be as popular these days, and we might opt for alternative mediums, such as video courses or live training.

Learning from video courses

Another way to learn C++ is through video courses. Please be aware that these can vary in quality even more than books, so we should be extra careful in choosing the video course to learn from.

Live C++ training

Another highly effective way to learn C++ is through live C++ training with a professional C++ instructor. Professional C++ trainers can provide clear learning paths, significantly reducing the learning time. Companies often opt for live C++ training as it shortens the time needed to learn C++ for entire teams of developers.

Summary

In summary, opt for a book if you are an individual, and consider live C++ training if you are a team member in a company.

Posted on July 1, 2025, by

Slobodan Dmitrovic

Slobodan Dmitrovic is a software development consultant, C++ trainer, and author of several books on C and C++.