May 1, 2024
Updated June 6, 2025
19 minute read
Modern C++: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Developers
Modern C++ refers to the versions of the C++ programming language from the C++11 standard onwards. This evolution marked a significant enhancement in the language's capabilities, introducing features that promote safer, more efficient, and more expressive coding practices. It builds upon the powerful, performance-oriented foundation of earlier C++ versions while addressing many of their complexities and potential pitfalls. The journey of C++ began in 1979 with Bjarne Stroustrup's "C with Classes," evolving through various stages until the first ISO standardization in 1998 (C++98). The release of C++11 in 2011 is widely considered the dawn of "Modern C++," bringing a wealth of improvements that have continued with subsequent standards like C++14, C++17, C++20, and C++23.
052nel|
Find a path to becoming a Modern C++. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/052nel/modern
Reading list
We've selected 31 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Modern C++.
Is the definitive guide to the C++ programming language. It is written by Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++.
Cornerstone for understanding how to effectively use the features introduced in C++11 and C++14. It provides practical, guideline-based advice that is essential for writing correct, efficient, and maintainable modern C++ code. Widely regarded as a must-read for intermediate to advanced C++ developers, it solidifies understanding of key modern idioms and best practices.
Is the authoritative guide to the C++ concurrent and parallel programming facilities, covering C++11, C++14, and C++17. It dives deep into threads, mutexes, futures, and other concurrency tools. Essential for anyone writing multithreaded applications in modern C++, it key resource for contemporary C++ development.
Explains modern C++ features and provides practical advice on how to use them effectively. It is written by Scott Meyers, a well-respected C++ expert.
Provides a comprehensive guide to C++ templates. It valuable resource for developers who want to learn about templates and how to use them effectively.
An updated perspective on concurrency in modern C++, this book covers the features available in C++11, C++14, C++17, and C++20. It complements 'C++ Concurrency in Action' with potentially newer insights and coverage of the latest standards. Essential for writing concurrent applications.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth guide to C++ templates, covering features up to C++17. Templates are a powerful and complex part of C++, and this book is essential for mastering them. It valuable resource for advanced C++ programmers looking to deepen their understanding of generic programming.
An excellent comprehensive introduction to C++ for beginners and those with some programming experience, covering C++11 features. It provides a solid foundation in the core language and standard library. is widely used as a textbook in universities and is highly recommended for gaining a broad understanding of C++.
Focused specifically on move semantics and rvalue references, this book provides a comprehensive explanation of these crucial C++11 features. Understanding move semantics is vital for writing efficient modern C++ code, especially when dealing with resources. offers a thorough treatment of the topic.
Authored by the creator of C++, this is the definitive and comprehensive reference to the language, updated for C++11. While dense, it provides deep insight into the language's design and features. It is an invaluable resource for gaining a thorough understanding of C++ and is often used as a reference by professionals and in academic settings.
Focusing on software design principles and patterns in the context of modern C++, this book guides developers in building robust and maintainable C++ systems. It bridges the gap between general design patterns and their effective application using modern C++ features and best practices. Valuable for improving software architecture skills.
Provides a deep dive into C++ lambda expressions, a powerful feature introduced in C++11 and enhanced in later standards. It covers their mechanics, usage patterns, and evolution up to C++20. Essential for mastering functional programming paradigms in modern C++.
Explores design patterns with a focus on implementing them using modern C++ features and techniques. It provides practical examples and guidance for applying established design patterns effectively in C++. Useful for understanding how to leverage modern C++ for good software design.
Focused on optimizing C++ code for performance, this book covers various techniques and tools for writing high-performance applications in C++17. It is relevant for developers working on performance-critical systems. It provides practical advice and examples for achieving better efficiency.
Provides a set of coding standards for C++. It valuable resource for developers who want to write high-quality, maintainable C++ code.
Provides a quick reference to the C++20 standard library. It useful resource for developers who want to learn about the new features in C++20.
Applying the principles of clean code to C++, this book provides practical guidance on writing readable, maintainable, and testable C++ code. It addresses C++-specific challenges and idioms in the context of clean coding practices. Useful for developers at all levels looking to improve their code quality.
A classic in the C++ literature, this book provides 55 essential guidelines for writing better C++ programs. While it primarily covers C++98, the principles and advice on class design, resource management, and efficiency are still highly relevant and foundational for any C++ developer. It's considered a must-read for solidifying C++ fundamentals.
Known as the 'Gang of Four' book, this seminal work on software design patterns. While not specific to C++ or modern C++, the patterns described are highly applicable and foundational for designing robust and maintainable object-oriented software in any language, including C++. It's a classic must-read for software engineers.
While not exclusively a C++ book, it uses C++ to illustrate programming patterns commonly used in game development. The patterns and principles are valuable for software design in general, and the C++ examples make it directly relevant to C++ developers, particularly those interested in game development or high-performance systems.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/052nel/modern
Save
