Introduction

I first learned C++ at university – Qt framework, signal-slot mechanisms, classic algorithms, some UI and networking. Then I spent over 10 years with C# and a few years with Go. When I took another look at C++ about a year ago, I was surprised: modern C++ was nothing like what I learned back then.

C++11, C++14, C++17, C++20 – the language had evolved dramatically. Smart pointers, lambdas, ranges, concepts, coroutines – it felt like a different language. That’s what made it intriguing enough to dive back in.

After preparing my Modern C++ presentation, people keep asking: “What books helped you understand modern C++?” These three books bridged the gap between old C++ and modern C++, while also helping me think differently after years of managed languages.

Let me share what worked for me.

1. C++20 for Programmers

by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel

C++20 for Programmers

Why I Love It

This is my go-to language reference. When I need to understand how a specific C++20 feature works or want to refresh my knowledge of the syntax, this is where I turn.

The Deitels have a unique talent for breaking down complex language features into digestible, practical examples. With over 200 code examples, the book covers everything from the basics to the “big four” features of C++20: ranges, concepts, modules, and coroutines.

What Makes It Special

  • Comprehensive Coverage: From standard library containers to functional programming with ranges, from object-oriented programming to concurrency
  • Practical Examples: Every concept is backed by working code that you can compile and run
  • Modern Focus: Unlike many C++ books that drag you through decades of legacy features, this one focuses on how you should write C++ today
  • Accessible Structure: Great for both reference and cover-to-cover reading

Who It’s For

  • Developers coming from other languages (Java, C#, Python) wanting to learn C++
  • C++ programmers wanting to understand C++20 features deeply
  • Anyone needing a solid language reference that covers modern idioms

Bottom Line: Think of this as your C++ encyclopedia – comprehensive, reliable, and remarkably clear.

2. C++ High Performance (Second Edition)

by Björn Andrist and Viktor Sehr

C++ High Performance

Why This Book Stands Out

This book really shines when it comes to performance and usage patterns. It’s not just about making code fast – it’s about understanding why certain approaches are faster, and how to write high-performance code that’s still maintainable.

What impressed me most is that many chapters would be valuable even to non-C++ programmers. The discussions about cache locality, memory layout, algorithmic complexity, and modern CPU architecture are universal truths that apply across languages.

Key Strengths

  • Performance Deep Dives: Covers memory allocators, data structure optimization, and efficient memory management
  • C++20 Features: Shows how to leverage concepts, ranges, and coroutines for performance
  • Practical Benchmarking: Teaches you how to measure performance correctly (hint: std::chrono is your friend)
  • Lock-Free Programming: Explores concurrent programming without traditional locks
  • Real-World Patterns: Not just theory – actual patterns you’ll use in production code

The Chapter on Cache Locality

One of my favorite sections discusses cache-friendly code – showing how array-of-structs vs struct-of-arrays can make a 50x performance difference. This kind of insight is gold, and it directly influenced my Modern C++ presentation when discussing memory layout costs in managed languages.

Who It’s For

  • C++ developers working on performance-critical systems
  • Anyone curious about what makes code truly fast
  • Developers interested in systems programming and low-level optimization
  • Even non-C++ programmers interested in performance concepts (at least read chapters 2-5!)

Bottom Line: If you want to understand not just what to do but why it matters, this book is essential reading.

3. Effective Modern C++

by Scott Meyers: 42 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of C++11 and C++14

Effective Modern C++

A True Classic

Scott Meyers’ Effective Modern C++ is simply a classic. While it focuses on C++11 and C++14 (predating C++17/20/23), the patterns, idioms, and best practices it teaches remain absolutely relevant today.

Why It’s Essential

This isn’t a reference manual or a tutorial – it’s a collection of 42 battle-tested recommendations that help you write better C++ code. Each “Item” addresses a specific topic with crystal-clear explanations, examples, and reasoning.

Topics That Changed How I Code

  • Smart Pointers: Items 18-22 completely changed how I think about memory management
  • Move Semantics: Finally understanding std::move and perfect forwarding (Items 23-30)
  • Lambda Expressions: When to capture by value vs reference, and why it matters (Items 31-34)
  • Type Deduction: The subtle differences between auto, decltype, and template type deduction (Items 1-4)
  • The Concurrency API: Thread-safe initialization, futures, and promises (Items 35-40)

The “Why” Behind Best Practices

What makes Meyers’ writing special is that he doesn’t just tell you what to do – he explains why it’s the right approach, often showing you what happens when you don’t follow the advice. This builds intuition, not just knowledge.

Who It’s For

  • Any C++ developer who wants to write idiomatic, modern code
  • Developers transitioning from C++03 to modern C++
  • Anyone preparing for C++ interviews or code reviews
  • Experienced C++ programmers who want to sharpen their skills

Bottom Line: Every C++ developer should read this book. Period. Even if you’ve been writing C++ for years, you’ll learn something new.

How These Books Work Together

These three books complement each other beautifully:

  1. Start with Deitel: Get a solid foundation in C++20 syntax and features
  2. Deep dive with High Performance: Understand how to write fast, efficient code
  3. Refine with Meyers: Learn the patterns, idioms, and best practices that separate good code from great code

When I prepared my Modern C++ presentation, I drew heavily from all three:

  • Deitel’s coverage of coroutines, ranges, and concepts
  • High Performance’s insights into cache locality, memory layout, and zero-cost abstractions
  • Meyers’ patterns for smart pointers and modern idioms

Final Thoughts

Coming from C# and Go, C++ felt intimidating at first – 40+ years of history, manual memory management, and a reputation for complexity. But modern C++ is different, and these books helped me see that.

They taught me not just how to write C++, but why certain approaches matter. As someone still learning, I find myself returning to these books regularly, discovering new insights each time.

If you’re coming from managed languages like I did, these books will help bridge that gap. They certainly made my journey much smoother.

Have you read any of these? What C++ books would you add to this list? Reach out and let me know!

Questions or book recommendations? Reach out:

Tags: #cpp #books