Best C++ Programming Language Books of 2025

Make: Electronics: Learning by Discovery is an excellent introductory text for new electronics enthusiasts. The book takes a hands-on approach to teaching, encouraging readers to learn by building their own circuits and making their own mistakes. The third edition includes new diagrams, photographs, and rewritten text. The book also provides affordable component kits and a buying guide for basic tools. The circuits demonstrated, such as a combination lock for a computer or a game that tests the speed of reflexes, are simple and quick to build. The book assumes no prior knowledge and is ideal for beginners. Overall, Make: Electronics is an engaging and informative read for those looking to learn about electronics.

C++ Primer (5th Edition) is a comprehensive guide to learning C++ programming language that has been updated for the C++11 standard. The book covers both the core language and its standard library, demonstrating how to write efficient, readable, and powerful code. It is a proven tutorial for beginners and a valuable resource for experienced programmers, especially those eager to see C++11 enhancements illuminated. The book's enhanced layflat binding increases its durability, making it a great addition to any programmer's library.

A Tour of C++, Third Edition by Bjarne Stroustrup is a comprehensive guide to modern C++, covering most major language features and standard-library components. The author presents C++ features in the context of the programming styles they support, including object-oriented and generic programming. The latest edition covers new features in C++20, including modules, concepts, coroutines, and ranges. It also introduces some library components in current use that are not scheduled for inclusion in the standard until C++23. This authoritative guide is an excellent resource for experienced programmers wanting greater familiarity with the current C++ language.

Effective Modern C++ is a practical guide for programmers who want to write great software using C++11 and C++14. It covers topics such as move semantics, lambda expressions, and concurrency support, and provides techniques for writing clear, correct, and efficient code. Written by Scott Meyers, a renowned expert in C++ programming, this book follows the guideline-based, example-driven format of his earlier books. It's a must-read for any programmer who wants to use modern C++ effectively and well.

The C++ Programming Language, Fourth Edition, by Bjarne Stroustrup, is a comprehensive reference and tutorial for programmers who want to use C++ most effectively. This edition covers the new C++11 standard, offering concise and pure C++11 examples, extensive cross-references, and coverage of the entire language. Topics include basic facilities, modularity, C++ abstraction, standard library, and the C++ basic memory model. The book is accessible to programmers moving from C++98 or other languages while providing insights and techniques that even cutting-edge C++11 programmers will find indispensable.

C++ Software Design: Design Principles and Patterns for High-Quality Software is an essential read for experienced C++ developers. Klaus Iglberger offers practical guidance on software design, including managing dependencies and abstractions, improving changeability and extensibility, and applying modern design patterns. The book covers the most important aspects of software design, such as maintainability, changeability, and extensibility, and helps readers evaluate their code with respect to software design. Iglberger's expertise and focus on large-scale software design make this book unique and valuable for any C++ developer.

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ (2nd Edition) is an excellent guide for beginners who want to learn programming and for advanced students who want to gain new insights into C++. The book provides a solid foundation for writing efficient and maintainable code, covering fundamental concepts and techniques in greater depth than traditional introductions. It also presents modern C++ programming techniques, including object-oriented and generic programming, and introduces C++11 and C++14 features to simplify programming tasks. The book is easy to follow and provides abundant reference material, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in programming with C++.

Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving by V. Anton Spraul is a unique programming book that goes beyond teaching syntax and delves into the art of problem-solving. The author breaks down how programmers approach and solve problems, and challenges readers with open-ended exercises. The book covers various programming concepts and tools, such as classes, pointers, recursion, and dynamic memory, that can be applied to any language. Spraul's approach is especially helpful for beginners who struggle with applying programming knowledge to solve problems. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in mastering the creative art of writing great code.

The 3rd edition of "Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5" by Brenden Sewell is a practical guide that enables game designers to script their games with UE5 Blueprints without writing a single line of code. The book is a comprehensive guide that teaches readers how to create a fully functional game, from implementing visual scripting to developing gameplay mechanics, UI, visual effects, VR, and artificial intelligence. The book also covers advanced Blueprint nodes, such as arrays, maps, enums, and vector operations, and introduces the elements needed for VR game development. This book is an excellent resource for game designers and programmers who want to learn how to use UE5 Blueprints effectively.

Modern CMake for C++ is a comprehensive guide to building, testing, and packaging software using CMake. The book covers best practices for building C++ code, managing dependencies, and adding quality checks and tests to your projects. It also delves into the structure of source directories, building targets, and packages. By the end, readers will have gained practical knowledge of the CMake language and be able to use it confidently on a professional level. Overall, this book offers a simpler, more comprehensive approach to building C++ solutions, making it a must-read for developers looking to streamline their workflow.