Since
C++ is based on C, you must be familiar with the syntax of C in order to
program in C++, just as you must be reasonably fluent in algebra in order to
tackle calculus.
If
you’ve never seen C before,
this chapter will give you a decent background in the style of C used in C++.
If you are familiar with the style of C described in the first edition of
Kernighan & Ritchie (often called K&R C)
you will find some new and different features in C++ as well as in Standard C.
If you are familiar with Standard C, you should skim through this chapter
looking for features that are particular to C++. Note that there are some
fundamental C++ features introduced here, although they are basic ideas that
are akin to the features in C. The more sophisticated C++ features will not be
introduced until later chapters.
This
chapter is a fairly fast coverage of C constructs, with the understanding that
you’ve had some experience programming in another language. If after
reading the chapter you still don’t feel comfortable with the
fundamentals, you may want to consider purchasing
Thinking
in C: Foundations for Java & C++
by Chuck Allison (published by MindView, Inc., and available at
http://www.MindView.net,
where you’ll find the introductory lecture as a free demonstration). This
is a seminar on a CD-ROM, much like the CD packaged with this book, and its
goal is to take you carefully through the fundamentals of the C language, but
focusing on the knowledge necessary for you to be able to move on to the C++ or
Java languages rather than trying to make you an expert in all the dark corners
of C (one of the reasons for using a higher-level language like C++ or Java is
precisely so we can avoid many of these dark corners). It also contains
excercises and guided solutions.