This
chapter was a fairly intense tour through all the fundamental features of C++
syntax, most of which are inherited from and in common with C (and result in
C++’s vaunted backwards compatibility with C). Although some C++ features
were introduced here, this tour is primarily intended for people who are
conversant in programming, and simply need to be given an introduction to the
syntax basics of C and C++. If you’re already a C programmer, you may
have even seen one or two things about C here that were unfamiliar, aside from
the C++ features that were most likely new to you. However, if this chapter has
still seemed a bit overwhelming, you may want to consider going through the
CD-ROM course
Thinking
in C: Foundations for C++ & Java
(which contains lectures, excercises and guided solutions) available at
http://www.MindView.net.