Beginning C++26 - 8th Edition by Peter Van Weert (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Begin your programming journey with C++, starting from the basics and progressing through clear, step-by-step examples designed to build confidence and skill. This updated edition reflects the latest features of the C++26 standard. All you need are Beginning C++26 and any recent C++ compiler and you'll soon be writing real C++ programs. There is no assumption of prior programming knowledge. All language concepts that are explained in the book are illustrated with working program examples, and all chapters include exercises for you to test and practise your knowledge. Free source code downloads are provided for all examples from the text and solutions to the exercises. This latest edition has been fully updated to the latest version of the language, C++26, and to all conventions and best practices of modern C++. It now includes a dedicated section on contracts for safer, more expressive code, as well as introductory coverage of reflection with beginner-friendly examples. After completing this book, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to build your first C++ applications. What You Will Learn

• Begin programming with the C++26 standard
• Carry out modular programming in C++
• Work with arrays and loops, pointers and references, strings, and more
• Write your own functions, types, and operators
• Discover the essentials of object-oriented programming
• Use overloading, inheritance, virtual functions, and polymorphism
• Write generic function and class templates, and make them safer using concepts
• Learn the ins and outs of containers, algorithms, and ranges
• Use auto type declarations, exceptions, move semantics, lambda expressions, and much more
• Use contracts to write safer, more predictable code

Who This Book Is For

Programmers new to C++ and those who may be looking for a refresh primer on C++ in general.

About the Author

Peter Van Weert is a senior software development specialist with over 15 years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale C++ applications. His expertise spans modern C++, complex desktop application architectures, high-performance algorithms, and the long-term stewardship of million-line codebases.

After earning a PhD at the KU Leuven research group for declarative programming languages and artificial intelligence, Peter joined Nikon Metrology, where he contributed to industrial-grade 3D laser-scanning and point-cloud inspection software. His work focused on algorithmic performance, robustness, and the integration of acquisition flows for new types of hardware.

Peter later moved to Medicim, a global leader in digital dentistry solutions, where he develops next-generation clinical software. He contributes to DTX Studio's intuitive, AI-powered workflows for image acquisition, diagnostics, treatment planning, prosthetic design, and collaborative digital dentistry. He works across the full stack of imaging, geometry processing, UI/UX, and system-level architecture to deliver reliable, clinician-friendly tools.

In addition to his industry work, Peter is the co-author of two regularly updated books on C++, helping developers around the globe adopt modern C++ practices and deepen their understanding of the language.

Ivor Horton is self-employed in consultancy and writes programming tutorials. He is the author of many programming books. Ivor worked for IBM for many years and holds a bachelor's degree, with honors, in mathematics. Horton's experience at IBM includes programming in most languages (including assembler and high-level languages on a variety of machines), real-time programming, and designing and implementing real-time closed loop industrial control systems. He has extensive experience teaching programming to engineers and scientists (Fortran, PL/1, APL, etc.). Horton is an expert in mechanical, process, and electronic CAD systems; mechanical CAM systems; and DNC/CNC systems.