Top C++ books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite C++ books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of C++

Understanding the concepts of C++ starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++

An Introduction to Programming by the Inventor of C++ Preparation for Programming in the Real World The book assumes that you aim eventually to write non-trivial programs, whether for work in software development or in some other technical field. Focus on Fundamental Concepts and Techniques The book explains fundamental concepts and techniques in greater depth than traditional introductions. T…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C++ Primer

C++ Primer provides an introduction to the International Standard on C++, covering both the language proper and the extensive library that is part of that standard.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The C++ Programming Language

C++ (or “C-plus-plus”) is a generic programming language for building software. It's an object-oriented language. In other words, it emphasizes using data fields with unique attributes (a.k.a. objects) rather than logic or functions.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The C Programming Language

The C programming language is a general-purpose, operating system-agnostic, and procedural language that supports structured programming and provides low-level access to the system memory.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C++ Pocket Reference

The C++ Pocket Reference is a memory aid for C++ programmers, enabling them to quickly look up usage and syntax for unfamiliar and infrequently used aspects of the language. The book's small size makes it easy to carry about, ensuring that it will always be at-hand when needed.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Additional C++ Reading

These books are not required for you to learn C++, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

C++ coding standards

The main point of a C++ coding standard is to provide a set of rules for using C++ for a particular purpose in a particular environment. It follows that there cannot be one coding standard for all uses and all users.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C++ Primer Plus (Mitchell Waite Signature Series)

A book/CD-ROM tutorial presenting C++ from the ground up, for students with some programming experience. Material is covered with step-by- step lessons, examples, code, and figures, supplemented by summaries, review questions, exercises, and explained answers. This edition covers the Standard Template Library and contains a new chapter on string classes. The CD-ROM contains source code for all…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C++ Templates: The Complete Guide

C++ Templates: The Complete Guide provides software architects and engineers with a clear understanding of why, when, and how to use templates to build and maintain cleaner, faster, and smarter software more efficiently. C++ Templates begins with an insightful tutorial on basic concepts and language features.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C++ Programming Language, The

The new C++11 standard allows programmers to express ideas more clearly, simply, and directly, and to write faster, more efficient code. Bjarne Stroustrup, the designer and original implementer of C++, has reorganized, extended, and completely rewritten his definitive reference and tutorial for programmers who want to use C++ most effectively.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Large-Scale C++: Process and Architecture, Volume 1

This groundbreaking volume lays the foundation for projects of all sizes and demonstrates the processes, methods, techniques, and tools needed for successful real-world, large-scale development. This is the first of John Lakos's three authoritative volumes on developing large-scale systems using C++.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

LLVM Techniques, Tips, and Best Practices Clang and Middle-End Libraries: Design powerful and reliable compilers using the latest libraries and tools from LLVM

Every programmer or engineer, at some point in their career, works with compilers to optimize their applications. Compilers convert a high-level programming language into low-level machine-executable code. LLVM provides the infrastructure, reusable libraries, and tools needed for developers to build their own compilers. With LLVM’s extensive set of tooling, you can effectively generate code fo…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Specializations and Deeper C++ Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. C++ is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

GPU Zen 2: Advanced Rendering Techniques

Exploring recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of game real-time rendering, GPU Zen assembles a high-quality collection of cutting-edge contributions for programming the GPU.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Advanced Metaprogramming in Classic C++

Advanced Metaprogramming in Classic C++ aims to be both an introduction and a reference to C++ template metaprogramming (TMP); TMP is presented in the book as a set of techniques that will bring a new style in C++ and make code exceptionally clear and efficient.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

C# & C++: 5 Books in 1 - The #1 Coding Course from Beginner to Advanced (2024) (Computer Programming)

In C# & C++: 5 Books in 1 - 5 Books in 1 - The #1 Coding Course from Beginner to Advanced (2024), you won't just learn C# and C++; you'll master them. This comprehensive guide is tailored for both beginners and experienced programmers, offering a bootcamp-style approach that simplifies learning with practical examples, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications.
Whether you're just sta…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

Augment your C++ books

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Only 1 Spot Left

After 18+ years in video games (Relic Entertainment, DeNA, Gasket Games), e-commerce, and fintech, I’ve noticed that software engineers don’t get enough mentorship and guidance. We often go it alone or have managers who are excellent at building software but struggle with leading people. Over time, I saw that mentoring …

$170 / month
  Chat
Tasks

Only 5 Spots Left

💼 Davide is a Software Engineer @Microsoft and a top-tier mentor for anyone aspiring to break into the big tech industry, scale up their startups, acquire new technical skills, or wish to collaborate on innovative projects. With a rich background as both a Product Manager and Software Engineer, Davide brings …

$100 / month
  Chat
2 x Calls
Tasks

Only 1 Spot Left

Lead Senior Software Engineer at IBM working 10 years in the cryptography and financial security industry. My career has spanned between Quality Assurance lead, to Senior Development and now as an Architect/Team Lead. I have mentees who are starting out in the industry to those who are technical team leads. …

$60 / month
  Chat
1 x Call


Hello! With more than 10 years, I am an experienced software developer whose main area of expertise is Python, C++, Linux, Cyber Security, Big data, and various technologies. As a mentor, I am here to offer: - Interview prep and tips on salary/promotion negotiations - Refining your CV and advice …

$100 / month
  Chat
4 x Calls
Tasks


Hey there! I'm Igor, a lead software engineer with over six years of software development expertise (mostly Rust, c and C++) and three years specializing in blockchain and zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technologies. I hold a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo and have dedicated my career to …

$110 / month
  Chat
Tasks

Only 1 Spot Left

I’m Amin, a Machine Learning Engineer at Google with expertise in data science, data engineering, recommender systems, generative AI, and the full machine learning engineering (MLE) workflow. My diverse experience helps me guide aspiring professionals with practical, real-world insights. I believe in empowering my mentees to succeed. Whether you’re transitioning …

$90 / month
  Chat
1 x Call

Browse all C++ mentors

Still not convinced?
Don’t just take our word for it

We’ve already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they’ve left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a C++ mentor
  • "Naz is an amazing person and a wonderful mentor. She is supportive and knowledgeable with extensive practical experience. Having been a manager at Netflix, she also knows a ton about working with teams at scale. Highly recommended."

  • "Brandon has been supporting me with a software engineering job hunt and has provided amazing value with his industry knowledge, tips unique to my situation and support as I prepared for my interviews and applications."

  • "Sandrina helped me improve as an engineer. Looking back, I took a huge step, beyond my expectations."