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.

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

Head First C

Head First C is a complete learning experience that will show you how to create programs in the C language. This book helps you learn the C language with a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals and helps you understand how to be a great programmer.

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

Let Us C Solutions

Best way to learn any programming language is to create good programs in it. C is not an exception to this rule. Once you decide to write any program you would find that there are always at least two ways to write it. So you need to find out whether you have chosen the best way to implement your program, That’s where you would find this book useful. It contains solutions to all the exercises p…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

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++ 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

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++ Concurrency in Action

C++ Concurrency in Action is a reference and guide to the new C++ 11 Standard for experienced C++ programmers as well as those who have never written multithreaded code. This book will show you how to write robust multithreaded applications in C++ while avoiding many common pitfalls.

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++ Primer (5th Edition)

C++ Primer, Fifth Edition, introduces the C++ standard library from the outset, drawing on its common functions and facilities to help you write useful programs without first having to master every language detail. The book’s many examples have been revised to use the new language features and demonstrate how to make the best use of them. This book is a proven tutorial for those new to C++, an…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Effective STL

Highlights of Effective STL include: Advice on choosing among standard STL containers (like vector and list), nonstandard STL containers (like hash_set and hash_map), and non-STL containers (like bitset). Techniques to maximize the efficiency of the STL and the programs that use it.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The Design and Evolution of C++

It explains how C++ evolved from its first design to the language in use today. It describes the key problems, design aims, language ideas, and constraints that shaped C++, and how they changed over time. Naturally, C++ and the ideas about design and programming that shaped it didn't just mutate by themselves.

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.

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

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

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

Only 1 Spot Left

I am a Sr Robotics Algorithms & Controls Engineer at Intuitive Surgical.

$350 / month

Only 2 Spots Left

Welcome to my mentoring profile! With a strong background in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I bring extensive expertise in the fields of robotics and multimedia processing. I completed my Ph.D. at TU Munich, focusing on advancing the boundaries of these disciplines, and subsequently served as a postdoc and pioneer fellow …

$120 / month

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

Only 3 Spots Left

Veteran software engineering manager and hands-on tech lead with 15+ years of experience. I’ve played a critical role on key teams at Snap and YouTube/Google. I currently lead teams for Growth Notifications, Activity Center, Countdowns, Communities, and Profiles at Snap with ~40 engineers in my scope of influence with 20 …

$350 / month


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

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."