Reader comments on Who's Afraid of C++?
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#: 22904 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
17-Mar-98 18:17:17
Sb: Whos Afraid of C++ CD-ROM install questions
Fm: Alan Coates > INTERNET:owlnet@mindspring.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
First of all, congratulations on an excellent book. As soon as I've worked
my way through it, I plan to move on to you Java book, then all your other
books, one at a time, until I catch up with your writing.
...
MANY MANY THANKS!
Alan Coates
alancoates@mindspring.com
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#: 22665 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
08-Mar-98 15:39:26
Sb: CD-ROM Drive
Fm: Michael L. Andry > [Michael_A]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
...
I am still in Chapter 6, "Taking Inventory", but already I think I am
beginning to understand where you were coming from when you wrote the book.
You were not just attempting to teach the language of C++. As a matter of
fact, you possibly weren't trying to do that at all. What you were trying to
do was to take the reader from ground zero to a finished functional structure
( i.e, a real-life practical "application" ), covering basically all the
parameters involved: the computer chip, the interface between that and the
keyboard (RAM, ROM, hard drive), and finally the use of C++ to cover both that
interface and that between the keyboard and what the programmer had in mind.
[ My experience has been in xbase, which relates to very few application
parameters, so I could well have missed some or a bunch. ]
...
I read a criticism in a message ( I think I saw that message via the
Amazon.com internet area ) saying that you should have included some
stripped-down version of a Borland or Microsoft compiler rather than the one
you did include. Again, I'm very ignorant and inexperienced re these matters,
but I thank you for what you did do. Included in the documentation for the
compiler are various web sites devoted to use of such, downloading of updates,
other type files, etc. Again, a reflection of structural integrity. By doing
such the user of the compiler is not out on a limb alone, but instead has
ready reference to whatever other 'strings' of interest/need arise from that
'member' of the application.
I will be glad to assist you in any way I can. I love learning and I love
teaching, and I very much appreciate seeing a method of the latter which is
very sound. And I now understand your use of the words, "technical novelist'".
. You really do start the reader on an adventure. I seriously have felt
concern that at some point I will finish your book, and if "Who's Afraid of
C++"+ isn't ready then, I will feel abandoned.
If there might be any proof-reading of anything you might consider having
someone of my [ limited ] experience provide, I would be glad to do so for
you.
Sincerely,
Michael
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#: 21612 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
05-Feb-98 15:26:22
Sb: "Who's Afraid of C++?"
Fm: INTERNET:jageign@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
I am a C programmer who is attempting to move into the 90's by upgrading
my skills to include OOP with C++. I must say that your book "Who's
aferaid of C++ is proving to be a very enjoyable experience. You see, I
thought it would be fun to approach C++ as if I knew absolutely nothing
about computers or programming at all, and it is!! Jeez, the simple
algorithm design and assembly translations prompted me to seek my old
notes on software/hardware design; the review is a much needed
refresher.
...
Thanks for your input and keep up the good work!
Charles Geigner
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#: 19829 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
24-Dec-97 10:34:02
Sb: Book progress
Fm: JFKallen > INTERNET:JFKallen@aol.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
...
I am very excited about reading your next book. I hope I can be of help,
because believe it or not you have really helped me. After one month of
buying your book and practicing on my own,..I knew more and was more
proficient than people in my dorm
who had taken several comp prog classes. You should be very proud!
WILL THERE BE A STEVE HELLER LEARN WINDOWS THE EASY WAY BOOK so that SAMS goes
out of buisiness???
:)
-Jeremy
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#: 16673 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
16-Oct-97 03:26:20
Sb: Message from an "italian" student
Fm: INTERNET:md4374@mclink.it
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Steve,
you can use my e-mail as you prefer with no worry
about them. I am still "studing" your book that I find very clear until
this point, and I'm very surprised on Susan's way of approaching
programming. I have a little knowledg of programming in Visual Basic and
in AutoLisp because my work is based on AutoCAD, and so I have been
involved in little of developing by my self. I have to say that finally
I have understood why in Basic I do some things... the way to explain
how the CPU and the memory devices work is very clear, and after15 years
of working on computers in CPM, DOS, and UNIX finally I have a clear
view of what is happening inside. My goal is to learn how to program in
C++ because I want to use Autodesk ADS and ARX developing languages that
are base on C++ and are compiled with Visual C++, but I have starting
reading a library of book on C without getting any further than I/O with
the user and math calculation; I always get stuck with "pointer"
managing and file I/O. Anyway I will write a review to your book on the
Amazon.com, but when I have finished with it.
...
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#: 15993 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
25-Sep-97 20:36:10
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++
Fm: INTERNET:mrc@megsinet.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hello Steve,
Congratulations on getting married to the love of your life!
I am a complete novice, but with a burning passion to conquer
programming.
...
Thanks so much for your help, and please keep up the great work
in helping us neo-phytes become proficient at programming.
Sincerely,
Mike Clark
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#: 15659 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
18-Sep-97 15:52:27
Sb: Book comments
Fm: INTERNET:rhahne@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
I enjoyed your book "Who's Afraid of C++" and would be interested
in checking out your introduction to C++ book.
...
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#: 14938 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
04-Sep-97 13:04:19
Sb: compiler
Fm: INTERNET:shrum3@trib.infi.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I have your book "Whos Afraid of C++" with the enclosed compiler on CD-
ROM. I just started reading it, and so far I find it extremely
rewarding.
...
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#: 12198 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
29-Jul-97 08:42:19
Sb: When's 'Who's Still Somewhat Apprehensive of C++?' Coming?
Fm: INTERNET:mbarr@vol.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hello,
As you've probably guessed I have read your first book on C++ and
found it extremely useful. It has given me the foundations of C++
much better than other beginning C++ books have. But now I want to go
further, and when people find a good author/teacher they don't like
to leave them :)
At the end of your book you mention the sequel to your book, which is
out sometime in 1997. Being half-way through the year and no sign of
the book I fear you might have dropped or delayed it. I visited your
site and saw you completed "Who's Afraid of Java?" which I intend to
get in the future.
...
Your readers loved you first book, let's see a second soon :)
A fateful reader,
Miles Barr
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#: 12020 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
19-Jul-97 16:25:02
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++ CD
Fm: INTERNET:jenised@top.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi, Steve,
I appreciate your quick response to my email yesterday. One of my
concerns was that once I opened the CD case, the book was mine
regardless of whether it would work for me and my Mac. Such mundane
concerns were quickly dispelled once I'd read the first two chapters and
saw how useful the book would be. If need be, I'll just go into work to
do the exercises on a WinTel, and cover as much as I can at home. The
text is very readable and simply expressed, just the way I like it!
...
Thanks so much for your accessibility and for your great book!
Jenise
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#: 11590 S0/CompuServe Mail
02-Jul-97 11:44:28
Sb: Tips on Setting up compiler?
Fm: "Berry Taylor"
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
...
By the way, the book is great. I was a mainframe programmer for a number of
years (quite a few years back) and the explanations take me back to the
days of debugging hexadecimal.
...
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#: 11795 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
10-Jul-97 17:44:24
Sb: Who's afraid of C++?
Fm: "Barry" > INTERNET:bbuckle@netcomuk.co.uk
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
My comments are not just compliments, but well deserved compliments. Your
book is a breath of fresh air in a world of recycled (beta) product
manuals. If I'd seen one more book in the series of 'Learn WizzyProg in 21
Days' I would not be held responsible for my actions.
In answer to your questions:
Yes, I would like to be involved in your 'Who's afraid of advanced C++'.
Frankly, I can't wait.
No, I do not mind at all if you use my comments on your book.
Yes, I have considered writing a review for Amazon.com (where I purchased
your book). I have also bored to death everyone I know, about how important
your 'Who's afraid of C++' book is.
I edit a quarterly newsletter for my company (Pitney Bowes), and I intend
to include a recommendation for your book in the next issue. I hope it is
ok for me to snatch the odd sentence here and there to illustrate my
article. I will, of course, send you a copy of my article beforehand. I
must say that my newsletter is not the normal PR regurgitation, but an
unofficial and irreverant look at the company we work for. Having said
that, my article on Windows NT resulted in nearly 60 service engineers
buying it ( Geez...I should be on commission from Microsoft!).
I understand that you and Susan may be visiting England later this year. I
would very much like to attend one of your meetings, and possibly join you
both in the sinking of a few glasses of ale (It's ok, my wife is a better
driver than me..and she's teetotal...what luck!).
best regards
Barry
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#: 11786 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
10-Jul-97 15:41:22
Sb: Who's afraid of C++?
Fm: Barry > INTERNET:barry_buckle@bigfoot.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
About your book 'Who's afraid of C++?".
What can I say...there's technical proficiency, understanding of a
beginner's needs and romance! What more could I ask from the most
helpful book on C++ I have ever read.
Your style of writing (and Susan's style of interrogation), has given me
a better insight into programming in general, and C++ in particular,
than I could have ever imagined.
I don't need to be a C++ expert in my job, though an understanding of it
has been extremely helpful. YOU, through your friendly style, have
furthered my career.
I'd also like to thank Susan for asking the questions that all of us C++
newbies would have liked to have asked...if we had the nerve!
My very best wishes to you both.
Barry
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#: 11756 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
08-Jul-97 23:03:01
Sb: shorts
Fm: Matt Thurber > [MattThurber]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
...
I love the book. I know nothing about programming. But so far it's a great
read, and I'm looking forward to getting further.
Thanks for writing it.
Matt Thurber (Plano, TX)
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#: 11731 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
08-Jul-97 00:21:11
Sb: iostream in "Who's Afraid of C++"
Fm: Eric Blosch > INTERNET:eblosch@best.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
First let me say, I'm very impressed with this book. The writing is
clear, concise, and easy to understand. I took a chance on some very
favorable reviews I read at amazon.com, and have been pleased ever
since. I've even recommended this to a friend who agrees
wholeheartedly.
...
Eric Blosch
eblosch@best.com
P.S. Ironically, I was looking for a similar style book on Java, and
didn't realize you had one until now! My original goal was to pick up
the fundamentals of C++, and go headlong into Java (via classroom
instruction). Can you offer any insight or suggestions as to this path?
-----------------------------
#: 11379 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
25-Jun-97 14:16:09
Sb: Somebody who is afraid of Java
Fm: Jon Shiell > INTERNET:jshiell@ix.netcom.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
My name is Oksana. I'm a Russian and I've already lived for 8 months in
Plano. I can't account how many books I tried to learn C++. Your "Who is
afraid of C++?" is the best.
...
The best wishes
Oksana Shiell
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#: 10787 S0/CompuServe Mail
06-Jun-97 20:09:13
Sb: Your comments on my Amazon review
Fm: Ove Larsson > INTERNET:ove.b@stockholm.mail.telia.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Mr. Heller,
...
If it's any consolation, I enjoyed your book in spite of the fact that
it wasn't exactly what I needed in order to learn C++.
Your writing is fluent and apparently effortless (though I suspect in
reality a word gets changed now and then before publication) and no
unnecessary obstacle is put in the reader's way.
A careful plan and an elegant style always make a book enjoyable.
The literary qualitites and the human interest certainly added to my
enjoyment, but the really interesting thing was the pedagogical
approach, which I have thought a lot about since reading the book. I'm
still thinking, and so far tentatively in favor. The major drawback
seems to be the enormous amount of space taken up in relation to the
information content. But that's probably illusory - based on the
illusion that what is to be measured is the information content per
square inch of a book's pages. What a textbook should deliver is rather
a maximum of information per cubic inch of the student's brain after
reading the book.
...I am about to order your other C++ book from Amazon. Thanks for the
tip; I would have forgotten to check for it otherwise. I am confident
that it will turn out to be a good investment, and I'll make sure to
let you know what I think of it, sparing no detail, since you have
declared an interest.
Regards,
Ove B. Larsson
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#: 11234 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
22-Jun-97 22:25:02
Sb: Question
Fm: INTERNET:dtrinkle@DEPAUW.EDU
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
Please let me begin with warm praise for your book Who's Afraid of
C++. As a programming novice, I am finding it engaging and eduational.
...
Thanks for the book and your help,
Dr. Dennis A. Trinkle
DePauw University, Department of History
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#: 11154 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
20-Jun-97 22:35:04
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++ errata
Fm: INTERNET:@mbay.net@compuserve.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hello Steve,
First of all, my compliments on the best "how-to program" book that I've
ever read. I am using your book as a compliment to my textbook in my
class at San Jose State.
Since I see you're interested, I learned of the existence of your book
at amazon.com.
...
I am almost finished reading this book; let me assure you that I will
definitely be buying more of your books. Keep up the great work.
John Swapceinski
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#: 10883 S0/CompuServe Mail
11-Jun-97 01:26:18
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++
Fm: "Robert Cochran Sr." > INTERNET:misterbob@worldnet.att.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear sir: I purchased your book via Amazon Books. I enjoyed the material in
the book, and especially the interaction between the student and your self.
I have bought many books on the subject of computer programming. I have
also taken a short course in the "C" programming language. I consider
myself a total novice. I would have liked to consider your previous offer
to learn programming, I probably would have saved much time and money.
...
Bob Cochran Sr.
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#: 16028 S0/CompuServe Mail
29-May-97 20:38:08
Sb: Quesions
Fm: Mitchell Morris > INTERNET:mitch@cetlink.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
...
I have thoroughly enjoyed your book so far. I especially enjoyed the
Hardware Fundamentals.
-----------------------------
#: 15867 S0/CompuServe Mail
21-May-97 16:45:01
Sb: Who's Afraid of JAVA
Fm: Steve I. Rogers > [ATP1SIR]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I have just acquired a copy of Who's afraid of C++. It did live up to it's
promise. I would like to be a test reader for your "JAVA" book if possible.
...
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#: 15602 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
14-May-97 13:42:19
Sb: Textbook
Fm: Ron Vavrinek > INTERNET:rvav@imsa.edu
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Just a short note to say "Thank You!"
I like the way the book is very user friendly. The "conversations" answer
a lot of questions in a relaxed way.
I will pass on the book to the other C++ teachers for their review.
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#: 15453 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
07-May-97 17:48:09
Sb: Error in Page 34, Figure 2.7
Fm: Arsalan > INTERNET:arsalan@pobox.alaska.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Mr. Heller,
My son is twelve years old. When I bought "Who's Afraid of C++" he grabbed it
and I never saw the book again. He has been reading it whenever he has had
any free time. Thank you for such a wonderful gift to our family.
...
Please feel free to use my comments as you wish. I will write a review
on Amazon.com.
I sincerely wish you great success in all your efforts. You have made
learning for us easy and fun.
Sincerely,
Arsalan J. Sadighi
-----------------------------
#: 15108 S0/CompuServe Mail
28-Apr-97 16:39:13
Sb: who's afraid of c+++??
Fm: R J WILLIS > CSINET:richard_willis@compuserve.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Steve Heller,
I am currently on page 185+- and wanted to say how much I am enjoying
the experience. This book has to be the best trainer I have ever used
(I have learned in my time : basic - forth - cobol - pascal - modula
2-clipper-Access/VB and so have been through a few training books!)
The "gently-gently" approach - and Susan's queries/responses are a
unique way to open up the topics. I have now ordered "Introduction to
c++" from Amazon to go through after I have finished who's afraid...
Can you recommend (or are you producing???) a second level book? I am
particularly interested in database (MS jet/dao) applications.
Thanks again for a great book.
Dick Willis
Oxford gbr
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#: 15076 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
27-Apr-97 10:49:08
Sb: Cdrom for "WHO's...
Fm: INTERNET:bparent@gte.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hello Steve,
First of all, I am really enjoying your book "Who's Afraid of C++?". I
saw where you are writing a sequel(for lack of a better word) to it.
I look forward to it.
...
Keep up the great work? Too bad we will have to wait a year for your
next book, but if I could write one it would probably take longer to
write one that reads as well as yours.
-----------------------------
#: 14928 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
24-Apr-97 05:26:03
Sb: Your C++ book...
Fm: Walter Kimbrough > INTERNET:Wkim@amtech.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I am currently reading your C++ book, and am enjoying it immensely..I
have tried other books on C , trying to teach myself a programming
language without much luck..>(I am a Computer Science student, and am
pretty low on the food chain right now, as concerns how many hours left
to graduate..So, being impatient, I wanted to learn a language right
NOW...) Yours is the first book that actually tries to teach, as opposed
to simply putting into dry terms the paramaters of a language. ..I
suppose that I should have held off sending a praising email until I
actually FINISH the book, but I am so happy that I am able to grasp the
concepts on the first to second read...I hope you are working on more
books..(Or have more out already..I'll check..) Anyway, thanks for the
book..Walter Kimbrough, Dallas, Tx..
-----------------------------
#: 14884 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
23-Apr-97 13:50:04
Sb: Review?
Fm: RNG [74352,1371]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
Apologies I haven't gotten to this sooner. I liked your book quite a bit,
hope this is useful. Please, keep writing! (maybe windows programming in
C++?).
Review: Who's Afraid of C++?
What I liked about the book is that it didn't only cover code and syntax. For
example, it went backwards in order to go forward. By that I mean Steve took
the time to discuss 16/32 bit registers and how they work,
which helps in understanding what is actually going on inside the computer and
the programming environment, something I enjoyed and appreciated.
The 'novice' questions posed by a non-programmer were very welcome, and helped
the author to address concepts from a variety of different views. One view,
or explanation, of a subject often makes assumptions about what the student
already knows. By answering Susan's questions, Steve was often asked to
explain a concept from several different angles. This helped to eliminate
ambiguity in the discussion and not leave important details to be 'taken for
granted' by either novice reader, or expert author. I would reccomend this
book to others interested in learning to code in C++.
Steve Houde
-----------------------------
#: 14648 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
18-Apr-97 08:46:23
Sb: Advice
Fm: Michele Collatina > INTERNET:AMLETO@pronet.it
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi there, Steve!
Your book is the best about C++ I have ever read.
...
Michele Collatina AMLETO@pronet.it
-----------------------------
#: 14696 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
18-Apr-97 22:16:27
Sb: Compiler install for Who's Afraid
Fm: Ryan Hill > INTERNET:ryanhill@wolfenet.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
I am enjoying your book, "Who's afraid of C++?" and I am 88 pages into it.
...
Thanks in advance for your time.
Ryan Hill
ryanhill@wolfenet.com
-----------------------------
#: 14658 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
18-Apr-97 10:57:18
Sb: What's next?
Fm: "Tyler Carver" > INTERNET:tbcarver@bigfoot.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
I bought your book a week ago to learn C++, it was the only book I could
find that didn't require that the reader first know C. What a relief. I
am really enjoying the book. I think it is great and I also had read Zen
and the Art of Mortorcycle Maintenace. So have some of my friends and they
are getting your book also. I noticed that you said you were working on a
book called Who's Afraid of Java. I would like to know if you are still
working on that book and what others you might be working on. I love your
real life and humorous approach to writing, it's great!
...
Steve,
Thanks for replying to my e-mail. It is exciting to be able get
direct feed back from the author of a book I'm reading. Very cool.
Also, thanks for the info about your upcoming books. I will be
looking forward to reading about Java (looks like that's where the
internet is headed with the big uproar about active-x, www.cnet.com)
and more advanced C++ stuff.
I bought your book from CBooks Express
http://www.cbooks.com/home.html. I found it with an internet search
on www.hotbot.com. I had already bought a C++ book, Teach Yourself
C++ (second edition), not realizing that I had to be an expert in C
to understand the book. The author kindly recommended his first
book Teach Yourself C to bring me up to speed. I wondered where
that reverse domino-effect would end.
...
Feel free to use any of my comments as you would like. Please, drop
me a note if you use something so I can show my friends and family.
So did I hear right that you are engaged to Susan. Very exciting.
Sincerely,
Tyler Carver
-----------------------------
#: 14552 S0/CompuServe Mail
16-Apr-97 04:47:18
Sb: strings
Fm: Claudiu Balciza > INTERNET:cbalciza@mail.cccis.ro
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
after reading your book, C++ seemed oh so simple.
So I've been trying to make a minor modification
to your code to prove it. I'm happy I had the
right ideea of returning *this and sad I didn't
think myself to return a string reference.
Thank you.
Claudiu Balciza
-----------------------------
#: 14226 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
08-Apr-97 11:48:14
Sb: Problem with String6.h
Fm: Jim Domeischel > INTERNET:jimquest@borg.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
You can use whatever comments of mine you would like. The pleasure is
mine. I would also like to add a little more about your book. It is the only
book (and I've read plenty of C++ books) that starts you out at the "Ground
up". Being a student who has never had a course in assembly lanaguage, I
never really understood the underlying concept of pointers from the machine
end. One weekend with your book has cleared everything up.
Keep on writing!!!
Jim
-----------------------------
#: 14110 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
04-Apr-97 16:35:13
Sb: Who's Still Somewhat Apprehensive of C++?
Fm: INTERNET:KAWABKM@HPD.Abbott.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Mr. Heller,
I have finished "Who's Afraid of C++?". It was excellent and I'm
anxiously looking forward to your next book!! Do you have an
anticipated date for publishing? I am eager to learn about creating
classes that descend from another class.
Karen Kawabata
kawabkm@hpd.abbott.com
-----------------------------
#: 14070 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
03-Apr-97 19:27:29
Sb: Book review?
Fm: Deborah M Roudebush > INTERNET:droudebu@pen.k12.va.us
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve
I love your book! In fact I have read huge chunks of it. I
recommended it to the book adoption committee and they liked it
very much for themselves...
I think that for adults, your book is the best...
Deborah
-----------------------------
#: 14122 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
05-Apr-97 00:38:25
Sb: Great book...small problem
Fm: Mental Menthos > INTERNET:menthos@lightspeed.bc.ca
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I recently purchased your "Who's Afraid Of C++" book. I think it's a great
book, and very well worded. Even though I'm still somewhere on page 40, I
think it's going to be a much more pleasant learning experience than my
attempts with other books.
...
------------------------
#: 152362 S3/C and C++ [IBMPRO]
29-Mar-97 22:27:22
Sb: #152233-C/C++ Beginner FAQ
Fm: jim larson 75720,3452
To: Steve Heller 71101,1702
Steve,
...
I agree its the best book by far (AFAIK) for someone without much C experience
(or new to programming) to start learning C++. It might even be the best
place to start for experienced C programmers who want to learn C++, though
there are a lot of other books that are also good in this regard (and also
cover more of the language).
Jim Larson
-----------------------------
#: 13696 S0/CompuServe Mail
28-Mar-97 22:54:02
Sb: Who's Afraid...
Fm: Beverly J Cox > INTERNET:BevCox@worldnet.att.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
I teach AP Computer Science (among other things) at a high school in
Garden Grove, CA. and am getting ready to make the jump from Pascal to
C++. I found the reference to your book (Who's Afraid of C++) while
browsing around Amazon. I've just started...the book arrived from Amazon
a couple of days ago...and know it is just what I was looking for. Too
early for an opinion, but am sure it will echo the others available
here. Congratulations!
I just "returned from" Amazon after ordering your new book (not yet
out.) We have already adopted our C++ text at school, but I may look
into a discount rate for group student purchases if the text is as
perfect for an introductory course as it sounds.
Thanks for adding a bit more enjoyment to my hobby reading!
Bev Cox
(73507,35 on CIS)
-----------------------------
#: 11452 S0/CompuServe Mail
26-Feb-97 01:34:29
Sb: Typo in your otherwise g
Fm: INTERNET:rbernard@19spsspost.pirinclik.af.mil
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
... I like your writing style, you obviously know the
subject and get the information across while generating a minimum of
confusion.
Good Luck in your engagement to Susan, she sounds like a spunky gal. No
doubt you spend alot of time on your toes!
Best Regards,
-Randy [Bernard]
------------------------
#: 11416 S0/CompuServe Mail
25-Feb-97 11:57:09
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++?...a question!
Fm: "Ro, Sam" > INTERNET:sro@gcifin.gannett.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Mr. Heller -
First off let me start by thanking you on a excellent, informative, amusing
book! Thank you.
...
Sam
sro@gcifin.gannett.com
-----------------------------
#: 11416 S0/CompuServe Mail
25-Feb-97 11:57:09
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++?...a question!
Fm: "Ro, Sam" > INTERNET:sro@gcifin.gannett.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Mr. Heller -
First off let me start by thanking you on a excellent, informative, amusing
book! Thank you.
...
Sam
sro@gcifin.gannett.com
-----------------------------
#: 11306 S0/CompuServe Mail
21-Feb-97 01:29:22
Sb: your book...
Fm: INTERNET:moriarty@onramp.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I just wanted to tell you that I am on chapter 6 of your book _Who's Afraid
of C++?_ and I have found it easy to begin learning C++. I was wondering if
you could recommend a book to follow this one so that I can delve even
further into C++. I would eventually like to do some programming in Visual
C++. If you could suggest some good titles I would be most appreciative.
Again I want say how much I enjoyed the book and the correspondence between
Susan and you helped quite a bit.
Thanks,
Ben Walton
-----------------------------
#: 11246 S0/CompuServe Mail
19-Feb-97 01:17:16
Sb: Wondering about your program...(The C++ compiler)
Fm: Snoman > INTERNET:snoman@savenet.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Steve,
...
You did a great job with this book. You made easy enough for a guy that
just turned 17 to understand. I'm on page 171, about a third of the way
through. I was also wondering what books you suggest I read for
programming games. Well thank you very much for your time!
Scott
-----------------------------
#: 11124 S0/CompuServe Mail
14-Feb-97 13:29:02
Sb: Whos Afraid of C++ ???
Fm: Joshua Lippiner > INTERNET:jll4@lehigh.edu
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve:
I bought and I am reading your book. The layout and conversations with
Susan are fantastic. Every time that I come to a confusing part there
is Susan jumping in and saving the day.
...
Truly,
Joshua Lippiner
-----------------------------
#: 10845 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
06-Feb-97 21:28:06
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++
Fm: "Satchmo" > INTERNET:satch1@ibm.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hey there Steve,
I'm in the middle of reading your book and I can't tell you how thankful I
am that you wrote it. I have a friend in Malaysia that I got to buy it
also so we're kind of going through it together. Anyway, I got to the part
in the book about the "Pumpkin Contest" and found the same bug that Susan
found and did the fix. I e-mailed my friend and asked him if he noticed
the bug, before I got to the part that showed that you did it on purpose.
I thought I had you. You did this very well and I applaud your teaching
method.
Part of the reason I bought your book is that I'm taking a class on C++ at
a local community college where they were expecting me to have already
known C. So, I did some searching around and came across your book. I
agree with you totally on the theory of "needing" to know C before taking
C++. To me it's like "needing" to learn Latin before you take French or
Italian. Sure, if you know Latin it gives you a greater understanding from
where the words came. But, one cretainly doesn't need to know Latin in
order to use French or Italian.
Thank you again for your book and your time. If possible I would like to
be able to contact you via e-mail from time to time if I have a question or
two. If not possible that's okay too, I know you're a busy man and
probably have loads of e-mail as it is. Take care and say "Hi!" to Susan.
Sincerely,
Dean Giles
-----------------------------
#: 10623 S0/CompuServe Mail
26-Jan-97 18:22:15
Sb: Comments/questions
Fm: Ed Keefe [75300,3667]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
I've enjoyed reading "Who's Afraid of C++?" Really well written! The dialogues
with Susan seem to work. My hat's off to you. Not only did you teach Susan
C++ but you courted her in the process. (Eighteen years ago, I tried teaching
my spouse-to-be how to drive a stick-shift. I finally admitted defeat and
hired a professional driving instructor. It saved our relationship.)
With "Who's Afraid" in hand perhaps I can persuade my colleagues to make the
switch from Pascal or COBOL to C++ for our CS/1 course (which we call Program
Design & Logic). Pascal is passe and COBOL is (well, what can I say?). Until
now, the nay-sayers claimed that C++ was too complex to teach to beginners.
"Whos" says that it's possible: just avoid most of the complexities. The
other complaint was that it would cost too much to upgrade to WinNT and MS
C++. The DJGPP compiler may just answer that objection.
...
Keep up the good work.
-----------------------------
#: 10260 S0/CompuServe Mail
17-Jan-97 21:43:17
Sb: Questions concerning the compiler......
Fm: Paul Lewis [71351,3156] (borrowed account)
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Good day Mr. Heller,
I've just finished your "Who's Afraid of C++" bought right here in Osaka,
Japan. You were right on from page 1 to the end - by the way I have a degree in
CS but 'Vat a refresher course! and refreshing it was too.' Thanks.
...
Looking forward to the SQL (sequel) to this book.
Yours,
Peter Hall
-----------------------------
#: 371447 S0/General/Reference
16-Jan-97 07:47:15
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++
Fm: Tom Bragg 71101,3060
To: Steve Heller 71101,1702
Steve,
I just wanted to drop you a note here, where others might see it -- since you
seemed to have reformed your "shameless plug" predelictions of yore --
concerning your new book. I bought a copy, partly out of curiosity, and
partly to have available the preconfigured GNU compiler; I download gcc for
Unix systems, but it's always been a pain on the PC, and, at $40, the CD-ROM
is worth the price of the book all on its own.
[If your time is worth more than $20 an hour, anyway. -Ed.]
However, I started reading, and was pretty caught up in the book itself,
despite having passed fear of C++ some years ago. You seem to have come up
with what is almost a "technical novel" -- a new and interesting way of
presenting the material that's, so far as I know, unique. I think your
approach is far superior to the "for dummies" series, and I hope the publisher
gives your book the promotion it deserves. You've injected an element of
personal interest in an otherwise (let's face it) dry topic, which is
entertaining and holds the reader's interest. Maybe that's why Yourdon wrote
you such a nice foreward.
Of course, it's also a good way to learn C++.
So, congratulations! I'd recommend this one to anyone who's intimidated by
all this new stuff, but wants to learn it -- including, most likely, to the
few students I have this semester in my OOD class who aren't already doing
some kind of OOPL.
-Tom
-----------------------------
#: 10124 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
14-Jan-97 15:03:20
Sb: Resource allocation
Fm: Dann Corbit > INTERNET:DCorbit@SolutionsIQ.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
...
First, commendation: You have achieved a very difficult task. Your
book reduces complicated information to a simple level in an almost
folksy way without being condescending. This is a rare form of genius,
such as that possessed by Will Rogers.
...
-----------------------------
#: 10125 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
14-Jan-97 15:10:10
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++?
Fm: JAMES A. HAGERTY [76002,3143]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
I bought your book a few days ago; it grabbed me the way a good Tom Clancy
novel does. I haven't read a programming book so engrossing for years. I had
been reading your comments about C++ as a good language to start with, and
your comments about your book and your ability to teach anyone of reasonable
intelligence a subject as complex as C++. Your comments in the PC PROG forum
and your web site convinced me to give it a try. I did quite a bit of
technical training as a tech. specialist for a modem company for 15 years and
as a field support engineer for RCA. I know how important the questions of the
students are to give the group a good over-all understanding of the material.
Your use of Susan's comments in the book was a stroke of genius.
...
>>I'm looking forward to working through the rest of the book, and
the sequel (you are working on the sequel, aren't you steve? Please
don't let us down).
...
>>I bought my computer about three years ago (this is my second - I
bought a Kaypro II in 1982). When I bought the computer I also bought
MASM 6.1 assembler and Quick C compiler because I wanted to study
programming. I just didn't find the time and energy when I was working
to continue my studies. Your book is the stimulus I needed. Thanks
for a great book!
Jim H.
-----------------------------
#: 10053 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
12-Jan-97 12:28:08
Sb: Re: Constructors
Fm: INTERNET:jmcnally@ix.netcom.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
Yes !! You may use my comments in any future publication !! I
appreciate your answering my question so quickly. As I go along, I will
submit to you any additional questions I might have.
I must say, it's great to not only to read an excellent book, but to be
able to communicate with the author about any questions I might have.
I go to the book stores (Borders, Barnes & Noble) about once every 2
weeks to check out the computer books. I have a small reference library
of about 20 books and along the way I believe I've become very good at
knowing what a good book is. Yours is a GOOD book. It's too bad so
many other authors don't really understand what it is to clearly teach
and convey a subject. Perhaps it's because they were never in my shoes
or Susan's shoes. You made an insightful decision by using Susan's eyes
to see what the material looks like to someone that doesn't have Steve
Heller's brain.
Thanks for your help,
John
-----------------------------
#: 9904 S0/CompuServe Mail
07-Jan-97 13:27:19
Sb: WebSurfer Message
Fm: Sacken > INTERNET:fam-orst@mail.algonet.se
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi!
My name is Daniel [Sacken], I am 15 and I live in Sweden.
I have just recently bought your book "Who's afraid of C++?"
...
Thanks for a wonderful book :-)!
-----------------------------
#: 9635 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
05-Jan-97 19:41:00
Sb: They like it!
Fm: Brian Richter [76437,736]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi! A belated happy holidays to you too!
I just finished reading your book a few days ago. From your home page, I
followed the link to Ed Yourdon's comments, which ultimately led me to
amazon.com. Yours is one of two books that I ordered from them, and as usual
with books I like I read the whole thing in a few days.
Right now at work I'm one of a handful of people that know anything about C++.
Since we are using C++ more and more, I expect myself to be teaching others
about C++. Therefore I was especially interested to see your teaching
approach. Seeing some of the concepts from the perspective of someone learning
them for the first time was fascinating.
Also, I like your choice of what to put into a beginner's C++ book. I like
that the areas of the language that are included get a thorough coverage, with
the exercises helping to emphasize some of the fine points. I think that is
better than the approach I have seen some beginning books take of presenting
lots of concepts but not giving any of them a thorough treatment, especially
in C++ where there are numerous traps for the unwary.
I'll check out your web page & amazon.com again, and I'll let you know what I
think...
Brian
-----------------------------
#: 8004 S0/CompuServe Mail
01-Jan-97 17:17:19
Sb: Re: Starting in C++
Fm: Sargonnas > INTERNET:Sargonnas@poboxes.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Steve Heller,
I got your book, it was special ordered. It is a good book and
surprisingly I understand it.
...
I thought of another comment:
"Easy enough for a 14-year old slacker to understand."
Thanx,
Sargos
-----------------------------
#: 7990 S0/CompuServe Mail
31-Dec-96 16:36:23
Sb: Who's afraid...
Fm: "Nik Hagan" > INTERNET:infowhere@earthlink.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Happy New Year and thanks so much for your wonderful introduction to C++
programming. I'm sure you've heard it all from other grateful readers, but
your willingness to take your novice reader "into the machine" helped clear
up a lot of questions left over from Visual Basic, my first foray into
"introductory" programming, like: Why, why, why won't someone please
explain how these arguments and arrays work??!!
...
Thanks again for Susan's and your fine work.
Nik Hagan
-----------------------------
#: 7957 S0/CompuServe Mail
29-Dec-96 05:12:22
Sb: AW: Qustions on Your book
Fm: Klaus Tippelreiter [100273,3226]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
...
I found it in a bookstore near the Technical University of Vienna, which is
known as to have a huge choice of technical books.
On looking for a book which could help me learning C++ I read the preface in
Your's and decided - that's it.
I bought another one, which will teach me how to work on MFC as I mainly want
to work on Windows programming, and of course I already have 'the Petzold'.
I do really enjoy reading Your book, although I skipped some basic discussions
(e.g. if or while constructs) as I already know those basics.
...
Up to now it was enjoyable to read, and also sometimes funny to see how You
worked with Susan to solve some problems in explainig things, so that anybody
can understand how c++ works. I think that it must still be very hard work to
learn without any knowledge how programs work. As You know I could read pretty
fast up to the 'real new things'.
Thank You
Klaus
-----------------------------
#: 7068 S0/CompuServe Mail
19-Nov-96 10:18:09
Sb: Review: WHO'S AFRAID - thanks!
Fm: Diana J. Rawlins 972/783-0962 [73160,3137]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I have doing software application development for a
number of years. Several years ago I started using C.
Recently I began coding with C++ and was having some
trouble with the concepts and usage of classes, inheritance,
polymorphism, templates, etc. etc. I was spending a lot of
time spinning my wheels -- and who has time to spin their
wheels? Who's Afraid of C++? helped get me going again!
It provided the basics in a straightforward manner with
clear examples. The book did not bog me down with details
on all the techie nuances available in C++. It gave me the
information I needed to start using C++. Once I got
"moving" with C++ I found concepts that once were hazy
started making a lot more sense. The "light bulb" and "oh
yeah, I get it" happened more and more. Who's Afraid
provided a foundation that helped me move along quickly
to more complex C++ techniques and implementations.
A big thank you!
Regards,
Diana Rawlins
-----------------------------
#: 6921 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
11-Nov-96 01:26:09
Sb: gcc & "alien" linking libraries?
Fm: INTERNET:MJE19011@aol.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Dear Steve Heller,
First of all, I want to say how much I'm enjoying "Who's Afraid of C++?" At
first I found the interludes with Susan a little irritating when they
concerned topics I already knew, but later on (not very much later on), they
have actually helped my comprehension of the material a great deal. Well,
you said to visit your web site if I had problems with the gcc compiler.
Enough of my problems already, though if you'd like to respond and enlighten
me, I'd of course be delighted. Congratulations to you and Susan. I will
certainly be looking for "Who's Still Somewhat Apprehensive of C++?" next
year.
Sincerely,
Michael Evans
-----------------------------
#: 148161 S3/C and C++
02-Nov-96 20:57:28
Sb: Compiler Bias
Fm: Richard Frantz Jr. 72570,2264
To: Steve Heller 71101,1702
Dear Steve,
I got your book "Who's afraid of C++".
It is definitely a book for beginners, but it is also very
well written. In fact it's one of the best written I've ever found.
I would recommend it to any beginner who asked my opinion.
I'm skimming the book, but it is nice to see things I haven't
thought about in so long made so explicit. I think I even learned
a few things. An excellent book.
Richard Frantz Jr.
-----------------------------
%: 6492 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
22-Oct-96 12:22:30
Sb: C++
Fm: dbcoyer > INTERNET:dbcoyer@why.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Steve,
First, thanks for a TERRIFIC book. This is by far the best "how to" book I
have ever read. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to learn C and
OOP only to give up because I couldn't figure out where the author(s) were
going. Your inclusion of transcripts between Susan and yourself is perfect!
It makes me feel like I'm learning and even participating in a classroom
environment. Thanks again!!!
David
-----------------------------
%: 147619 S0/General [IBMPRO]
18-Oct-96 22:13:26
Sb: #147614-Beginners Programming
Fm: Brian Dengler 104722,1675
To: Steve Heller 71101,1702
Thank you, Steve, for your input. I found a very good book here (Columbus)
called "Who's Afraid of C++?"
It's a great book. For one reason, it begins with an excellent overview of
computer operations. Thanks for your input!
-- Brian
-----------------------------
#: 6311 S0/CompuServe Mail
16-Oct-96 13:55:07
Sb: Thank You
Fm: sam segall > INTERNET:sam@aa.net
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Greetings,
Your book is impressive. I find it extremely easy to follow. It was
well worth the money.
...
Thanks for your consideration. Please keep writing.
Sam
-----------------------------
#: 5885 S0/CompuServe Mail
24-Sep-96 14:15:12
Sb: Great book! Any suggestions for further reading?
Fm: Chic Barna >INTERNET:CBarna@aol.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
I purchased your book "Who's Afraid of C++?" from amazon.com and have been
reading it for the last 10 days. I'm almost done and I wanted to thank you and
Susan (nice picture) for writing it. I have never read a better, clearer
programming book than yours, I've been in software development for 20 years.
In fact the book reads like a novel, to my wife it looks like I'm reading a
Tom Clancy or John Grisham work I get so engrossed.
...
Chic Barna
-----------------------------
%: 5667 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
14-Sep-96 19:26:13
Sb: Who's Afraid of C++
Fm: Herbert W. Whitney > INTERNET:BudWhitney@gnn.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
...
I really like the clear, basic way your book
explains the fundamentals - just what I was hoping for.
...
Bud Whitney
-----------------------------
%: 5617 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
11-Sep-96 19:29:07
Sb: "Who's Afraid of C++?" question...
Fm: George Schumacher > INTERNET:gschu@usa1.com
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
...
From what I've read so far, your book is clear and easy to follow. I
have minimal programming experience (about 3 mos of VB and a few books
on C!), and am trying to teach myself C++. If you're interested, I'll
let you know how I've progressed after finishing the book.
Thanks a lot for your time,
George S.
-----------------------------
%: 5594 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
09-Sep-96 14:15:06
Sb: Who's Afraid...
Fm: RNG [74352,1371]
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
Hi Steve,
A while back we were talking about your new book. You'd contacted me
because I'm a C++ beginner embarking on 'the journey'. I doubt you'd
remember, but I told you that I'd actually already heard about the
book (on the Borland C++ forum) from a thread I'd followed. At that
time, I don't think your book was out and available yet. Anyway, I
had said that I did have plans to pick up, not knowing when that
would be. I have read some of the answers and advice you've given to
people over in 'Borland' with great interest, your in-depth know how
was obvious and appreciated!
Well, to get to the point here :-)
I did finally get the time to buy it, and get started into it. I thought
I'd let you know. I do like your approach the teaching the subject matter.
So far the question and answers with Susan is working pretty well, I like it.
I'm only into 32 bit registers (p41), but I plan to read a minimum of 1
chapter a week, with a re-read of every chapter at least once (or more if
needed).
What I like most is how far you are going 'back' (understanding whats going
on under the hood at the machine leve, registers, etc...) in order to go
forward. These are concepts I've always had a real craving to understand,
I'm really enjoying learning what I didn't know, and re-affirming what did
know (and in some cases - had forgotten!).
I should identify my background for you, I am a programmer. I have been
doing so for some 8 years, on the mainframe and in COBOL. While I wouldn't
want to belittle the language and platform that has let me put food on the
table and clothes on my back (not to mention one or two beers in my belly)
all those years, I do realize the real need to grow, expand skills, and
move forward with the industry. To that end, my interests in the pc, and
languages such as Visual Basic, C, C++, and oop have pretty much taken
over. I guess I have what you might say is a 'head start' over someone
like Susan, but I'm reading every word, and benefitting from it, I can tell
you that.
If you'd like, I'll let you know what I think/how its going at various
points along the way. Like Susan I do have some questions...but I
especially appreciate your going back into the hardware, registers,
etc...first.
...
Hope that wasn't too long, I had told you I'd get back to you and wanted
to keep with that. The book is terrific so far, thanks!
Steve Houde
-----------------------------
%: 5388 S0/CompuServe Mail [MAIL]
28-Aug-96 03:45:16
Sb: questions
Fm: Cyril
To: Steve Heller [71101,1702]
hello, my name is Cyril. I'm a French student visiting the States for the
summer and I happened to pick up a copy of your book (Who's Afraid of C++).
First of all, i want to say that's it's been great reading so far... I like
the way you present things so that they are understandable for someone who is
new to programming but at the same time you're not beiong condescendant (is
that english??)...anyway, it's great... I've been wanting to learn a
programming language for a long time and I feel that I might actually get
somewhere with this book. so, thanx!!!
...
Thanks again and hi to Susan :-D
Cyril.
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