Programming Book List

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Index

• Generic Programming
• C++ Programming
• C Programming
• Graphic Programming Books
• Game Programming Books

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Generic Programming
Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction by Steven C. McConnell
This is quite a hefty book (around 800 pages) that does not teach a specific programming language but how to program with any language. It takes you through the mindset of the core aspects such as debugging, testing, refractoring and even naming conventions. More importantly the author goes into detail of the 'why' and possible repercussions with supported evidence from past projects and reports. Well worth a read no matter what level of programmer you are.

Rapid Development: Taming Wild Software Schedules by Steven C. McConnell
If you ever need to lead a project, then you need to read this book once at least. It covers most common aspects of software development practices as well as when and why things go wrong. This is further illustrated by short case study stories that you can relate to.

The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
Probably best described as a shorter version of Code Complete and therefore more digestible but less detailed.

Design patterns: elements of reusable object-oriented software by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson and John Vlissides

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C++ Programming
Object Oriented Programming in C++ by Nicolai M. Josuttis
As the title hints, this book aims to give readers an introduction to the features of C++ that support Object Oriented programming. It also introduces some of C++'s more powerful non-object oriented features and some of the newer additions to the language. The text is written in an easy to follow manner with many examples and case studies. Geared more toward the beginner, this book is a great place to start out, especially for those with experience in other higher level languages.

The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup

C++ for Game Programmers, Second Edition by Michael Dickheiser
"C++ for Game Programmers, second edition is a completely updated and expanded edition of this best-selling reference. As with the first edition, the book is not intended to replace foundational C++ books and reference material: instead, it supplements them by putting everything into perspective from a game-development point of view. The book points out the most effective C++ practices and steers you away from the potentially dangerous ones. It describes common C++ techniques to solve specific problems most game developers face.

The second edition includes a wide variety of new, improved examples and illustrations, while preserving the core material from inheritance, performance, memory management, and STL to object creation, object serialization, and scripting languages. In addition, three new chapters have been added to meet the needs of today’s game programmers. The first new chapter, C++ Design Patterns, covers the high-level problem-solving constructs that are most commonly found in games and other interactive applications. After the introductory chapters on the Standard Template Library, you’ll find a new chapter, Beyond STL: Custom Structures and Algorithms, which provides a detailed hands-on discussion of using C++ to create efficient solutions to difficult problems in a highly structured manner. Finally, the new C++ and Scripting chapter covers the ever-increasing use of embedded scripting languages and the many ways scripting can increase productivity without compromising the power and philosophy of C++." -- Charles River Media.

Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs by Scott Meyers

Exceptional C++ by Herb Sutter

Thinking in C++ by Bruce Eckel

C++: A Dialog by Steve Heller

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C Programming
C How to Program by Harvey M. Deitel and Paul J. Deitel
A very non-intimidating start to programming with the C language. Written in a very easy to understand style including in-text examples with syntax high lighting and comments. All major features of the language are introduced including simple introductions to data structures and searching algorithms. Every chapter has revision questions to practice the material. The final chapters are introductions to C++ and Java, giving the reader a chance to ground themselves in these languages before moving into some of their more advanced features.

The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
THE book for the C programming language. If you are a C programmer then this will on your shelf for reference.

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Graphic Programming
GPU Gems by Randima Fernando
GPU Gems 2 by Matt Pharr
GPU Gems 3
A book full of articles about graphics programming topics, explaining tricks and techniques to achieve good looking 3D graphic. Refers to OpenGL as well as DirectX mainly in C/C++/C#, both with shader programming (HLSL, GLSL, Cg), though the basic concepts can easily be applied to other APIs. A lot of articles are written in scientific paper style though, so some higher maths is required to be able to follow all explanations. Also a good understanding of programming in general as well as some basics of graphics programming is required, so this is more aimed for advanced programmers.

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Game Programming
Game Coding Complete, Second Edition by Mike McShaffry
A wonderful book for people wishing to improve their game coding abilities. Discusses game code architecture, resource caches, using the Boost library for smart pointers, Event & Process managers, integrating scripting languages, Physics SDK's, 3D Math, Audio systems, Network programming, Debugging, Scheduling Projects (something a lot of us need work on), setting up source code repositories and build scripts, to hearing McShaffry's first hand experiences in the game programming industry (tales from the pixel mines as he likes to call it). This book is aimed more towards C++ user's and also makes extensive use of DirectX 9, but other's will still get loads of information out of the book and is a definite recommendation for all game programmers and project managers.