Good C++ reference book needed

Thinking in C++ ( Bruce Eckel ) is a good choice..
It's a freeware !!

Try Bruce Eckels Thinking in C++ volume 2
http://www.mindview.net 
Not quite a C++ reference as such but a must!
you will find the book in HTML and PDF format,
It's good reading in a modern style.

Below are some books I recommended for others in EE and were accepted as an answer.

Answer 1
--------
Since you claim you claim you are new in C/C++ Language and would like to learn it, I recommend a book
to you which I am using now for my study in C. My institution is using this textbook for lecturing beginners
in C Language programming in Unix as well as Windows platform. I find this book useful for both beginners
and intermediate programmers.

Recommended textbook for C:
Applications Programming in ANSI Third Edition.

Author:
Richard Johnsonbaugh & Martin Kalin.

Publisher:
Prentice Hall

Link: https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?ta=cprog&qid=10229356


If you are trying to get a compiler for C as well as C++, I recommend you use Microsoft Visual C++.
If you are not intending to buy a commercial one, then choose
Answer 2
--------
You can download a freeware C++ compiler, BloodShed C++ at download.com.
Just enter C compiler at download.com search box and then download BloodShed C++.


You may also wish to read "C+++ How to Program" by Deital and Deital.  It is very well written and is
aimed at someone with no programming experience at all.

hongjun

The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup.

Try http://www.bruceeckel.com/. Here you can download an acrobat pdf version of his book "Thinking in C++". It is an excellent
book. You may also considering buying this book. Equally good.

hongjun

woops! seem to be thinking the same thing at the same time in different worlds sorry Aggarwal, I must have been typing as you sent your message, but great minds.....

I'm not looking for a book to teach me C++ programming. I want something that I can have on the shelf and reach for in one of those "hmmm, now how do you do that again..." moments.

For that Bruce Eckel's book is no good (btw, volume 2, detailing STL has not been published). Stroustrup is complete-ish but is not really a easy-to-use refence.

Perhaps MSDN is what you wanted then.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp

hongjun

Have a look on this book:

"The C++ Programming Language, Third Edition"
from
Bjarne Stroustrup

i really like this book!!!

RideOn,
I have suggested that.

hongjun

You can read  "C++ Primer" for Stanley B. Lippman, Josee Lajoie.

I think its very good ... to move you from beginner to advance ..

hongjun
oh yes, sorry for that...

If you need a reference, why not to use just "The standard"? You can download for free some of its editions, or order printed copy (around $18).

Also, it really depends which aspects are you looking for, if C++ language, then IMHO Stroustrup is the best choice, if Standard Library - then Josuttis.

Another approach will be compiler specific things, so you shall understand issues related to your compiler and your STL. E.g. if you are using MSVC, you shall be familiar with MSDN and things like

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q243/4/51.ASP

It is I as thought then, no single book/series that covers the whole range of C++ topics. Thanks