Pune, India, January 14, 2015
 

Dear Chinese reader,
 

C++ is a language that is used world-wide and for an astounding range of application areas. It is a language with a long and glorious history. Consequently, it is not a small language and can be a bit intimidating. I wrote this “tour” of C++ to make modern C++ (C++11) more accessible. The description of all major C++ language constructs and standard-library facilities is described is just 180 pages. It can be read in a day. It is written for people who are already programmers and who would like to know what today’s C++ is without drowning in details. It includes lists of practical advice for use of C++. If you want all the details, have a look at my The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition). If you are not yet a programmer, consider my Programming: Principles and Practice using C++. 
 

C++ offers a direct map of its language constructs into hardware facilities (like C) together with a set of mechanism (e.g., classes and templates) that can be used to define simple and efficient abstractions. It is aimed primarily at application areas where performance, reliability, and maintainability are essential. C++ is a language that will grow with your needs. To quote the opening line of the first edition of The C++ Programming Language: “C++ is a general-purpose programming language designed to make programming more enjoyable for the serious programmer.”
 

I am pleased that this thin book is now available to Chinese C++ programmers in their native language. I thank the translators and the translation review team for making this possible.

All the best with C++.
 

Bjarne Stroustrup