Companies need to utilize C++ for its speed. However, object-oriented software design leads to code which is easier to modify and maintain. Understanding how to utilize C++ as an object-oriented language is essential. Programming in C++ won't guarantee OOP – one must understand OO concepts and how they map to C++ language features as well as OO programming techniques. Additionally, programmers will want to harness additional skills beyond OOP to make code more generic, more robust, as well as employ well-tested, creative solutions which can be found in popular design patterns.

 A programmer who learns how to use C++ as an object-oriented language will become a valuable C++ developer. A C++ programmer without OOP understanding and skills is one whose code will be difficult to maintain, modify or to understand by anyone else. Becoming an OO programmer in C++ is a valuable skill desired by companies needing to utilize this language.

 This book has step-by-step explanations of essential OO concepts, paired with practical examples in code and often with diagrams so you can truly understand how and why things work. Self-assessment questions are available to test your skills.

 This book first provides the necessary building blocks of skills (which may not be objectoriented), which provide an essential foundation on which the OO essentials will be built. Next, OO concepts will be described and paired with language features as well as coding techniques so that you can understand how to use C++ as an OOP language successfully. Additionally, more advanced skills are added to augment the programmer's repertoire, including friend function/classes, operator overloading, templates (to build more generic code), exception handling (to build robust code), STL basics, as well as design patterns and idioms.

 By the end of this book, you will understand both essential and advanced OO concepts and how to implement these concepts in C++. You will learn not just how to use C++, but how to use it as an OOP language. You will additionally understand ways to make more robust and easily maintainable code, as well as understand how to employ well tested design patterns as part of your programming repertoire.