<p>Especially as a beginner, you should really get the recommended book. It is very likely that the course will follow the book rather closely, and trying to study the same material from a different book is usually not easy if you just started to program. If you think that the recommended text book is really bad, you can always get some other learning material in addition.</p>

<p>Some more explanation if you happen to think <em>"C++ is C++ - it shouldn't matter which book the OP uses to study the same tool"</em>. Well, problems arise if the text book the OP studies uses a different didactic concept / ordering of content than the course. For instance, I am teaching Introduction to Programming in Java. Our specific text book introduces OOP notions, such as classes and methods, much earlier than most books. Students that choose to study using different books often end up being extremely confused in class, because <em>their</em> books never mention class hierarchies until half-way through while they are all over the place in in-class examples. Another aspect is that most programming books have their idiosyncrasies in  terms of how code is formatted, how certain basic ideas should be expressed, what "good" and "bad" programming concepts are. Advanced programmers can easily abstract from such idiosyncrasies, but they tend to confuse the heck out of beginners when applied inconsistently.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:10:37.417Z
I guess the need to stick with assignments when required is convincing enough to use the textbook at least as a primary source..
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:42:35.597Z
To expand on this: stick with the recommended book *until* you reach a skill level where you can *tell for yourself* whether it's a good book. If you don't know the subject well enough to draw your own conclusions, then go with whatever the person teaching you is using, just to be on the same page (pun intended). When you start having your own thoughts about how the book could have expressed something better, or whether their example code is well-written, or anything like that, then that's your sign that you're beginning to understand enough to find a book that works for *you*.
anaximander
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T03:58:02.230Z
"It is very likely that the course will follow the book rather closely" - Not necessarily.  Most programming courses I've taken (as well as the one I tutor) recommend a reference for interested students, but teach using their own notes and at their own pace.  It's worth waiting a few weeks to work out if this is the case.
sapi
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:21:39.807Z
2015-02-25T13:21:39.807Z
xLeitix
<p>One thing about textbook review is, usually student who don't find the textbook has any problem, or who got good grades, would not care to write a review. People who usually write textbook review are those who failed the course and trying to blame the textbook. Sometime the textbook may be at fault but other times it may not. Also, sometime it depends on the level of the reader. Advance reader may find the book simple while some others may find it difficult. If I were you, I will go to the library or bookstore and read a chapter or two and decide myself. </p>

<p>For instance, my OOP class used premier C++, some of us love it and some of us hate it. 
Also, if the professor allows open book exam, you probably would want to have that book.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:31:11.533Z
in this case the bad reviews are form ACCU and other Stackexchange questions.
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T16:23:17.003Z
"People who usually write textbook review are those who failed the course and trying to blame the textbook" [citation needed]. In any case, it should a comment, not an answer (within Stack Exchange standards).
Piotr Migdal
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:17:13.380Z
2015-02-25T13:17:13.380Z
ceoec
<p>There are two contexts in which a professor will generally point you at a textbooks:</p>

<ol>
<li>A requirement for a textbook that will be used directly for specific readings and exercises, in which case it is important to use the precise book and (unfortunately) edition, because otherwise you may not have the correct material for assignments on which you will be graded.</li>
<li>A recommendation for a textbook as supplementary material, for you to use on your own for your own edification.</li>
</ol>

<p>In your case, it sounds like one of the textbooks falls into the first categroy; if so, you should use the same textbook that the rest of the class is using  It also sounds like the other textbooks fall into the second category: your instructor doesn't care <em>how</em> you supplement your background, just that you get sufficient reinforcement to be able to make up for your weakness in the class prerequisites.  You should thus feel free to pick whatever text works best for you in that regard, including things like online tutorials that might not even be textbooks per se.  If you think your instructor is a good teacher, however, you might consider that they may have had good past experiences with this text that causes them to recommend it to you.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:33:41.030Z
in this case the "C++: How to program" book was explicitly presented as the textbook and the other texts as recommendations.
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T16:05:16.580Z
@maja Then I was confused by your question, and it falls into Case 1 instead, and you should use the same textbook that the rest of the class is using.
jakebeal
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:16:48.950Z
2015-02-25T23:08:14.103Z
2015-02-25T23:08:14.103Z
jakebeal
<p>You should definitely get the course-recommended book, not only because you're going to need it to follow along with the class insturctions, but because you as a beginner will need that tutelage to learn the basics in the first place.  </p>

<p>You should follow along with this book for the duration of class.  It may not be good, or it may surprise you, but it will help you with this class and with learning what the professor is trying to teach.</p>

<hr>

<p>Now, if you are serious about learning the C++ language, and find that the book isn't as helpful as you'd like, <em>then</em> you can invest in another C++-primer or C++ introductory book, <strong>after</strong> you have taken this class and grown more accustomed to OOP and the C++ language.  </p>

<p>In programming, especially collegiate-level programming, you'll find it's important both to know the standard practices <em>and</em> to practice on your own terms in order to grasp a language or coding fundamental properly.  And there's no problem, assuming you have the time, with learning from two books instead of one.  </p>

<h2><strong>In short</strong></h2>

<p>Definitely get the book your professor recommends, and use it during your course, because not doing so will seriously handicap you in this course.  But, if you want to learn more, don't be afraid to pursue other sources.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T19:15:01.627Z
2015-02-25T19:15:01.627Z
Zibbobz
<p>First, note that a course on OOP is probably not the same as a course just on C++. The C++ language was designed by Stroustrup to support the developer in multiple styles of programming, including OO.</p>

<p>C++ today has become such a huge and complex language, moreover one for which which professional programming style has significantly evolved since the 98 standard. For example, its support for and take-up of functional programming has grown significantly.</p>

<p>I'm assuming you want to do well on the course, as opposed to simply learning skills. </p>

<p>Now, it's a long while since I've had a look at Deitel and Deitel, and I can't say I've good memories of it. However, hopefully the book is recommended because does take an approach supporting the OOP of the course and the subset of C++ you are expected to learn on the course. So go ahead and get the book.</p>

<p>Having said that, if you really want to learn C++ itself well enough to be able to use it as a professional, be prepared to buy a few more books and put in a <strong>lot</strong> more work after you've done this introductory course.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T07:35:39.400Z
"I'm assuming you want to do well on the course, as opposed to simply learning skills." -- Indeed, skills can be forgotten but grades are forever.
Praxeolitic
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2015-02-26T12:47:46.120Z
@Praxeolitic this is what sucks about the educational system.
Alvaro
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-28T06:33:12.843Z
I do feel the other 90% of the answer is quite sound advice.
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T03:22:42.597Z
2015-02-26T03:22:42.597Z
Keith
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T13:05:32.807Z
Pretty much *every* widely used book has horrible things written about it on the Internet - I'd suggest you wait to draw your own conclusions.
Nate Eldredge
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T14:26:50.033Z
I once met a guy who worked for mySQL, you know the company with the database that got bought by Sun before it got bought by Oracle. He bemoaned that his Class on SQL in collage was completely unuseful, and that he had to Learn SQL on the job latter. I was then asked how I learned SQL. I mentioned a book I read. It was written by his professor. The implications which he pointed out are applicable. He said, "Everyone learns differently". By the way a reference work along side the text can be helpful with any problems you have.
hildred
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:12:26.663Z
@NateEldredge http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=c%2B%2B+dietel This book appears to be churned out as soon as fast as humanly possible. C++ itself has not changed drastically in the past decade. Compare to the average C++ textbook: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=c%2B%2B+
Compass
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:15:14.400Z
You should read the books yourself and make your own professional judgment.  Do _not_ just "pick a title" or base your decisions only on reviews.
JeffE
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:43:00.403Z
@Compass: You really think "C++ itself has not changed drastically in the past decade" !?!!!  Your opinion is close to a decade only, C++ is on its fourth version this decade, including some very significant changes, including a few that affect beginners.  Please note that I'm not defending Deitel, just pointing out that your comment is the opposite of reality.
Ben Voigt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:46:01.143Z
@BenVoigt Yes, C++ as used in classes such as this one are not normally taught at the C++ 11 level, hence why the 4th edition published in **2002** is still being used.
Compass
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:46:08.623Z
@JeffE: A beginner doesn't know enough to make a professional judgment, and by the time he's not a beginning, unlearning all the bad habits is going to be quite difficult.
Ben Voigt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:52:00.307Z
The opinions being expressed here by academics just illustrate how badly out of touch with modern C++ most computer science professors are.  BTW, the Deitel and Deitel text does appear in the deleted answers of the Stack Overflow C++ Book Guide and List linked in the question.  The comments were that people didn't like the style, but no technical objections were raised.  It definitely wasn't on their "never touch this" list, so go ahead and use it.  If you like I can post an answer here containing screenshots.
Ben Voigt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T15:58:07.220Z
@BenVoigt: I have to object to your logic.  I see exactly one comment above that says anything about "modern C++", and the person making it doesn't identify as a computer science professor (neither do any of the users who have posted answers).  From this, you are able to draw conclusions about "most computer science professors"?  Also, I would mention that this question shouldn't be read as actually asking for C++ textbook recommendations (which would be off-topic here) but rather general advice on how to select and use a textbook.
Nate Eldredge
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T16:05:40.517Z
@Nate: Well, there's you and Jeff, saying to disregard the opinions of well-known C++ professors such as Stroustrup (yes, C++ was architected by a professor) who is additionally well respected by the community.  There is Compass being completely out of touch.  Kik saying using bad books is ok.  And then the experience of swarms of students coming to Stack Overflow with questions after being badly taught (or during).  And that doesn't even touch on legitimate reasons for being out of touch, such as being the grammar from hell and only getting worse, so terribly suited for type theory research.
Ben Voigt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T16:13:08.973Z
@BenVoigt:  Of those who have posted here, only one has a profile identifying himself as a computer science professor (JeffE).  I myself certainly am not.  Neither I nor he nor anyone else said anything about disregarding the opinions of experts such as Stroustrup (I am aware he is a CS professor; I am also aware he is not a god), rather that one should not make a decision based *solely* on reviews.  I don't think I'll have anything further to say about this.
Nate Eldredge
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-25T20:55:44.103Z
Deitel's C++ is the book I used for self-study in 9th grade (many years ago). It taught me enough to write a science fair-winning 3D video game, so it can't be that bad. Granted, I mostly just read the first half and got lost in the latter chapters (eg, starting with I/O). At the time I thought it was because I was too young/new, but on retrospect it may have been the book's fault. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about it. There's plenty that no beginner book will ever teach you (eg, how to apply OOP to real applications, not to mention mundane things like popular third-party libraries).
Aleksandr Dubinsky
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T03:44:16.743Z
@Compass the mention of the 4th edition is a mistake on my part, the suggested edition is the 8th, still one edition before the last one which includes C++11
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T04:07:35.913Z
@maja well now I feel stupid q.q
Compass
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T12:25:43.603Z
@Compass you mustn't, it was my typo and the book is very often described as "basically unchanged" between different editions
maja
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T14:40:15.687Z
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about whether the book covers C++11. The C++11 features build on C++98 and I can't imagine trying to understand most C++11 features from the top down as spooky magic rather than learning them from the bottom up as convenient alternatives to tedious details.
Praxeolitic
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T16:36:35.880Z
@JeffE's suggestion is a good one. I teach a course on programming, which includes C++, and I recommend books by Stroustrup, Dietel and Dietel and the Lippman et al C++ Primer.  The reason I make the recommendation is that different styles suit different students and it is better to buy a book that suits you and that you will actually use.  Personally I like the C++ Primer (although it is more a[n excellent] reference than a primer), but some students really like DIetel & Dietel.  I take a copy for each to the first lecture to allow the students to have a brief look at them.
Dikran Marsupial
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-26T16:38:22.757Z
BTW on my course I dod actually teach some C++11 features, so it is not necessarily safe to assume that a book that covers and earlier standard with be a suitable course text for all C++ courses.  If the teacher specifies C++XX then get a book that covers it.  Personally my favourite was the first edition of Stroustrups book, life was simpler then ;o)
Dikran Marsupial
# The book suggested for a class has bad reviews, should I use it or another?
Posted by: username_0 on 2015-02-25
I 'm at the start of my second semester of college and I don't have any real practical experience with programming, but I have to take a class on OOP that is usually taught to juniors.

My OOP class teacher recommended "C++: How to program" 4th ed. by Deitel & Deitel as a textbook, which is a book with many horrible things written about it on the internet.

He also cited a couple generic manuals: "C++ primer plus" by S. Prata and "Absolute C++" that have cold reviews if any; plus a book on general theory: "Concepts of programming languages".

As an ultimate reference he suggested "The C++ programming language" which should be a very solid title, but seems to be more aimed towards experienced programmers.

I read the list at [The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/388242/the-definitive-c-book-guide-and-list) and I'm really tempted to just pick up a title from it, maybe "C++ Primer" or "Accelerated C++".

---

Does anyone have any sensible advice about this kind of situation?
Should I try to study from books that are recognized as faulted by all other sources but my teacher?
**Tags:** coursework books code
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Pretty much *every* widely used book has horrible things written about it on the Internet - I'd suggest you wait to draw your own conclusions.  
> **username_2**: I once met a guy who worked for mySQL, you know the company with the database that got bought by Sun before it got bought by Oracle. He bemoaned that his Class on SQL in collage was completely unuseful, and that he had to Learn SQL on the job latter. I was then asked how I learned SQL. I mentioned a book I read. It was written by his professor. The implications which he pointed out are applicable. He said, "Everyone learns differently". By the way a reference work along side the text can be helpful with any problems you have.  
> **username_3**: @NateEldredge http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=c%2B%2B+dietel This book appears to be churned out as soon as fast as humanly possible. C++ itself has not changed drastically in the past decade. Compare to the average C++ textbook: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=c%2B%2B+  
> **username_4**: You should read the books yourself and make your own professional judgment.  Do _not_ just "pick a title" or base your decisions only on reviews.  
> **username_5**: @Compass: You really think "C++ itself has not changed drastically in the past decade" !?!!!  Your opinion is close to a decade only, C++ is on its fourth version this decade, including some very significant changes, including a few that affect beginners.  Please note that I'm not defending Deitel, just pointing out that your comment is the opposite of reality.  
> **username_3**: @BenVoigt Yes, C++ as used in classes such as this one are not normally taught at the C++ 11 level, hence why the 4th edition published in **2002** is still being used.  
> **username_5**: @JeffE: A beginner doesn't know enough to make a professional judgment, and by the time he's not a beginning, unlearning all the bad habits is going to be quite difficult.  
> **username_5**: The opinions being expressed here by academics just illustrate how badly out of touch with modern C++ most computer science professors are.  BTW, the Deitel and Deitel text does appear in the deleted answers of the Stack Overflow C++ Book Guide and List linked in the question.  The comments were that people didn't like the style, but no technical objections were raised.  It definitely wasn't on their "never touch this" list, so go ahead and use it.  If you like I can post an answer here containing screenshots.  
> **username_1**: @BenVoigt: I have to object to your logic.  I see exactly one comment above that says anything about "modern C++", and the person making it doesn't identify as a computer science professor (neither do any of the users who have posted answers).  From this, you are able to draw conclusions about "most computer science professors"?  Also, I would mention that this question shouldn't be read as actually asking for C++ textbook recommendations (which would be off-topic here) but rather general advice on how to select and use a textbook.  
> **username_5**: @Nate: Well, there's you and Jeff, saying to disregard the opinions of well-known C++ professors such as Stroustrup (yes, C++ was architected by a professor) who is additionally well respected by the community.  There is Compass being completely out of touch.  Kik saying using bad books is ok.  And then the experience of swarms of students coming to Stack Overflow with questions after being badly taught (or during).  And that doesn't even touch on legitimate reasons for being out of touch, such as being the grammar from hell and only getting worse, so terribly suited for type theory research.  
> **username_1**: @BenVoigt:  Of those who have posted here, only one has a profile identifying himself as a computer science professor (JeffE).  I myself certainly am not.  Neither I nor he nor anyone else said anything about disregarding the opinions of experts such as Stroustrup (I am aware he is a CS professor; I am also aware he is not a god), rather that one should not make a decision based *solely* on reviews.  I don't think I'll have anything further to say about this.  
> **username_6**: Deitel's C++ is the book I used for self-study in 9th grade (many years ago). It taught me enough to write a science fair-winning 3D video game, so it can't be that bad. Granted, I mostly just read the first half and got lost in the latter chapters (eg, starting with I/O). At the time I thought it was because I was too young/new, but on retrospect it may have been the book's fault. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about it. There's plenty that no beginner book will ever teach you (eg, how to apply OOP to real applications, not to mention mundane things like popular third-party libraries).  
> **username_0**: @Compass the mention of the 4th edition is a mistake on my part, the suggested edition is the 8th, still one edition before the last one which includes C++11  
> **username_3**: @maja well now I feel stupid q.q  
> **username_0**: @Compass you mustn't, it was my typo and the book is very often described as "basically unchanged" between different editions  
> **username_7**: Honestly, I wouldn't worry about whether the book covers C++11. The C++11 features build on C++98 and I can't imagine trying to understand most C++11 features from the top down as spooky magic rather than learning them from the bottom up as convenient alternatives to tedious details.  
> **username_8**: @JeffE's suggestion is a good one. I teach a course on programming, which includes C++, and I recommend books by Stroustrup, Dietel and Dietel and the Lippman et al C++ Primer.  The reason I make the recommendation is that different styles suit different students and it is better to buy a book that suits you and that you will actually use.  Personally I like the C++ Primer (although it is more a[n excellent] reference than a primer), but some students really like DIetel & Dietel.  I take a copy for each to the first lecture to allow the students to have a brief look at them.  
> **username_8**: BTW on my course I dod actually teach some C++11 features, so it is not necessarily safe to assume that a book that covers and earlier standard with be a suitable course text for all C++ courses.  If the teacher specifies C++XX then get a book that covers it.  Personally my favourite was the first edition of Stroustrups book, life was simpler then ;o)  
---
## 5 answers
### Answer by username_16 on 2015-02-26. Score: 2 | Accepted answer
First, note that a course on OOP is probably not the same as a course just on C++. The C++ language was designed by Stroustrup to support the developer in multiple styles of programming, including OO.

C++ today has become such a huge and complex language, moreover one for which which professional programming style has significantly evolved since the 98 standard. For example, its support for and take-up of functional programming has grown significantly.

I'm assuming you want to do well on the course, as opposed to simply learning skills.

Now, it's a long while since I've had a look at Deitel and Deitel, and I can't say I've good memories of it. However, hopefully the book is recommended because does take an approach supporting the OOP of the course and the subset of C++ you are expected to learn on the course. So go ahead and get the book.

Having said that, if you really want to learn C++ itself well enough to be able to use it as a professional, be prepared to buy a few more books and put in a **lot** more work after you've done this introductory course.
> **Comments:**
> **username_7** (2015-02-26): "I'm assuming you want to do well on the course, as opposed to simply learning skills." -- Indeed, skills can be forgotten but grades are forever.  
> **username_17** (2015-02-26): @Praxeolitic this is what sucks about the educational system.  
> **username_0** (2015-02-28): I do feel the other 90% of the answer is quite sound advice.  
---
### Answer by username_9 on 2015-02-25. Score: 28
Especially as a beginner, you should really get the recommended book. It is very likely that the course will follow the book rather closely, and trying to study the same material from a different book is usually not easy if you just started to program. If you think that the recommended text book is really bad, you can always get some other learning material in addition.

Some more explanation if you happen to think *"C++ is C++ - it shouldn't matter which book the OP uses to study the same tool"*. Well, problems arise if the text book the OP studies uses a different didactic concept / ordering of content than the course. For instance, I am teaching Introduction to Programming in Java. Our specific text book introduces OOP notions, such as classes and methods, much earlier than most books. Students that choose to study using different books often end up being extremely confused in class, because *their* books never mention class hierarchies until half-way through while they are all over the place in in-class examples. Another aspect is that most programming books have their idiosyncrasies in terms of how code is formatted, how certain basic ideas should be expressed, what "good" and "bad" programming concepts are. Advanced programmers can easily abstract from such idiosyncrasies, but they tend to confuse the heck out of beginners when applied inconsistently.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2015-02-25): I guess the need to stick with assignments when required is convincing enough to use the textbook at least as a primary source..  
> **username_10** (2015-02-25): To expand on this: stick with the recommended book *until* you reach a skill level where you can *tell for yourself* whether it's a good book. If you don't know the subject well enough to draw your own conclusions, then go with whatever the person teaching you is using, just to be on the same page (pun intended). When you start having your own thoughts about how the book could have expressed something better, or whether their example code is well-written, or anything like that, then that's your sign that you're beginning to understand enough to find a book that works for *you*.  
> **username_11** (2015-02-26): "It is very likely that the course will follow the book rather closely" - Not necessarily.  Most programming courses I've taken (as well as the one I tutor) recommend a reference for interested students, but teach using their own notes and at their own pace.  It's worth waiting a few weeks to work out if this is the case.  
---
### Answer by username_12 on 2015-02-25. Score: 6
One thing about textbook review is, usually student who don't find the textbook has any problem, or who got good grades, would not care to write a review. People who usually write textbook review are those who failed the course and trying to blame the textbook. Sometime the textbook may be at fault but other times it may not. Also, sometime it depends on the level of the reader. Advance reader may find the book simple while some others may find it difficult. If I were you, I will go to the library or bookstore and read a chapter or two and decide myself.

For instance, my OOP class used premier C++, some of us love it and some of us hate it.
Also, if the professor allows open book exam, you probably would want to have that book.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2015-02-25): in this case the bad reviews are form ACCU and other Stackexchange questions.  
> **username_13** (2015-02-25): "People who usually write textbook review are those who failed the course and trying to blame the textbook" [citation needed]. In any case, it should a comment, not an answer (within Stack Exchange standards).  
---
### Answer by username_14 on 2015-02-25. Score: 5
There are two contexts in which a professor will generally point you at a textbooks:

1. A requirement for a textbook that will be used directly for specific readings and exercises, in which case it is important to use the precise book and (unfortunately) edition, because otherwise you may not have the correct material for assignments on which you will be graded.
2. A recommendation for a textbook as supplementary material, for you to use on your own for your own edification.

In your case, it sounds like one of the textbooks falls into the first categroy; if so, you should use the same textbook that the rest of the class is using It also sounds like the other textbooks fall into the second category: your instructor doesn't care *how* you supplement your background, just that you get sufficient reinforcement to be able to make up for your weakness in the class prerequisites. You should thus feel free to pick whatever text works best for you in that regard, including things like online tutorials that might not even be textbooks per se. If you think your instructor is a good teacher, however, you might consider that they may have had good past experiences with this text that causes them to recommend it to you.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2015-02-25): in this case the "C++: How to program" book was explicitly presented as the textbook and the other texts as recommendations.  
> **username_14** (2015-02-25): @maja Then I was confused by your question, and it falls into Case 1 instead, and you should use the same textbook that the rest of the class is using.  
---
### Answer by username_15 on 2015-02-25. Score: 2
You should definitely get the course-recommended book, not only because you're going to need it to follow along with the class insturctions, but because you as a beginner will need that tutelage to learn the basics in the first place.

You should follow along with this book for the duration of class. It may not be good, or it may surprise you, but it will help you with this class and with learning what the professor is trying to teach.

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Now, if you are serious about learning the C++ language, and find that the book isn't as helpful as you'd like, *then* you can invest in another C++-primer or C++ introductory book, **after** you have taken this class and grown more accustomed to OOP and the C++ language.

In programming, especially collegiate-level programming, you'll find it's important both to know the standard practices *and* to practice on your own terms in order to grasp a language or coding fundamental properly. And there's no problem, assuming you have the time, with learning from two books instead of one.

## **In short**

Definitely get the book your professor recommends, and use it during your course, because not doing so will seriously handicap you in this course. But, if you want to learn more, don't be afraid to pursue other sources.
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