Big C++ focuses on practical program development and effective use of the C++ programming language. It is suitable for motivated beginners as well as students with prior programming experience. Horstmann and Budd combine their professional and academic experience to guide the student from the basics to more advanced topics and contemporary applications such as GUIs and XML programming. More than a reference, Big C++ provides well-developed exercises, examples, and case studies that engage students in the details of useful C++ applications.