C and C++ power the infrastructure underneath everything else: operating systems, databases, compilers, game engines, and embedded systems. The language has evolved dramatically with C++20 and C++23, and books written before 2020 miss major features like modules, concepts, coroutines, and ranges. This list covers both the timeless classics and modern C++23 resources.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All links and availability verified.
C++ Books
A Tour of C++, 3rd Edition
Bjarne Stroustrup (the creator of C++) wrote this 320-page fast-paced tour covering C++20 and C++23 features: modules, concepts, coroutines, ranges, and the Standard Library. This is not a beginner book. It is for experienced programmers who want a concise, authoritative overview of modern C++ from the person who designed it.
- Author: Bjarne Stroustrup
- Published: September 2022 (Addison-Wesley, 3rd Edition)
- Pages: 320
- Best for: Concise modern C++ overview for experienced programmers
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
C++ Primer, 6th Edition
The classic learning book, now in its 6th edition (1,237 pages) updated for modern C++ standards. Covers the language thoroughly with emphasis on the C++ Standard Library. One of the most recommended C++ books of all time, and the new edition brings it current.
- Authors: Stanley B. Lippman, Josee Lajoie, Barbara E. Moo
- Published: 2024 (Addison-Wesley, 6th Edition)
- Pages: 1,237
- Best for: Thorough learning from beginner to intermediate
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Beginning C++23, 7th Edition
Ivor Horton and Peter Van Weert teach C++ from scratch using the C++23 standard. Step-by-step progression from basics to advanced topics. The most current beginner-friendly C++ book available, covering the latest language features from the start rather than retrofitting them onto older material.
- Authors: Ivor Horton, Peter Van Weert
- Published: October 2023 (Apress, 7th Edition)
- Best for: Beginners learning modern C++ from day one
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Modern C++ Programming Cookbook, 3rd Edition
Marius Bancila’s cookbook offers 140+ practical recipes covering C++23 features (stack library, expected/mdspan types, formatting improvements, ranges updates) plus C++20 topics. Recipe format makes it an excellent desk reference when you need a specific pattern or technique.
- Author: Marius Bancila
- Published: February 2024 (Packt, 3rd Edition)
- Best for: Quick reference, modern C++ patterns
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
C Books
The C Programming Language, 2nd Edition (K&R)
Written by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie (the creators of C), this book has been in print since 1988 and remains THE definitive C reference. Concise, precise, and elegant. Every serious C programmer owns a copy. No other C book comes close in authority or clarity. Still in print after 37 years for good reason.
- Authors: Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie
- Published: 1988 (Prentice Hall, 2nd Edition)
- Best for: The definitive C language reference
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
| Goal | Book |
|---|---|
| Learn C | K&R: The C Programming Language |
| Learn C++ from scratch (modern) | Beginning C++23 or C++ Primer, 6th Ed |
| Quick modern C++ overview | A Tour of C++ (Stroustrup) |
| Modern C++ recipes | Modern C++ Cookbook, 3rd Ed |
