Book excerpt: Big C++: Late Objects, 3rd Edition focuses on the essentials of effective learning and is suitable for a two-semester introduction to programming sequence. This text requires no prior programming experience and only a modest amount of high school algebra. It provides an approachable introduction to fundamental programming techniques and design skills, helping students master basic concepts and become competent coders. The second half covers algorithms and data structures at a level suitable for beginning students. 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. Choosing the enhanced eText format allows students to develop their coding skills using targeted, progressive interactivities designed to integrate with the eText. All sections include built-in activities, open-ended review exercises, programming exercises, and projects to help students practice programming and build confidence. These activities go far beyond simplistic multiple-choice questions and animations. They have been designed to guide students along a learning path for mastering the complexities of programming. Students demonstrate comprehension of programming structures, then practice programming with simple steps in scaffolded settings, and finally write complete, automatically graded programs. The perpetual access VitalSource Enhanced eText, when integrated with your school’s learning management system, provides the capability to monitor student progress in VitalSource SCORECenter and track grades for homework or participation. *Enhanced eText and interactive functionality available through select vendors and may require LMS integration approval for SCORECenter.