C++ Builder is Borland's C++ based component-based drag and drop rapid application development environment for Windows 95/NT. This is an introductory text (unlike High-performance Borland C++ Builder which I reviewed in C Vu July 1998) suitable for beginners up to experienced programmers.

The book starts with a 21-day work plan. Each chapter contains a day's work (typically learning about a topic or facility) which is followed by a question and answer session, a quiz and exercises. Week one is an introduction to C++ (although Builder takes a lot of the hard work out of development one still needs to know C++ to understand what is going on and to be able to create efficient systems). Sufficient C++ is covered to use and extend the components but it is not (or intended to be) a thorough grounding in C++, e.g. overloading operators, C++ templates, the STL, etc. are not covered. An experienced C++ programmer could move directly to days 5 and 6, which introduce the VCL and IDE. Week two is Windows programming: using the VCL, creating applications using wizards, debugging, status bars, toolbars, etc. Week three looks at application areas: graphics programming, database access, DLLs, building components, using Delphi components, etc.

A clear easy to read introductory text to C++ Builder with plenty of sample code (available from web site), screen dumps, etc. Although it does contain an introduction to C++ I would recommend getting a thorough grounding in C++ programming prior to tackling something as complex as C++ Builder. One would get an appreciation of C++ Builder in 21 days but I would recommend having the odd day off to explore facilities and let things sink in. Recommended!