📖 Overview
C++ Concurrency in Action provides a complete guide to writing multithreaded applications in C++. The book covers both basic threading concepts and advanced concurrency patterns using the C++ Standard Library features introduced in C++11, C++14, and C++17.
The text progresses from fundamental threading operations to lock-based and lock-free programming techniques. Working examples demonstrate practical applications of concurrent programming concepts, including parallel algorithms, thread pools, and task-based programming models.
Memory models, atomics, and synchronization mechanisms form core topics throughout the book. The material includes detailed explanations of memory ordering, fences, and other low-level concurrency primitives that C++ developers need to write correct multithreaded code.
The book serves as both a practical manual and a deeper exploration of concurrent programming philosophy. Its systematic approach to building thread-safe code reflects broader principles about managing complexity and designing reliable systems.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as a thorough but challenging resource for C++ multithreading. The content progresses from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of complex topics like memory models
- Practical code examples that demonstrate real use cases
- Coverage of modern C++ features (C++11/14/17)
- Strong focus on best practices and design patterns
Dislikes:
- Dense technical content can overwhelm beginners
- Some readers note the examples could be more concise
- Price point considered high by several reviewers
- Early chapters move slowly for experienced developers
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.26/5 (190 ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (135 ratings)
Sample review: "This book explained concepts that I've used for years but never fully understood. The memory ordering chapter alone was worth the price." - Amazon reviewer
"The code examples are sometimes too complex when simpler ones would suffice." - Goodreads reviewer
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Programming with POSIX Threads by David R. Butenhof This resource presents threading concepts through POSIX implementation, providing foundation knowledge that applies to C++ concurrency.
The Art of Multiprocessor Programming by Maurice Herlihy and Nir Shavit The book examines parallel programming concepts and synchronization techniques that underlie concurrent programming in any language.
Modern C++ Programming with Test-Driven Development by Jeff Langr The book integrates concurrent programming concepts with testing methodologies in modern C++.
C++ High Performance by Viktor Sehr and Björn Andrist The text covers parallelism, multithreading, and performance optimization techniques in C++ applications.
Programming with POSIX Threads by David R. Butenhof This resource presents threading concepts through POSIX implementation, providing foundation knowledge that applies to C++ concurrency.
The Art of Multiprocessor Programming by Maurice Herlihy and Nir Shavit The book examines parallel programming concepts and synchronization techniques that underlie concurrent programming in any language.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The author, Anthony Williams, is a prominent contributor to the Boost C++ libraries and has been a member of the BSI C++ Standards Panel since 2001.
🔹 The book was one of the first comprehensive guides to the C++11 memory model and threading features when they were introduced to the language standard.
🔹 C++ Concurrency in Action was updated in its second edition (2019) to cover C++17 features, including parallel algorithms from the standard library.
🔹 The techniques discussed in the book are used in real-world applications like game engines, financial trading systems, and scientific computing platforms.
🔹 Many of the concurrency patterns explained in the book were influenced by decades of research in parallel computing, including work from pioneers like Tony Hoare and Leslie Lamport.