A lot of people (892 so far) have sent me e-mail about C++ All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies. A few more have commented online and some of you have written reviews as well. In fact, it’s one of the more popular books I’ve written to date. I keep statistics on every message I receive so that I can better understand how a book is succeeding and how it has failed. For example, I know that most readers like CodeBlocks, but they wish my book used a newer version of the product. Don’t worry, the updated book will use the latest CodeBlocks release. I’ve also discovered that none of you apparently uses the Microsoft-specific materials in Book VII—this information will be replaced with something you do want in this next edition. All of the examples will also be tested on the Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms to ensure it works well no matter what platform you use.
Naturally, everything that requires an update in the book will get updated. I’ll also look at the latest specification and determine what sorts of new topics might interest you. However, I really do need your input. Only you actually know what you’d like to see in an updated book and I’m determined to find out what that is. You can help me shape the updated book by writing me at John@JohnMuellerBooks.com with your ideas and suggestions. Don’t wait until later, write me today!
Even better, why don’t you become a beta reader? You’re under no obligation to read the entire book. I’ll send you the chapters as I write them and it’s entirely up to you to send them back with comments. I’ll never bug you for comments. Any comments you do send will receive careful consideration and I’ll modify everything I can as I go through the Author Review (AR) process where I incorporate editor comments as well. By being a beta reader, you get to shape the book content and get precisely the book you’d like. Make sure you sign up to be a beta reader today.
As part of being a beta reader, your name will appear in the book Acknowledgements (unless you specially ask that I don’t provide it). However, one of the bigger benefits to you is that you get to read the book free of charge and gain the skills that it can provide for you. Imagine what learning a new programming language can do for your career. Even if you don’t need C++ for work, you can use what you gain to create applications for your own needs and to obtain a better understanding of how computers work.
Many people are concerned that they don’t qualify to be a beta reader, but that’s not the case at all. You don’t need to know anything about C++ or programming for that matter to be a beta reader for this book. All you need is a desire to learn how to use C++ to develop simple applications. It really is that simple.