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Programming is how we instruct computers to solve problems and perform a broad range of useful functions. It is not difficult to learn how to program; but to learn how to do it right requires both a knowledgeable, well-practiced guide and some serious effort on your part. The author, Bjarne Stroustrup, is the inventor of the widely used C++ programming language. No one knows better than he the principles that every programmer must understand, and the practical skills that must be developed, to write good, working programs. His professional and educational experience have positioned him to write a book focused effectively on what is truly important for programming in the real world. The book is designed for students who have never programmed before. The author's aim is to give you sufficient knowledge and experience to perform simple, useful programming tasks using the best, up-to-date techniques. Not surprisingly, he uses the C++ language to teach the necessary skills. But since his focus is on programming, the language is secondary. The same principles will apply in any environment. Although written for beginners, and tested among hundreds of first-year students, the book also will appeal to students already bearing some knowledge of programming. Advanced students will gain new insight and guidance by seeing how a recognized master approaches the elements of his art. Salient Features This is the first time a computer scientist of this stature has written an introductory programming text. Not a traditional CS101 text. It leaves out many common topics, such as discrete math and hardware, and is completely about programming and how to develop software. Incorporates an approach that is "depth-first", "concrete-first", and "concept-based." Contains a full range of supplements, including an instructor's guide, lecture slides, selected exercise solutions, and C++ glossary. Developed in the author's introductory programming course at Texas A&M, and has been used successfully on hundreds of students.