This book offers comprehensive coverage of all language features of the C++ standard, using Microsoft Visual studio 2005 as development system. The focus is on language concepts and their context, rather than on details available in online help. This visual programming environment facilitates easy development of Windows .Net programs. However, as the focus is on the C++ standard, the book is also suitable for readers working with other compilers. The author reviews the principles of object-oriented analysis and design along with object-oriented programming and the .Net Framework class library as an example of a class hierarchy.