Thinking In C++. Volume 2: Practical Programming

         14.             Create two Runnable subclasses, one with a run( ) that starts up and then calls wait( ). The other class’s run( ) should capture the reference of the first Runnable object. Its run( ) should call signal( ) for the first thread after some number of seconds have passed so that first thread can print a message.

         15.             Create an example of a "busy wait." One thread sleeps for awhile and then sets a flag to true. The second thread watches that flag inside a while loop (this is the "busy wait") and, when the flag becomes true, sets it back to false and reports the change to the console. Note how much wasted time the program spends inside the "busy wait," and create a second version of the program that uses wait( ) instead of the "busy wait." Extra: run a profiler to show the time used by the CPU in each case.

         16.             Modify ToastOMaticMarkII.cpp to create peanut-butter and jelly on toast sandwiches using two separate assembly lines and an output TQueue for the finished sandwiches. Use a Reporter object as in CarBuilder.cpp to display the results.

         17.             Rewrite C07:BankTeller.cpp to use real threading instead of simulated threading.

         18.             Modify CarBuilder.cpp to give identifiers to the robots, and add more instances of the different kinds of robots. Note whether all robots get utilized.

         19.             Modify CarBuilder.cpp to add another stage to the car-building process, whereby you add the exhaust system, body, and fenders. As with the first stage, assume these processes can be performed simultaneously by robots.

        20.             Modify CarBuilder.cpp so that Car has synchronized access to all the bool variables. Because Mutexes cannot be copied, this will require significant changes throughout the program.

         21.             Using the approach in CarBuilder.cpp, model the house-building story that was given in this chapter.

        22.             Change both of the dining philosophers examples so that the number of Philosophers is controlled on the command line, in addition to the ponder time. Try different values and explain the results.

        23.             Change DiningPhilosophers.cpp so that the Philosophers just pick the next available chopstick. (When a Philosopher is done with their chopsticks, they drop them into a bin. When a Philosopher wants to eat, they take the next two available chopsticks from the bin.) Does this eliminate the possibility of deadlock? Can you reintroduce deadlock by simply reducing the number of available chopsticks?

A: Recommended reading

General C++

The C++ Programming Language, 3^rd edition, by Bjarne Stroustrup (Addison-Wesley 1997). To some degree, the goal of the book that you’re currently holding is to allow you to use Bjarne’s book as a reference. Since his book contains the description of the language by the author of that language, it’s typically the place where you’ll go to resolve any uncertainties about what C++ is or isn’t supposed to do. When you get the knack of the language and are ready to get serious, you’ll need it.

C++ Primer, 3^rd Edition, by Stanley Lippman and Josee Lajoie (Addison-Wesley 1998). Not that much of a primer anymore; it’s evolved into a thick book filled with lots of detail, and the one that I reach for along with Stroustrup’s when trying to resolve an issue. Thinking in C++ should provide a basis for understanding the C++ Primer as well as Stroustrup’s book.

Accelerated C++, by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo (Addison-Wesley, 2000). Takes you through C++ by programming topic instead of language feature. Excellent introductory book.

The C++ Standard Library, by Nicolai Josuttis (Addison-Wesley, 1999). Readable tutorial and reference for the entire C++ library, including STL. Assumes familiarity with language concepts.

STL Tutorial and Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, by David R. Musser et al (Addison-Wesley, 2001). Gentle but thorough introduction to the concepts underlying STL. Contains an STL reference manual.

 The C++ ANSI/ISO Standard. This is not free, unfortunately (I certainly didn’t get paid for my time and effort on the Standards Committee—in fact, it cost me a lot of money). But at least you can buy the electronic form in PDF for only $18 at http://www.cssinfo.com.

Bruce’s books

Listed in order of publication. Not all these are currently available.