C++ FAQ Celebrating Twenty-One Years of the C++ FAQ!!!
(Click here for a personal note from Marshall Cline.)
Section 6:
6.1 Is C++ a practical language?
6.2 Is C++ a perfect language?
6.3 What's the big deal with OO? Updated!
6.4 What's the big deal with generic programming?
6.5 Is C++ better than Ada? (or Visual Basic, C, FORTRAN, Pascal, Smalltalk, or any other language?)
6.6 Who uses C++?
6.7 How long does it take to learn OO/C++?
6.8 What are some features of C++ from a business perspective?
6.9 Are virtual functions (dynamic binding) central to OO/C++?
6.10 Why do virtual functions (dynamic binding) make a big difference?
6.11 Is C++ backward compatible with ANSI/ISO C?
6.12 Is C++ standardized? Updated!
6.13 Where can I get a copy of the ANSI/ISO C++ standard?
6.14 What are some "interview questions" I could ask that would let me know if candidates really know their stuff?
6.15 What does the FAQ mean by "such and such is evil"?
6.16 Will I sometimes use any so-called "evil" constructs?
6.17 Is it important to know the technical definition of "good OO"? Of "good class design"?
6.18 What should I tell people who complain that the word "FAQ" is misleading?
6.19 How can I help make the C++ FAQ even better??!??
[6.13] Where can I get a copy of the ANSI/ISO C++ standard?

Be prepared to spend some money — the document is not free. There are lots of ways to get it; here are a few of them in random order:

  • Go to the ANSI Web-store, then search for "14882" (or, for the C-standard, search for "9899").
  • Go to Tech-Street, then search for 14882 (or, for the C-standard, search for "9899").
  • Go to any bookstore and search for "0470846747" or "The C++ Standard, Incorporating Technical Corrigendum No. 1." For example, here, here, or here.
  • Call NCITS (National Committee for Information Technology Standards; this is the new name of the organization that used to be called "X3"; it's pronounced like "insights"). The contact person is Monica Vega, 202-626-5739 or 202-626-5738. Ask for document FDC 14882.

Here are a couple of related documents. They are free, but are not the standard itself.

  • The committee-draft #2 is free, but it's non-authorative, out-of-date, and partially incorrect: here and here.
  • The ISO committee's press release is here. This press release is readable by non-programmers.