C++ is the fastest-growing programming language based on TIOBE’s September 2020 Programming Community Index. C++ is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 as an extension of C.
C++ is a highly adaptable and flexible language, used to create many different applications and programs. Whether you’re a software engineer, embedded systems developer, or systems analyst, C++ is an extremely useful language to know. If your business employs any of the above roles, hiring staff who can program in C++ could significantly improve the efficiency of your team and the products you offer.
After almost four decades, C++ remains the preferred language for programmers and developers. We’ll explore what makes C++ so appealing, as well as the practical applications of the language and how to build your career in it.
What is C++ Programming?
C++ is an enhanced version of C that is typically used for object-oriented programming. It has been around for more than thirty years. Although it’s not the oldest computer language, it’s one of the older ones that is widely used today and is therefore a good example of a language that can adapt to changing technological times.
Bjarne Stroustrup developed C++ as part of his PhD project. In the early years, he called the language “C with Classes”. He had begun to develop a new language because he felt that existing languages were not ideal for large-scale projects. A few years later, when he was working at AT&T Bell Labs, he felt limited again. He resurrected his “C with Classes” and added features from other languages. There was a strong influence from simulations; AlLGOL 68 played a role as well. A lot more was added than classes: virtual functions, templates, and operator overloading.
C++ has influenced later languages such as PHP, Java, and (not surprisingly) C# (C-Sharp). C++ is much more than a one-man operation. The name was actually suggested by another developer, Rick Mascitti. Partially, it was a play on the name of the “++” operator, and partly it was a joke about the enhancement.
It was first standardized in 1998. A new set of standards was issued in 2003, 2007, and 2011. It is maintained by the ISO, a large standard-setting organization. The current version of C++ is 11. The biggest improvement has been made in abstraction mechanisms, according to Stroustrup. Another goal of the most recent revision is to make C++ a better language for embedded systems.
The development of society has been guided by certain ideals. The goal of C++ is to be portable; relying on platform-dependent features is discouraged.
Why to Learn C++
Students and professionals who want to become great software engineers must learn C++. The following are some of the key advantages of learning C++:
- Since C++ is very close to hardware, you get a lot of control over memory management, better performance, and robust software development.
- C++ programming gives you a clear understanding of Object Oriented Programming. The implementation of virtual tables and virtual table pointers, or dynamic type identification, will help you understand polymorphism at a low level.
- Programming in C++ is one of the greenest languages and is loved by millions of software developers. You will never be short of work if you are a great C++ programmer, and you will be highly paid as well.
- C++ is the most widely used programming language for applications and systems. You can then choose your area of interest in software development.
- You will learn the difference between compiler, linker, and loader, different data types, storage classes, variable types, and their scope in C++.
There are thousands of good reasons to learn C++ programming. To learn any programming language, not just C++, you simply have to code, and code, and code until you are an expert.
How is C++ used?
C++ is used in a wide range of industries. Here are some of the most noteworthy, interesting, and even surprising real-world applications of C++.
Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, Symbian OS, and even mobile operating systems like iOS were developed using C++. Generally, operating systems should handle system resources efficiently and quickly. As a high-speed programming language with a wide range of system-level functions, C++ is an ideal language for writing operating systems.
C++ was developed to analyze distributed applications of the UNIX Operating System, which was the first OS to utilize a programming language such as C.
Game development
The C++ programming language is one of the most widely used languages in game development. Among the things it has been used for are: games, such as World of Warcraft, Counter-Strike, and StarCraft, game engines like Unreal Engine, and gaming consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Whether it’s generating graphics or facilitating multiplayer sessions, gaming involves lots of resource-intensive functions. C++ helps in optimizing the use of resources, such as allowing programmers to adjust exactly how data structures and memory allocation are handled.
AI and Machine Learning
C++ has made a name for itself even in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Python may be the language of choice for many AI developers, but C++’s performance and scalability can often beat its high-level counterparts. A popular machine learning library, TensorFlow, provides a C++ API, acknowledging the language’s role in executing complex, data-heavy operations.
Graphic and User Interface (UI) Design
Creating graphical applications or designing user interfaces with C++ is easy. The language’s versatility and power make it an excellent choice for building applications with real-time, high-resolution graphics. C++ libraries such as Qt offer a number of tools for developing interactive graphical interfaces.
Web browsers
The C++ programming language is used in web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera. Using it, back-end services retrieve information from databases and render code into interactive web pages. With C++, web browsers perform these tasks quickly and with minimal delays, which means we don’t have to wait long for content to load.
See More: What Is JavaScript?
How to Learn C++
There is a reputation for C++ being more difficult to understand than other programming languages like Java or Python. In large part, this is due to its more sophisticated syntax. People who are new to programming may find this challenging.
However, learning it can provide you and your career with numerous benefits. It is useful to learn C++ because its syntax is similar to that of many other programming languages. You should be able to learn other languages and broaden your technical knowledge after you have mastered it.
You will need at least three months to learn programming if you are completely new to it. A minimum of two to three hours of effort per day would be required. For someone who has previously programmed and worked at least one hour per day, learning the fundamentals will take one to three months.
Everything written in C++ follows syntax, which is the syntax of a programming language. This also determines how C++ code is written and comprehended. The first step in comprehending the language is to study the grammar as well as other concepts. Since online lessons cover a wide range of topics at the beginning, medium, and advanced levels, they don’t require a significant time or financial commitment.
A new C++ programmer should be able to comprehend larger features of the language once he or she has mastered syntax. A few examples are functions, arrays, strings, pointers, references, classes and objects, and polymorphism. C++ is not the fastest way to learn, but formal instruction, such as a degree program or coding boot camp, provides an in-depth understanding of the language.
Additionally, some training companies offer expedited programs to help you learn it quickly. Therefore, it’s imperative that you do your homework and find the right program for you. It’s a great way to put what you’ve learned in textbooks, courses, and tutorials into practice. You will have full control over what you create and how it functions when you construct a project. Adding the project to your portfolio can also increase its value.
Final Thoughts
Despite its age, C++ continues to be influential in the present and will continue to do so in the future. Today’s tech-driven world supports C++’s relevance in the job market. We can see the promise of C++ as we look ahead. It provides tools to shape technology and transform ideas into reality, beckoning those who crave power and control in their programming. C++ offers a wide array of opportunities for those who master it, offering a path to innovation and advancement in the constantly evolving tech industry.
