What Is C++ and Why Is It Important?

C++ was created in 1979 by Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup as an improved form of Dennis Ritchie’s existing C language program. It’s an object-oriented, cross-platform coding language well suited for software infrastructure and intensive software programs like real-time simulations. In addition, C++ lets programmers directly influence the behavior of computer hardware and memory. In other words, it grants users a large degree of control in development.

Those who engage with C++ can benefit from various features, including:

• Backwards compatibility
• High level of system resource control
• Lower development costs
• Similar syntax to C, C#, and JavaScript
• Large, dedicated community
• Fast, efficient performance

With all these features and more, C++ has emerged as a mainstay for modern computer programming and development. In addition, C++’s considerable flexibility means that programmers can easily organize code and then reuse it when needed.

How Does C++ Work?

For a C++ product or program to be finalized, a programmer first needs to write out source code in C++ and then input the code to a preprocessor. Then, the programmer uses a compiler to translate the code into the computer’s native machine language. The compilation process also turns the code into an executable file for use in building the desired product.

Writing in C++ requires foundational knowledge of its language structure, syntax, and libraries. Users should familiarize themselves with the C++ Standard Library in particular and learn to use specifiers, header files, functions like printf, enumeration (enum), and more to create a successful software program or application.

What Is C++ Used For?

C++ has become a reliable programming language for engineering software, creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs), developing video games and video game engines, and building operating and embedded systems for computers and other devices. It can also be used for desktop applications, internet of things (IoT) software, and blockchain technology.

Some well-known examples of products made with C++ programming language include the following: