C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the C programming language. It supports multiple programming paradigms including object-oriented, procedural, and generic programming. C++ is known for its high performance and is widely used in system programming, game development, and applications requiring efficient resource management.
C++ supports multiple programming paradigms, making it extremely versatile. First, it supports procedural programming with functions and procedures, inherited from C. Second, it provides object-oriented programming with classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism. Third, it offers generic programming through templates, allowing code reuse and type safety. This multi-paradigm approach makes C++ suitable for everything from system programming to high-level applications.
C++ offers several key features that distinguish it from other programming languages. First, it provides manual memory management through pointers and dynamic allocation, giving programmers fine control over system resources. Second, it delivers high performance with minimal runtime overhead, making it ideal for performance-critical applications. Third, it maintains backward compatibility with C, allowing developers to use existing C libraries. Finally, it includes a rich standard library with containers, algorithms, and utilities that accelerate development.
C++ has found widespread adoption across numerous application domains. In system software, it's used to build operating systems, device drivers, and compilers. The gaming industry relies heavily on C++ for game engines and performance-critical game logic. Embedded systems and IoT devices benefit from C++'s efficiency and low-level control. Financial institutions use C++ for high-frequency trading systems where microseconds matter. Additionally, many desktop applications with graphical user interfaces are built using C++ frameworks.
C++ has evolved significantly since its creation. The C++98 standard established the foundation, while C++11 introduced modern features like auto keyword, lambda expressions, and smart pointers. C++17 added structured bindings and parallel algorithms. C++20 brought modules and concepts for better code organization. Future versions continue to focus on improved safety, better performance, enhanced developer productivity, and more modern syntax. This ongoing evolution ensures C++ remains relevant for contemporary software development while maintaining its performance advantages.