C++ programming language is a high-level, general-purpose programming language extending the capabilities of the C programming language by adding OOPs.
It is regarded as middle-level, close to low-level programming, suitable for drivers and kernels and even higher-level for applications, desktop applications, games, etc.
Please mind that C++ and C# are not the same. If you want to learn what are differences between C# and C++ are, you can read this article instead.
C++ Programming Language
C++ is an object-oriented programming language that has been developed from C by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1985. Over time, the programming language has significantly developed to emerge as one of the most pervasive programming languages utilized today. It supports several different programming paradigms, its most significant attribute being object-oriented programming, coupled with procedural and generic programming modes.
Fundamentally, C++ gives programmers direct control over system resources and memory allocation, making it well-suited for building high-performance applications. This control comes with the onus of explicit memory management, although modern C++ has added smart pointers and other constructs to make memory management safer and more efficient. The capability of the language to mesh high-level abstractions with low-level control makes it especially useful for system programming, game development, and performance-intensive applications.
The Standard Template Library (STL) is an essential component of C++, offering a complete set of template classes and functions that considerably expand the language capabilities. It offers a range of data storage containers, manipulation algorithms, iterators for iteration over containers, and function objects for opportunistic operation definition. The library makes it possible for developers to write more efficient and manageable code without compromising performance.
Modern C++ has experienced great enhancements with the release of new standards such as C++11, C++14, C++17, and C++20. The new releases have added features such as auto type deduction, lambda expressions, range-based for loops, and enhanced support for threading. The new features have improved the language’s usage and productivity while preserving its performance aspects. The new uniform initialization syntax and other new features have succeeded in eliminating typical programming mistakes and improving the readability of the code.
Also Read: What are Loops in C and C++ Programming
How is C++ different from C?
C++ is a programming language that was created to improve upon the deficiencies of the C programming language.
C++ was designed to be an extension of C, hence its original name, “C with Classes”. The main difference between the two languages is that C++ allows for the object-oriented programming paradigm, while C does not. This means that C++ code is usually written more modularly, with distinct objects interacting with each other, while C code is more linear.
C++ also provides many more features than C, such as function overloading, templates, and exception handling. These features allow for more robust and flexible code to be written in C++. Due to the additional features and object-oriented programming paradigm, C++ code is generally more complex than C code. This can make C++ programs more difficult to understand and debug.
Overall, C++ is a more powerful and flexible programming language than C. However, this comes at the cost of increased complexity. Whether C++ or C is the better language depends on the application.
Several noteworthy characteristics and essential elements regarding the programming language include the following:
- Simple: It is a simple language in the sense that programmes may be decomposed into logical units and components, that it supports a large number of libraries, and that it supports a wide range of data types.
- A C++ executable is not platform-independent (compiled applications on Linux will not execute on Windows) but machine-independent.
- It is a mid-level language since it enables us to develop both systems (drivers, kernels, networking, etc.) and large-scale user applications (Media Players, Photoshop, Game Engines etc.)
- For quick and speedy development, has comprehensive library support (both standard built-in data structures, algorithms, and so on) as well as third-party libraries (e.g. Boost libraries).
- Execution speed: C++ applications are very fast. Because it is a compiled language, it is also quite procedural. Newer languages provide more built-in default features like garbage collection, dynamic typing, and so on; this might slow down the programme’s total execution. Because C++ has no such added processing cost, it is lightning quick.
- C++ has pointer support, which enables users to modify storage addresses directly. This is advantageous while doing low-level programming (where one might need to have explicit control over the storage of variables).
- Object-Oriented: One of the language’s major aspects that distinguishes it from C. Support for object-oriented programming enables C++ to create manageable and expandable applications. That is, large-scale applications may be developed. Maintaining procedural code gets more challenging as the codebase increases in size.
- C++ is a compiled language, which contributes to its speed.
The Main Applications of C++ Applications
C++ is a versatile language that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. One of the most popular uses for C++ is game development. Many of the most popular video games are built using C++, including titles like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Motorsport.
Other popular uses for C++ include developing business applications, creating system utilities, and creating cross-platform applications. C++ is also frequently used in research and development because it handles complex algorithms and data structures.
Despite its many uses, C++ is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest complaints about C++ is its complexity. The language can be difficult to learn and understand, making developing applications with it challenging.
Another downside to C++ is its performance. While C++ is generally very fast, it can be slower than other languages regarding certain tasks. This is often because C++ code can be very complex and difficult to optimize.
Overall, C++ is a powerful and versatile language that has a wide range of uses. While it may have some drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a language that can be used for various purposes, C++ is a great option to consider.
