Understanding C++: Why It Remains Essential Today
C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 as an extension of the general-purpose, object-oriented programming language C. Over the decades, C++ has been pivotal in creating operating systems, web browsers, databases, and games.
Standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1998 as ISO/IEC 14882:1998, and most recently updated to ISO/IEC 14882:2017 in December 2017, C++ continues to be relevant despite some perceptions that it is outdated.
Let’s explore what makes C++ stand out and why it remains vital today.
C++ Most Common Applications
You might wonder why C++ remains relevant despite the proliferation of newer languages suited for today’s service-first and mobile-centric environment. While C++ might not be prevalent in mobile or web applications, it still has significant applications and use cases. Here are some key areas:
- Games: C++ is the primary language for developing console and Windows games. It provides extensive control over memory management and is supported by numerous libraries for complex graphics. Game engines like Sony’s Unreal Engine and Unity Engine are built with C++, making it essential for working with these engines.
- Desktop Applications: C++ facilitates the development of GUI desktop applications. Major software like Adobe Photoshop, Firefox, Chrome, Thunderbird, Autodesk Maya, Infosys Finacle, MySQL, 12dPL, ImageSystems’ TrackEye, and MongoDB are developed using C++.
- Operating Systems: The Windows kernel is written in C, but much of the rest of the system, including the desktop interface, is in C++. macOS device drivers and Finder, as well as other operating systems like HaikuOS, Symbian OS, and IBM OS/400, also use C++. The KDE desktop environment for Linux is written in C++.
- The Cloud: Despite its age, C++ is relevant to cloud storage systems due to its proximity to hardware. It excels in multithreading, enabling efficient concurrent applications and load balancing. Though C++ doesn’t include network functions by default, it integrates well with libraries for TCP/IP, making it suitable for computationally intensive tasks.
The Perks of C++ Development
C++ may seem outdated, but it continues to be integral in various domains, including desktop applications, gaming, and cloud computing. Here are some advantages:
- Popularity: C++ remains a popular language, ranking fourth in usage according to the TIOBE index. C++ developers earn an average salary of $78,473, with a range between $71,562 and $84,088, according to Salary.com. While JavaScript developers earn more on average, C++ holds its ground as a vital skill.
- Portability: C++ applications are highly portable and can run on most platforms with language support, thanks to the availability of C++ compilers across various platforms. Graphical elements may require platform-specific toolkits like OpenGL for Linux.
- Embedded Systems: C++ excels in embedded systems found in everyday electronics like refrigerators, wristwatches, cars, and GPS devices. A specialized version, Embedded C++, was created for these systems to address C++’s limitations. Apple’s I/O Kit device drivers for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS were developed using a subset of C++.
Conclusion
C++ remains a critical tool in the tech world, essential for game development, system software, and high-performance applications. Companies that value C++’s enduring utility should consider hiring skilled C++ developers to build and maintain robust, efficient systems. With its proven performance, especially in demanding technical environments, C++ continues to be a valuable asset for companies aiming to stay at the forefront of technology.
