What is cpp?

C++ (pronounced “C plus plus”) is a general‑purpose programming language that was created as an extension of the C language. It adds features like classes, objects, and templates, allowing developers to write both low‑level code that talks directly to hardware and high‑level code that is easier to manage and reuse.

Let's break it down

  • Compiled language: C++ code is turned into machine code by a compiler, so programs run fast.
  • Object‑oriented: It lets you group data and functions together into “classes,” making large codebases easier to organize.
  • Procedural: You can still write simple, step‑by‑step code like in C.
  • Templates: A way to write generic code that works with many data types without duplication.
  • Standard Library: Provides ready‑made tools such as containers (vectors, maps), algorithms, and input/output utilities.

Why does it matter?

C++ gives you fine‑grained control over memory and performance while still offering modern programming conveniences. This balance makes it possible to build software that needs to run extremely fast or work on limited hardware, which many other languages can’t handle as efficiently.

Where is it used?

  • Video games and real‑time graphics engines (e.g., Unreal Engine)
  • Operating systems and device drivers (Windows, parts of Linux)
  • High‑frequency trading and financial modeling
  • Embedded systems like automotive control units and IoT devices
  • Large‑scale applications such as browsers (Chrome, Firefox) and database engines

Good things about it

  • Speed: Near‑hardware performance because it compiles to native code.
  • Control: Direct memory management and low‑level system access.
  • Portability: Code can run on many platforms with little change.
  • Mature ecosystem: Vast libraries, tools, and a strong community.
  • Versatility: Suitable for everything from tiny microcontrollers to massive server applications.

Not-so-good things

  • Steep learning curve: Many features and complex syntax can overwhelm beginners.
  • Manual memory management: Mistakes can cause crashes or security bugs.
  • Undefined behavior: Small coding errors may lead to unpredictable results that are hard to debug.
  • Long compile times: Large projects can take a while to build, slowing development cycles.
  • Verbosity: Writing safe, efficient code often requires more lines compared to higher‑level languages.