Tutorials
What is C++?
Whether you’re interacting with your favorite social media app or putting in some hours playing your newest video game, every function you interact with is made possible by a programming language. Coders, programmers, and other tech experts use programming languages to communicate instructions to a computer. For instance, if a coder is working on a cooking recipe app, they may write code that lets users choose recipes based on the ingredients they currently have available.
Some programming languages serve relatively niche purposes, such as Swift, which was developed by Apple to create iOS and MacOS applications. However, others, such as the C++ programming language, are much more versatile and used in a variety of projects. Learn more about C++, its uses, its importance in software development, and how you can learn to use it.
C++: A Popular Programming Language
C++ is a general purpose programming language that was developed in the late ‘80s as an extension of the C programming language that was introduced in the early ‘70s. It’s a popular choice for developers who want software that is fast, efficient, and reliable, due to its ability to work with limited resources. This means that software developers are able to adapt their code to run at its best within any environment, even when the hardware and power used to run an application are not as strong as they should be.
Features of C++
Other popular features of C++ include:
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Object-Oriented Programming
OOP allows developers to organize code into reusable classes and objects — improving code organization, reducing duplication, and simplifying maintenance efforts.
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High performance
Because C++ can access hardware resources, it makes it a good match for high-performance applications such as games, simulations, and data processors.
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Standard library
C++ has a large standard library that provides a wide range of functions. This helps developers write code that is portable, efficient, and well-organized.
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Memory management
C++ allows developers to optimize memory usage, a function that is especially useful when working with applications that have specific memory requirements.
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Cross-platform support
Code written in C++ can be compiled to run across different platforms such as Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Popular C++ Uses
Over the decades, and due to its popularity, C++ has been deployed in numerous projects across a wide range of digital products and platforms. Some of the most popular C++ uses include:
- Game development: C++ is a popular programming language in game development due to its performance and access to hardware resources.
- Operating systems: The speedy and energy-efficient capabilities of C++ have made it a great pairing in the development of Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
- Graphics and visualization: C++ is used in a variety of graphics and visualization applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, image and video processing, and virtual reality (VR) applications.
- Web browsers: Developers have employed C++ in the development of backend services on projects including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
- Database management systems: C++ was used to create tools such as MySQL and MongoDB, which makes the process of structuring databases simple and much more efficient.
- Google search: When you search anything on Google, you want good results as quickly as possible, and C++ is one of the programming languages that makes this process possible.
- Movie productions: Whether production companies are working on graphics or special effects, C++ has the ability to handle large files and high-quality footage quickly and with minimal effort.
Why Learn C++?
One of the reasons to learn the C++ programming language is hireability. Companies across different industries, as well as financial services, gaming studios, software developers, and more, are frequently looking for professionals who know this popular language. By adding C++ to your tech toolbelt, you’ll have a very impressive skill that could have hiring managers looking your way. Other important reasons why you should learn C++ include:
- A strong foundation: C++ is the basis for many other programming languages. By learning C++, you can set the foundation for learning Java, Python, C#, and others.
- Versatility: Whether you want a future in gaming, application development, or software development, C++ gives you the versatility you need to make any of these possible.
- Computer comprehension: Because C++ is a low-level language, it requires an understanding of computer architecture and memory management. This helps developers write more efficient code and optimize performance.
- Popularity: C++ has been an approved and sought-after language for over 30 years and its popularity is likely to continue for years to come.
Learn a Programming Language and Advance Your Career
Learning a programming language is an important step toward building the foundation for a successful career in tech. If you’re ready to take the steps to a bright future, the Kenzie Academy program from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can help you get started. The Kenzie Academy Software Engineering certificate program teaches you Java, another versatile and widely used programming language. Through hands-on, collaborative training, you’ll also learn crucial tech fundamentals, such as the process of working with JSON and CSV, the Agile environment, and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
As a Kenzie learner, you receive support throughout your entire Kenzie journey. From the moment you tell us of your interest in a program and beyond. In fact, our Career Curriculum and Career Services Team help prepare you for the job search before you graduate and are available for additional guidance even after graduation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking for a job doing what you love, or a newcomer ready for a career change, your first steps start with the Kenzie Academy program from SNHU. Apply today and get started.
