What Is C++?

With the efficient and almost seamless operation of some computer systems in the 21st century, it might be hard to imagine a time when computer programming was a rather primitive pastime. C++ doesn’t stretch back quite that far but it is a veteran of the programming languages, with roots in the late 1970s.

According to academic texts and programming/instruction books, C++ is a compiled programming language for general purposes. Most experts characterize this as a mid-level language that was created at Bell Laboratories (Stroustrup) to enhance the original “C” language.

C++ has been used by thousands to create computer software, placing it near the top of the list of popular programming languages. The language has been used to create general systems software, drivers for various computer devices, software for servers and software for specific applications. C++ is widely used in the creation of video games, a field that has exploded in the past couple of decades.

A quick review of C++ literature shows that the original “C” language was enhanced by adding or changing virtual functions, templates, exception handling and other factors. Though the language was created years before, C++ was accepted as a standard (ISO/IEC 14882) in 1998. Nearly two decades of development led to this acceptance as an industry standard. Some upgrading of the standard version has taken place in the past few years.

Perhaps the greatest motivation for creation of the “C” language and then for C++ was experience that programmers had with other languages during the 1960s and 1970s. Some of the previous language structures were far too slow for developing large software applications and system instructions. Other programming tools and languages were quicker but were somewhat primitive or worked at too low a level. One of the most important characteristics of “C” and C++ was the portability. Stroustrup could use his work on various computing platforms.

The work was first offered on a commercial basis in the mid-1980s, about two years after it was given the name C++. It was first known as C with Classes. According to instruction manuals and programming histories, the “++” refers to the “increment operator” within the “C” language. The second release came in1989, about four years after the first commercial offering. Developers added a number of new features, including abstract classes and static member functions.

Publishers came out with an extensive manual in 1990, with annotations that provided a great reference for anyone interested in or using C++. Developers make consistent use of libraries in their work and the libraries associated with the basic C++ work have opened up several new areas of programming work. The Standard Template Library is considered a significant addition to the base library.

Initial use of C++ was limited to the United States and Europe. However, through the years many developers and programmers around the world have adopted C++. Corrections and fine-tuning have resulted in a highly usable programming language that is a standard among computer users and programmers around the globe.

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