C++ Programming Language
Why Learn C++?
C++ is a powerful object-oriented programming language with the memory-management capabilities of C.
Thanks to these incredible features, C++ is used to build high-performance and enterprise-level software. Large companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google use C++ to create applications that serve billions of users. Some of these applications include operating systems, video games, web browsers, word processors, firmware for computers and electronic devices, and many more.
Therefore, learning C++ can open up multiple avenues for a lucrative career in the tech industry.
What is C ++?
C++ (or “C-plus-plus”) is a generic programming language for building software. It’s an object-oriented language. In other words, it emphasizes using data fields with unique attributes (a.k.a. objects) rather than logic or functions. A common example of an object is a user account on a website. Typically, a user account contains closely related data like first name, last name, and email address. Bundling this information together into an object makes it easy to replicate the process of creating a new account.
Did you know?
Bjarne Stroustrup invented C++ in 1979 to extend C, a procedural programming language. It was designed to offer programmers more control over memory and system resources.
What is C ++ used for?
Over time, C++ has become a choice language for building fast and reliable software. Its versatility makes it an excellent match for complex applications, embedded systems, and internet of things (IoT) devices. A few of its most common use cases are as follows:
· Software engineering. A couple of applications you might use daily that were created with C plus-plus include Netflix and Amazon.
· Operating system (OS) development. Examples of OS that were created with C++ include Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and iOS.
· Graphical user interfaces. C++ is often recommended for graphical user interface design or, GUI.
· Virtual reality (VR). C++ can be an excellent language to learn if you want to develop VR applications.
· Blockchain technology. The well-known cryptocurrency Bitcoin was developed in C++. It can also be used to create smart contracts.
· Game development. You can develop games and gaming consoles with C++. For example, the game World of Warcraft and the Xbox console.
Should you learn C++?
C plus-plus is a great language to learn if you want to gain a deep understanding of how computers work. It's generally considered to be a good starting point for novice or beginner coders. With knowledge of C++, you may also be able to pick up other languages like Python or JavaScript more easily.
Advantages of learning C++
Programming in C++ offers several advantages. Because it is object oriented, you can easily organize and classify the code. Instead of rewriting code from scratch, you can reuse it. You can also use C plus-plus to interact directly with a computer’s hardware. As a result, you'll be able to control how a system uses its computational resources, like software, hardware, and memory.
Career advancement opportunities
Having experience with C++ can introduce you to job opportunities with high-paying salaries. As of January 2023, Indeed had over 13,000 job listings in the US for C++ developers, programmers, and engineers.
Over 8,000 of those jobs are estimated to have salaries above $110,000 [2].
Glassdoor reports that the average yearly pay for C++ developers in the US is $108,260 [3].
Applications
of C++
Here are the
uses of C++ with real-world applications:
1. Operating
Systems
C++ is most
widely used programming language and become an ideal choice for developing
operating systems. Mac OS X has majority of parts written in C++ and Most of
Microsoft’s software like Windows, Microsoft Office, IDE Visual Studio, and
Internet Explorer are also written in C++.
2. Games
C++ used for
game development and companies use it as their first choice to develop gaming
systems because C++ is very close to the machine so It can easily manipulate
resources and able to built complex 3D games, multiplayer game, etc. Unreal
game engine make games using C++.
3. Web
Browsers
Most of the
browsers in Computers are developed in C++ for effecting goals and Mozilla
Firefox is totally developed by C++ and Google Applications and software like
Chrome and Google File System are partly written in C++.
4. Compilers
Compilers of
many programming languages are designed in C and C++ and this is because they
are moderately lower-level when compared to other higher-level programming
languages and C/C++ are closer to the hardware.
5. Embedded
Systems
Embedded systems that
need the program closer to the hardware such as smartwatches, medical equipment
systems, mobile phones etc., are developed in C++ and It can perform a lot of
low-level function calls, unlike different high-level programming languages
Compared to other programming languages, C++ might appear more
challenging due to its complex syntax and strict typing system. However, you
will become comfortable with C++ with consistent practice and dedication.
But if you are particularly interested in testing, Python might be a suitable option to explore as it is relatively easy to learn and widely used for test automation.
Programmers favor C++ when building high-performance software as
well as large enterprise-level applications. Here are a few areas where C++
Programming is used:
·
Game Development
·
Operating Systems
·
Enterprise Applications
·
Embedded and Real-Time Systems
·
Web Browsers
·
Device Drivers
· Space Missions
The duration depends on your learning pace and
dedication. On average, it takes 3-6 months to learn C++
This course is for
·
Beginner programmers who want to master C++ Programming
Skills.
·
Students who are taking C++ as a course in their studies.
· Job seekers looking to strengthen their C++ programming skills for better job opportunities.
The time it takes to learn C++ depends on
several factors, including the amount of experience you have with programming
languages in general, the kind of course you take to learn it, and the amount
of time you devote to it on a regular basis. If you are a beginner, expect to
spend about two to three months learning the basics and six to 12 months
learning to solve complex programming problems. To get a sense of how long it
will take you to learn C++, examine the syllabi or content outlines of
different C++ courses for beginners and reflect on how much time you can spend every
day or week
You can learn C++ without the live assistance of
an instructor or mentor. That said, you will likely need to find courses,
tutorials, and other educational resources to learn concepts and skills in the
sequence that’s most conducive to learning. For extra support, join C++
community forums to ask questions and find solutions to programming challenges
For those new to programming, it’s important to know that C++
syntax is more advanced than other languages. Experience in other programming
languages such as C or Python may make it easier to learn C++. At the same
time, taking on the challenge of learning C++ first can provide a strong
foundation for learning other programming languages.
|
C++ |
C |
|
C++ was developed as an extension of C. |
C is a developed independent language. |
|
C++ supports classes and objects. |
C does not support OOPs concepts. |
|
Namespace is used by C++, to avoid name collisions. |
The namespace feature is not supported by C. |
C++ is a structure that is the same as a class except for a few
differences like security. The difference between struct and class are given
below:
|
STRUCTURE |
CLASS |
|
Members of the structure are public by default. |
Members of the class are private by default. |
|
When deriving a struct from a class/struct, default access
specifiers for base class/struct are public. |
When deriving a class, default access specifiers are private. |
Abstraction is the process of showing the necessary information to
the user and hiding the details which programmers don’t want to show to the
user or hiding the details which are irrelevant to a particular user.
C++ is used in developing browsers, operating systems, and
applications, as well as in-game programming, software engineering, data
structures, etc.