C++
is an object-oriented programming language that blends low-level and
high-level features, making it a middle-level language. It was created by
Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Telephone Laboratories
(now Nokia Bell Labs) in New Jersey. Stroustrup aimed to develop a flexible
and dynamic language similar to C, with additional features like active type
checking, inheritance, default function arguments, and classes. This led to
the creation of "C with Classes," later renamed C++.
Early Development
The origins of C++ date back to 1979 when Stroustrup began working on his PhD
thesis. During this time, he worked with a language called Simula, known for
its simulation capabilities and as the first language to support
object-oriented programming. Despite its benefits, Simula was too slow for
practical use, prompting Stroustrup to develop a more efficient language. He
sought to integrate object-oriented features into C, a language praised for
its portability and speed, without compromising on performance.
The Evolution of C++
Initially named "C with Classes," the language was renamed C++ in 1983. The
"++" symbol represents incrementing a value by one in programming, symbolizing
that C++ is an improved version of C. The first compiler for C with Classes
was called Cfront, which translated code to C. Cfront, written in C with
Classes, was a self-hosting compiler. Although Cfront was eventually abandoned
in 1993 due to difficulties in adding new features, it significantly
influenced future compilers and the UNIX operating system.
Standardization and Commercialization
In 1985, Stroustrup published "The C++ Programming Language," and C++ was
released as a commercial product. Although not yet standardized, the book
became a crucial reference. The language saw updates in 1989, adding features
like protected and static members, and multiple inheritance. In 1990, "The
Annotated C++ Manual" was published, and Borland released the Turbo C++
compiler, which greatly influenced C++ development.
ISO Standard and Modern C++
In 1998, the first international standard for C++ (ISO/IEC 14882:1998) was
published, known as C++98. This standard included the Standard Template
Library (STL). In 2003, C++03 addressed issues from the 1998 standard. The
2011 release of C++11 introduced significant features like a new for-loop
syntax, a standard threading library, and regular expression support, largely
influenced by the Boost library project. Subsequent updates include C++14,
C++17, and the latest C++20, with C++23 on the horizon.
Popularity and Features
C++ remains one of the most popular programming languages. According to the
TIOBE Index, it ranked third in 2019, thanks to the robust features introduced
in C++11. C++ combines the speed of C with high-level programming features,
making it versatile yet challenging for beginners.
Key Features of C++
1. Widely Used in Competitive Programming: Many top coders prefer C++
for its performance and efficiency.
2.Standard Template Library (STL): Saves time for coders by providing a
collection of ready-to-use classes and functions.
3. Operator Overloading: Allows custom implementation of operators for
user-defined types.
4. Multiple Inheritance: Supports inheriting from more than one base
class, a feature not available in many other languages.
5. Modular Code: Encourages encapsulation and polymorphism, making code
more manageable and reusable.
Conclusion
Bjarne Stroustrup's creation, C++, has significantly influenced programming,
combining the best aspects of low-level and high-level languages. While it
presents a steep learning curve for beginners, its powerful features and
efficiency continue to make it a favorite among experienced programmers.
Additional Tips for Learning C++
1. Start with the Basics: Understand C++ syntax and fundamental
concepts before diving into advanced topics.
2. Practice Regularly: Consistent coding practice helps reinforce
learning and improve problem-solving skills.
3. Use Online Resources: Utilize tutorials, coding challenges, and
forums to enhance your understanding and get help when needed.
4. Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on real-world
projects to gain practical experience.
5. Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest C++ standards and updates to
leverage new features and best practices.
By following these tips, you can effectively learn C++ and take advantage of
its powerful capabilities.
Summary Table of history of various C++ versions:
| Version | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| C++98 (ISO/IEC 14882:1998) | October 1998 | The first version |
| C++03 (ISO/IEC 14882:2003) | February 2003 | Introduction of value initialization. |
| C++11 | August 2011 | Lambda Expressions, Delegating Constructors, Uniform Initialization Syntax, nullptr, Automatic Type Deduction and decltype, Rvalue References etc. |
| C++14 | August 2014 | Polymorphic lambdas, digit separators, generalized lambda capture, variable templates, binary integer literals, quoted strings etc. |
| C++17 | December 2017 | Fold expressions, hexadecimal floating-point literals, u8 character literals, selection statements with initializer, inline variables etc. |
| C++20 | March 2020 | Facilities to inspect program entities (variables, enumerations, classes, lambdas, etc.). |
| C++23 (Future Release) | -- | The next major revision of the C++ standard (details not yet finalized). |