Programming is the art of creating instructions for computers to execute.
For example, imagine you have a robot vacuum cleaner at home. By programming it, you can tell it how to navigate obstacles and clean your house efficiently. For instance, you can program it to move forward until it detects an obstacle, then turn in a different direction to avoid it and continue cleaning the rest of the area. With programming, we can create instructions that automate tasks and enable machines to perform complex actions, making our lives easier and more efficient.
One powerful language that has played a significant role in programming history is C++. In this topic, we will provide an introduction to programming and explore the history and important features of C++.
What is C++?
C++ is a general-purpose programming language that builds upon the foundation of the C programming language. Bjarne Stroustrup created it in the early 1980s to add object-oriented programming (OOP) features while maintaining C's efficiency and low-level control.
The C programming language can be likened to a versatile tool, like an axe. It can be used for cutting, driving nails, chopping, building houses, and, with enough effort, even constructing an entire village or city using just that axe. However, this approach can be time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, C++ is like a toolbox containing various tools, including the axe, of course. C++ allows for low-level operations, such as direct hardware and memory manipulation, while also enabling high-level abstractions, where one doesn't need to worry about the internal implementation details. It provides a wide range of tools that allow developers to work efficiently at different levels of complexity and performance. C++ makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
As stated by Bjarne Stroustrup: "Programs written in C++ work in MP3 players, on ships, in air turbines, on Mars, and in the project for decoding the human genome."
Short history of C++
C++ has a rich history that has shaped the world of programming. Let's take a brief look at its evolution:
C++ was initially called "C with Classes" and served as an extension to the C language. The first official release of C++ came in 1985, introducing features such as classes, objects, and inheritance. In 1998, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the C++98 standard, which brought stability and consistency to the language.
Then there were the following versions of the C++ language standard (released approximately every 3 years), which added even more functionality:
C++11 in 2011;
C++14 in 2014;
C++17 in 2017;
C++20 in 2020.
Each standard introduced new features, enhanced the language, and addressed community needs. The evolution of C++ has focused on improving productivity, performance, and code clarity.
Some crucial features of C++
All computers understand only the binary language, which means they communicate using zeros and ones. In the world of computers and machines, there are two main approaches to telling the computer what we want it to do:
Compilation: You write a program using regular text according to the rules of a programming language. Then, a compiler (a special program) converts your text into a sequence of zeros and ones. When you run the program, your computer receives this set of 1s and 0s as instructions on what to do.
Interpretation: With this approach, you also write a program in a language that we understand. However, each time the program is run, an interpreter (another special program) dynamically converts your text into zeros and ones and directly executes them on the computer. This interpretation process happens every time the program is run.
Both compilation and interpretation bridge the gap between our human-readable code and the machine's binary language. They allow us to communicate our instructions to the computer effectively.
C++ is a compiled programming language. There are no intermediaries like virtual machines or interpreters. This approach offers several advantages:
Efficiency: Compiling the code beforehand allows the compiler to optimize it for better performance. The resulting machine code is typically faster to execute compared to interpreting each line at runtime.
Portability: Once compiled, the C++ program can be run on any system that has a compatible processor and operating system. There is no need for the target machine to have the compiler or source code present, making it easier to distribute and deploy the program.
Static Typing: C++ is a statically typed language, which means that variable types are determined during compilation. This allows for better error checking and optimization, as the compiler can catch type-related issues early on.
Access to Low-Level Features: C++ provides direct access to memory and low-level system resources, enabling fine-grained control over program execution. This level of control is essential in performance-critical applications and systems programming.
C++ offers a wide range of features that make it a powerful language. Let's explore some of its key aspects:
Application Areas of C++: C++ finds extensive use in various domains, including systems programming, game development, embedded systems, scientific computing, and high-performance applications. Its versatility and efficiency make it an excellent choice for projects that require close control over hardware and performance optimization.
Knowing C++ provides a solid foundation for learning other programming languages. C++ has influenced many popular languages like Java, C#, Go, JS, and Python. Understanding C++ concepts, such as object-oriented programming and memory management, can accelerate the learning process for these languages.
Advantages and disadvantages of using C++
C++ offers several advantages, including:
Performance: C++ provides low-level control and efficient memory management, enabling developers to write high-performance code.
Flexibility: C++ supports both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms, allowing developers to choose the most appropriate approach for their projects.
Standard Library: C++ provides a rich standard library, including the Standard Template Library (STL), which offers reusable data structures and algorithms.
Additional libraries: For the C++ language, numerous third-party libraries and frameworks have been written, some of which have been developed for decades by top computer science researchers.
While C++ has numerous strengths, it also has some challenges:
Complexity: C++ is a complex language with many advanced features. Learning and mastering all its intricacies can require significant effort.
Memory Management: C++ requires manual memory management, which can be error-prone and lead to issues such as memory leaks and dangling pointers.
Compilation Time: C++ programs often have longer compilation times than other languages, especially for larger projects.
Philosophy of C++
Understanding the fundamentals of programming and the history of C++ is essential for anyone looking to delve into the world of software development.
The essence of the philosophy of C and C++ languages can be defined by the expression "trust the programmer". For example, the compiler will not interfere if you want to do something new and meaningful, but it will also not prevent you from doing something that could lead to failure. This is one of the main reasons why it is important to know what you should not do and what you should do when creating programs in C/C++.
By familiarizing yourself with the history and features of C++, you have taken the first step toward becoming proficient in this powerful programming language. Whether you're embarking on a new programming journey or expanding your existing skills, C++ opens up a world of possibilities for creating innovative and efficient software systems. You can always refer to detailed and comprehensive documentation. For example:
Conclusion
C++ is a general-purpose programming language that extends the capabilities of the C language, introducing object-oriented programming features while maintaining efficiency and low-level control.
The history of C++ spans several decades, with the language evolving through different standards to enhance productivity, performance, and code clarity. Some significant features of C++ include its wide application areas, its influence on other learnable languages, and its major advantages, such as performance, flexibility, and a rich standard library.
However, C++ has some disadvantages, including its complexity, manual memory management, and longer compilation times.