Glossary

C++

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C++ is a popular programming language for building both system and application software. It was created as an extension of the C language, thus providing developers with a high level of abstraction and low-level control.

What is C++?

Designed for system and application programming, C++ is a powerful and widely used programming language. Developed as an extension of the C language, this programming language supports object-oriented programming (OOP), which allows developers to create reusable and modular code.

First unveiled by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983, the idea was to provide developers with a high level of abstraction while still allowing low-level control. It is a compiled language, meaning it allows developers to write code organized into classes that can then be used to create objects that encapsulate both data and behavior. This makes it faster and more efficient than ‘interpreted programming languages.’ 

The language has continued to evolve with new features and enhancements throughout its existence. It supports many programming paradigms, including procedural, functional, and generic programming. It also offers low-level system programming capabilities, direct memory manipulation, and access to hardware resources, making it a perfect choice for developers worldwide.

In addition, the C++ programming language also provides an extensive standard library that features many useful functions for common programming tasks. Developers can even create their own libraries and reuse code across multiple projects. All these features together make  C++ a popular choice for developing a wide range of applications, from systems programming and game development to scientific computing and more.

Why Use C++?

One of the main benefits of using C++ is its support for object-oriented programming (OOP). Using objects, developers can write reusable and modular code, saving time and improving code quality. Moreover, it allows developers to control memory allocation and deallocation, making it more efficient than some other high-level languages.

Another notable advantage is its low-level system programming capabilities. Because the programming language allows for direct memory manipulation and access to hardware resources, it is well-suited for developing applications requiring low-level control over system resources. 

Developers can even use it to write platform-independent programs, empowering them to run the same applications on multiple operating systems with minimal changes. On top of this, it is backward compatible with C language, meaning that developers can reuse C libraries, headers, functions, and other existing code into C++ without redoing everything from scratch.

Last but not least, this programming language has a thriving community of developers, extensive library support, and a wealth of resources, including tutorials, forums, and third-party extensions.

C++ with Incredibuild

Incredibuild was built to work hand in hand with C++ development, accelerating complex and lengthy compilations and reducing wait times for developers. Today, Incredibuild integrates with the most popular C++ IDEs including Visual Studio and CMake, and offers C++ developers much faster iteration, less stress, and the ability to release amazing products on time. Try Incredibuild now!