Online Study: What is C++ Programming?

What is C++ Programming?

C++ is an enhanced C language typically used for object oriented

programming. It traces its origins back well over thirty years. Although

it’s far from the oldest computer language, it’s one of the older ones that

is in common usage today – so you might say it gets an A for its ability

to adapt to changing technological times.C++ was developed by Bjarne

Stroustrup, who did the first development work as part of his PhD

project. During the early years, he called the language “C with Classes”.

He had begun developing a new language because he felt that no

existing language was ideal for large scale projects. Later, when he was

working at AT&T Bell Labs, he again felt limited. He dusted off his “C

with Classes” and added features of other languages. Simula had a

strong influence; AlLGOL 68 played a role. Ultimately, a lot more than

classes got added: virtual functions, templates, and operator overloading.

C++ has grown far beyond a one man operation. The name actually

came from another developer, Rick Mascitti. It was partly a play on the

name of the “++” operator and partly a reference to the enhancement;

two pluses may have been a bit of a joke.

The language was first standardized in 1998. Standards were again

issued in 2003, 2007, and 2011. C++ is maintained by the ISO, a large

standards committee. The current version is C++11. According to

Stroustrup, the biggest improvement is in abstraction mechanisms.

Among the other goals of the most recent revision: to make C++ a better

language for embedded systems and to better support novices.

Development has been guided by certain ideals. C++ strives to be

portable; there is an attempt to avoid reliance on features that are

platform-dependent.

Goals of the most recent revision include: to make C++ a better

language for embedded systems and to better support novices.

The standard, of course, isn’t all there is; there are libraries that exist

outside it.