C++ Overview
C++ is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs in the early 1980s. It was initially named "C with Classes," but was later renamed to C++ to signify its evolution from C and to emphasize its object-oriented capabilities. Here are some key points about C++:
- History and Development:
- C++ began as an enhancement to C to add object-oriented programming features. The first version of C++ was released in 1985.
- The language standard was formalized in 1998 by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as ISO/IEC 14882:1998, commonly known as C++98.
- Subsequent updates include C++11, C++14, C++17, and the latest C++20, each introducing new features and improvements.
- Features:
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): C++ supports OOP concepts like classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, which allow for more modular and reusable code.
- Performance: Known for its efficiency and speed, C++ provides direct access to hardware resources, making it suitable for systems programming, game development, and real-time applications.
- Low-Level Memory Manipulation: Unlike some higher-level languages, C++ allows for explicit memory management through pointers, which can be both powerful and error-prone.
- Standard Template Library (STL): C++ includes the STL, a library of container classes, algorithms, and iterators, providing generic programming features.
- Compatibility with C: C++ is designed to be backward compatible with C, allowing for easy integration with existing C code.
- Applications:
- Community and Support:
- There is a large community of developers, numerous libraries, frameworks, and tools available for C++.
- CppCon is a notable annual conference dedicated to C++.
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