Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of C++, discusses the origins of the language, its relationship with C, and its constant evolution and complexity. The reputation of C++ as a programming language is explored, including its appeal to experienced programmers and its suitability for beginners. The pros and cons of using C++ as a first language are also discussed.
C++ is a successor to the C programming language, combining the power of C with the conveniences of object-oriented programming.
C++ has evolved over time with new features added, but its constant growth has led to a perception of complexity and intimidation among programmers.
Deep dives
C++'s Origins and Name
C++ is a successor to the C programming language. The name C++ is derived from the operator 'plus plus' in C, which increases the value of a variable by one. It was created by Bjarn Strauss-Strupp at Bell Labs to combine the power of C with the conveniences of object-oriented programming.
C++ as a Multi-Paradigm Language
C++ is a multi-paradigm language, meaning it can be programmed in both a procedural and object-oriented way. It allows programmers to use classes as much or as little as they want and combines the flexibility of C with the benefits of object-oriented programming.
Evolution and Perception of C++
C++ has evolved significantly over time with new features added in every few years. However, its constant growth has led to a perception of complexity and intimidation among programmers. While some love the power and versatility of C++, others criticize its size and consider it a negative trend when other languages become too complex.
Bjarne Stroustrup originally built C++ in the early 1980s as a successor to C with support for object-oriented programming. Since then, C++ has evolved in a myriad of ways, adding both features and complexity. It's found its way into many use cases, including low-level system development, application development, and game development. However, its complexity due to ongoing additions to the language without removing older features has proven controversial. In this episode we discuss how C++ got started, where it's used, and some of the different opinions that software developers hold about the language.