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| − | '''C++''' (pronounced "C plus plus") is a compiled [[Programming Language|programming language]]. It has both high-level and nearly machine-level functionality. It was developed by Dr. Bjarne Stroustrup at [[Bell Labs]] in 1979 as an enhancement to the [[C programming language]]. | + | '''C++''' (pronounced "C plus plus") is a widely used, general-purpose [[programming language]] that combines features of the [[C (programming language)|C programming language]] with [[object-oriented programming]] (OOP) concepts. Developed in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup, a [[Denmark|Danish]] computer scientist, C++ has since become one of the most popular and influential programming languages in the world. It is known for its performance, flexibility, and extensive library support, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of software development projects. |
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| − | == "Hello World!" program == | + | ==History== |
| − | One of the most common examples of a C++ program is a simple "hello world" application. Below is a basic version of such a program.
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| − | <pre> | + | C++ was developed as an extension of the C programming language. Stroustrup's goal was to create a language that retained C's efficiency and low-level programming capabilities while adding support for high-level abstractions through object-oriented programming. He started working on C++ in 1979, and the first official reference manual for C++ was published in 1983. |
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| | + | Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, C++ saw rapid adoption and became the language of choice for system-level programming, application development, and even video game development. It was standardized by the [[International Organization for Standardization]] (ISO) in 1998, leading to the creation of the C++98 standard. Since then, several revisions of the C++ standard have been released, including C++11, C++14, C++17, C++20, and C++23, each bringing new features and improvements to the language. |
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| | + | ==Key Features== |
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| | + | ;Object-Oriented Programming:C++ supports the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming, including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. This allows developers to model complex systems with structured, reusable components. |
| | + | ;Low-Level Capabilities:C++ retains many features of the C language, making it suitable for low-level system programming, such as operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems. |
| | + | ;Performance:C++ is known for its high performance, primarily because it provides direct access to memory and hardware. Developers can control memory allocation and deal with hardware-specific features, making it an excellent choice for performance-critical applications. |
| | + | ;Standard Template Library (STL):The Standard Template Library is a powerful set of C++ template classes to provide general-purpose classes and functions with templates that implement many popular and commonly used algorithms and data structures. The STL greatly enhances code reusability and productivity. |
| | + | ;Portability:C++ code can be written to be highly portable across different platforms, provided that platform-specific features are abstracted or isolated. This allows developers to create applications that can run on various operating systems with minimal modification. |
| | + | ;Rich Ecosystem:C++ has a vast and active community, which has contributed to the development of numerous libraries and frameworks, making it versatile for various domains, including game development, scientific computing, and more. |
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| | + | ==Syntax== |
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| | + | C++ syntax is based on the C language, with additional features to support object-oriented programming. Here is a simple "Hello World" program in C++: |
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| | + | <pre>cpp |
| | #include <iostream> | | #include <iostream> |
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| − | int main() | + | int main() { |
| − | { | + | std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl; |
| − | std::cout << "Hello World!"; | |
| | return 0; | | return 0; |
| | } | | } |
| | </pre> | | </pre> |
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| | + | Key components of the code include <code>#include</code>, which is used for including header files, and the <code>main()</code> function, which is the entry point of the program. In C++, the <code><<</code> operator is used for output, and <code>std::endl</code> represents an end-of-line character. |
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| | + | ==Uses== |
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| | + | C++ has a broad range of applications, including: |
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| | + | ;System Software Development: C++ is widely used for creating operating systems, device drivers, and other low-level software. |
| | + | ;Application Development: Many desktop applications, including web browsers and office suites, are built using C++. |
| | + | ;Game Development: C++ is a primary language for creating [[video games]] due to its performance and control over hardware. |
| | + | ;Embedded Systems: C++ is used in embedded systems to control devices and machines in various industries, from automotive to industrial automation. |
| | + | ;Scientific Computing: Libraries like Eigen and Armadillo make C++ an excellent choice for scientific simulations and data analysis. |
| | + | ;Finance: C++ is used in high-frequency trading systems and risk management applications in the financial sector. |
| | + | ;Graphics and Multimedia: C++ is used in the development of graphics engines, multimedia software, and 3D modeling tools. |
| | + | ;Database Management Systems: Systems like [[MySQL]] and PostgreSQL are developed using C++. |
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| | + | == Standardization== |
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| | + | The C++ language has been formally standardized by the ISO C++ Standards Committee. Each new standard introduces enhancements and improvements. The process includes proposals, discussions, and reviews by the C++ community, leading to the release of updated standards. |
| | + | ==References== |
| | + | *Volle, Adam. "[https://www.britannica.com/technology/C-computer-language C++]". [[Encyclopedia Britannica]], October 21, 2023. Accessed October 28, 2023. |
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| | [[Category:Programming Languages]] | | [[Category:Programming Languages]] |