What is C++?

C++ (.cpp) files contain C++ source code designed for performance-critical applications. C++ extends C with object-oriented programming, generic programming through templates, and modern features like lambdas and smart pointers.

Used in game engines (Unreal, Unity core), operating systems (Windows, Linux modules), browsers (Chrome, Firefox), and high-frequency trading systems where performance is paramount.

Did you know? Major software like Chrome, Firefox, Windows, macOS, and most AAA games are written in C++!

History

C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs as "C with Classes." It has evolved through multiple ISO standards, with modern C++ (C++11 onwards) introducing significant improvements in safety and expressiveness.

Key Milestones

  • 1985: C++ first released as "C with Classes"
  • 1998: C++98 first ISO standard
  • 2011: C++11 major modernization (auto, lambdas, smart pointers)
  • 2017: C++17 with parallel algorithms
  • 2020: C++20 adds concepts, ranges, coroutines
  • 2023: C++23 latest standard

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • High Performance: Low-level control with zero-cost abstractions
  • Object-Oriented: Classes and inheritance
  • Generic Programming: Templates for reusable code
  • Manual Memory Management: With smart pointers for safety
  • STL: Standard Template Library
  • Multi-Paradigm: Supports multiple programming styles

Common Use Cases

Game Development

Unreal Engine, Unity core, AAA games

Operating Systems

Windows, Linux kernel modules

Embedded Systems

IoT, robotics, automotive

Financial Systems

High-frequency trading platforms

Advantages

  • Excellent performance
  • Fine-grained memory control
  • Large standard library
  • Wide platform support
  • Mature ecosystem
  • Zero-cost abstractions

Disadvantages

  • Complex syntax and semantics
  • Steep learning curve
  • Manual memory management risks
  • Longer compilation times
  • Undefined behavior pitfalls
  • No built-in package manager (until recently)

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .cpp, .cc, .cxx
MIME Type text/x-c++
Header Files .h, .hpp, .hxx
Standard ISO C++ (C++23)
Compilation Native machine code
Paradigm Multi-paradigm

Common Tools

  • Compilers: GCC, Clang, MSVC
  • Build Systems: CMake, Make, Ninja
  • IDEs: Visual Studio, CLion, VS Code