Introduction to C++ Programming Language

C++ stands as a middle-level programming language conceived by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Labs. Its versatility ex

tends across platforms such as Windows, macOS, and different versions of UNIX. This C++ guide embraces a straightforward and pragmatic approach to acquaint beginners and advanced software engineers with C++ concepts.

History and Inventions of C++ Language

The history of the C++ programming language is a fascinating journey that spans several decades. Developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in the early 1980s, C++ was created as an extension of the C programming language, with a focus on adding object-oriented features. The language’s name, “C++,” reflects this relationship, as it signifies an increment in the version number of C.

The initial development of C++ began in 1979 when Stroustrup, a Danish computer scientist, started working at Bell Labs. He wanted to enhance the C language to support higher-level programming concepts while still maintaining its efficiency and low-level capabilities. Stroustrup’s work led to the release of “C with Classes” in 1983, which introduced classes, constructors, and other object-oriented programming (OOP) features.

In 1985, the language was renamed “C++” to emphasize its evolutionary nature and to reflect the idea of incrementing beyond C’s capabilities. Stroustrup continued to refine the language, and in 1989, he released “The C++ Programming Language,” which served as both a tutorial and reference manual, solidifying C++ as a distinct and powerful programming language.

C++ continued to gain popularity throughout the 1990s due to its ability to combine both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms, making it versatile for a wide range of applications. In 1998, an official standard for C++ was adopted, known as “C++98,” which included standardized libraries, templates, and exception handling.

The language saw further advancements with the release of C++11 in 2011. This update introduced significant improvements, such as lambda expressions, smart pointers, and the “auto” keyword for type inference. Subsequent releases, like C++14 and C++17, brought more features and enhancements, including additional library components and language constructs.

C++20, released in 2020, introduced numerous improvements, such as modules for better code organization, concepts for improved template constraints, and ranges for more expressive and efficient operations on sequences of values.

Throughout its history, C++ has facilitated the creation of various inventions and innovations across multiple industries. Its flexibility, performance, and extensive libraries have made it a popular choice for developing software ranging from system-level applications and games to high-performance scientific simulations and embedded systems.

Reasons to Grasp C++

Mastering C++ is indispensable for students and professionals aspiring to excel as Software Engineers. Enumerated below are key benefits of C++ proficiency:

1. C++ resides close to hardware, enabling you to engage at a low level. This furnishes considerable control over memory management, enhanced performance, and robust software development.
2. C++ programming imparts a lucid grasp of Object-Oriented Programming. Implementation of virtual tables and pointers, or dynamic type identification, uncovers the depths of polymorphism at a lower level.
3. Cherished by countless developers, C++ ranks among the perennially popular languages. Adept C++ programmers seldom lack job opportunities and often command substantial remuneration.
4. C++ dominates application and system programming, offering ample scope to specialize in diverse areas of software development based on personal interests.
5. C++ education demystifies concepts like compilers, linkers, loaders, variable types, storage classes, and data types.

Numerous motivations drive the acquisition of C++ proficiency. However, a consistent theme prevails: to master any programming language, including C++, one must immerse oneself in coding until expertise blooms.

Salutations to C++ with a PiEmbSysTech

To ignite your enthusiasm for C++ programming, let’s unveil a traditional PiEmbSysTech program in C++. A sample program and a demo link are provided below:

C++ represents a superset of C programming, enriched with object-oriented paradigms.

Demo

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// The main() function marks the beginning of program execution.
int main() {
   cout << "PiEmbSysTech"; // Prints PiEmbSysTech
   return 0;
}

A variety of C++ compilers facilitate the compilation and execution of the aforementioned program:

• GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
• Clang
• Visual C++ (Microsoft Visual Studio)
• Intel C++ Compiler
• MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows)
• Turbo C++
• BCC (Borland C++ Compiler)
• Digital Mars C++
• Xcode (for macOS)
• Embarcadero C++ Builder
• Pelles C
• C++ Builder (RAD Studio)
• DJGPP (DJ’s GNU Programming Platform)
• Open Watcom C++
• TinyCC (TCC)
• Oracle Developer Studio
• IBM XL C++
• Zapcc
• C++/CX (Windows Runtime C++ Template Library)
• Comeau C++

Enumerating all available compilers proves daunting due to the expansive C++ landscape teeming with constant innovation.

C++ Applications in Diverse Fields

As previously noted, C++ finds application across an expansive spectrum within software development. A few prominent areas include:

1. Application Software Development – C++ shapes major Operating Systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Leading browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Chrome’s cores are built with C++. C++ has also been pivotal in crafting the popular MySQL database system.
2. Programming Languages Development – C++ lays the foundation for many languages like C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, UNIX’s C Shell, PHP, Python, and Verilog.
3. Computation Programming – Scientists favor C++ for its rapid execution and computational efficiencies.
4. Games Development – C++ empowers procedural programming for CPU-intensive functions, rendering it ideal for gaming engines and affording meticulous hardware control.
5. Embedded Systems – Medical and Engineering Applications like MRI software and sophisticated CAD/CAM systems often rely on C++.

The spectrum of C++ applications is vast, offering opportunities for developers to contribute impactful software to the community.

Intended Audience

This C++ tutorial is designed for novices, guiding them from basics to advanced C++ concepts.

Prerequisites

Before delving into the myriad examples in this C++ guide, we assume you possess fundamental knowledge of computer programs and programming languages.