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C++

By Nick Barney

What is C++?

C++ is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language that is viewed by many as the best language for creating large-scale applications. C++ is a superset of the C language.

A related programming language, Java, is based on C++ but optimized for the distribution of program objects in a network such as the internet. Java is somewhat simpler and easier to learn than C++ and has characteristics that give it other advantages over C++. However, both languages require a considerable amount of study.

C++ allows software developers to define their own data types and manipulate them using functions and methods. It also allows low-level programming and provides access to memory, enabling fast and efficient execution of code. It also supports generic programming using templates, which let code be written in a generic form and reused for different data types.

C++ is used in fields such as system software, game development, embedded systems, scientific computing and high-performance applications. The C++ standard library provides a range of coding utilities and functions, making it easy to develop complex software systems. C++ can run on many platforms, including Linux, Mac and Windows.

How to use C++

There are several ways to learn C++, such as online tutorials, courses and interactive exercises. To start programming in C++, developers need a C++ compiler that translates code into machine-readable instructions. C++ compilers include Clang, GNU Compiler Collection and Microsoft Visual C++. Once a compiler is installed, developers can use a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) to write C++ code. IDEs offer features such as code completion, debugging tools and management capabilities.

C++ programs are usually organized into functions. The main() function is the entry point of the computer program where execution begins. Developers can use control structures such as loops and conditionals to control their program's flow. C++ also provides a set of libraries that offer prebuilt functions and data structures for common tasks.

How to write C++ code

When writing code in C++, the following are some basic functions:

C++ code. One of the easiest codes for beginners is the "Hello World!" code which uses the iostream library and the std namespace:

#include <iostream>

Int main(){

      std::cout<<"Hello, World! <<std:endl;

      return 0

}

In this example, the line #include <iostream> enables input/output functionality. Additionally, using std::cout lets the output be printed to the console. The std::endl line provides a line break. The return 0 statement indicates a successful program execution.

Arrays and memory allocation. C++ allows developers to work with arrays, which are collections of elements of the same data type. Here's an example of initializing and accessing elements in an array:

#include <iostream>

 

int main() {

    int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

 
  

    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {

        std::cout << numbers[i] << " ";

    }

 

    return 0;

}

In this instance, developers declare an array numbers of size 5 and initialize its elements using curly braces {}. The for loop allows users to iterate over the array and print each element using std::cout.

C++ classes and constructors. C++ supports OOP with the use of classes. Here's an example of a simple class with a constructor and member functions:

#include <iostream>

 

class Rectangle {

private:

    int length;

    int width;

 

public:

    Rectangle(int l, int w) {

       length = l;

       width = w;

    }

 

    int calculateArea() {

        return length * width;

    }

};

 

int main() {

    Rectangle myRectangle(5, 3);

    int area = myRectangle.calculateArea();

    std::cout << "Area: " << area << std::endl; 

    

    return 0;

    }

Developers can define a class called Rectangle with private data members length and width. The constructor Rectangle(int l, int w) initializes the object's attributes, while the member function calculateArea () calculates and returns the area of the rectangle.

Polymorphism and C++ standard library. C++ supports polymorphism, allowing objects to be treated as instances of their base or derived classes interchangeably. Additionally, the C++ standard library provides a rich set of functionalities. The following is an example:

#include <iostream>

 

class Shape {

public:

    virtual void display() {

        std::cout << "Shape" << std::endl;

    }

};

 

class Circle : public Shape {

public:

    void display() {

        std::cout << "Circle" << std::endl;

    }

};

 

int main() {

    Shape* shape = new Circle();

    shape->display();                   // Polymorphism

   

    delete shape;                       // Memory deallocation

   

    return 0;

}

A base class Shape and a derived class Circle are defined. The display () function is marked as virtual in the base class, enabling polymorphism. By creating a Circle object and assigning it to a Shape pointer, a developer can invoke the derived class's display() function.

What are the uses of C++?

C++ is used in a wide range of ways to capitalize on its versatility and performance. Some of the main uses of C++ include the following:

Advantages and disadvantages of C++

C++ comes with a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Some of its advantages such as high-performance and control come with the challenge of complexity and steep learning curves.

Advantages of C++

C++ benefits meet developers' many demands of programming languages:

Disadvantages of C++

C++ also comes with some disadvantages, including the following:

Examples of C++ tools

There are several tools and frameworks for C++ development that can enhance productivity, aid in-code organization and facilitate debugging and testing. Some of those tools include the following:

C++ vs. Java and Python

C++ is often compared with Java, Python and other programming languages. Each language has distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes and paradigms.

Java

Java differs from C++ in the following ways:

Python

Python is distinct from C++ in the following ways:

History of C++

Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup developed C++ in 1983 as an extension of the C programming language. Stroustrup initially used the language Simula, an OOP language, to extend C with the goal of combining object-orientation's encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism features with the low-level capabilities of C.

C++ has gone through multiple iterations and standardization efforts. The first international standard for C++ was published in 1998 as ISO/IEC 14882:1998. Subsequent iterations of C++ have introduced new language features, improved performance and expanded the capabilities of the language.

C++ is a superset of the C programming language. Learn about the 11 cloud programming languages developers need to know.

Editor's note: The publisher has used ChatGPT in the creation of the code portion of this definition. The final code has been reviewed and approved by TechTarget editors.

15 Aug 2023

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