C++ in 2021: 5 Reasons Why It's Still Relevant

Contents:

• Using C++ in Various Areas
• The Future of C++: Trends and Forecasts
• The C++ Community: Progress and Support
• How to Start Learning C++: Helpful Tips and Tricks
• C++ as a Starter Programming Language: Is It Worth It?
• Challenges Are the Path to Success in C++

Using C++ in Various Areas

C++ is a versatile and powerful programming language that provides developers with direct memory management. At the same time, it supports writing high-level code using the standard library. These characteristics make C++ an ideal choice for developing high-performance applications such as games, system software, and real-time applications. C++ delivers high performance, making it popular in areas requiring optimization and resource control.

C++ excels in high program performance, making it especially valuable in environments where execution speed is critical. To achieve optimal results in C++ development, it is important to adhere to programming best practices. This includes efficient memory management, use of modern language standards, and algorithm optimization. Applying these principles allows you to create fast and reliable applications, which is especially important in the fields of game development, system software, and high-load server solutions.

In my first professional career, I used the C++ programming language in combination with the Qt library to create cross-platform desktop applications targeting Windows and Mac. My choice of these technologies was based on the need for high performance. Although modern tools such as Electron are becoming increasingly popular for developing graphical interfaces, they are often criticized for their significant resource consumption and reduced overall application speed. In contrast, Qt demonstrates excellent performance results, provided the code is written optimally. This makes Qt the preferred choice for developers seeking to create efficient and responsive applications.

Today, I focus on software development in the field of computer vision, where the C++ programming language occupies a key position due to its compatibility with C and CUDA. C++ provides efficient use of memory and time, making it ideal for implementing complex algorithms. This programming language enables the development of high-performance solutions for processing and analyzing images and video, which is critical in areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Python is often chosen for developing neural networks in computer vision due to its ease of rapid prototyping. However, in this case, using Python can negatively impact performance. C++ provides greater computational efficiency, making it the preferred choice for tasks that require high data processing speed. The choice of programming language has a significant impact on the quality and speed of neural networks, and in the context of computer vision, C++ offers advantages that cannot be ignored.

C++ is widely used in various fields due to its performance and flexibility. One key area is the development of system software, including operating systems and drivers. In the gaming industry, C++ is used to create high-performance games, providing realistic graphics and complex gameplay.

C++ is also actively used in the financial sector for the development of high-frequency trading systems and analytical software, which require high data processing speed. Embedded systems and IoT devices also use C++ because the language allows for efficient resource management.

Furthermore, C++ finds its place in scientific computing and engineering applications where high performance and precision are required. Graphics applications and image processing software are also developed using C++, confirming its versatility and relevance in modern technologies.

• Web Servers: C++ is often used to develop high-performance web servers, such as those in Yandex projects, where understanding network protocols and connections is critical.
• Graphics and Complex Computing: C++ remains popular in this area due to its speed and efficiency, especially when it comes to programming graphics applications.
• Desktop Applications: While most desktop programs were previously written in C++, Java and C# have seen a significant increase in popularity.
• Multimedia: For developing applications that work with audio and video, C++ and C remain the standard. The FFmpeg library, written in C++, is an indispensable tool for working with video files.

When developing software for specialized hardware, a compiler with a unique subset of C++ may be needed. C++ is chosen in such projects due to its standards compliance and ability to generate high-quality code, which is critical for the efficient operation of devices.

There are cases where using C++ may not be practical. If it's possible to do without this language, it's preferable to choose a more suitable tool for the task. However, if there are no alternatives, don't hesitate to use C++. It's important to remember that one of the disadvantages of C++ is its limited standard library, which can impact development speed and available functionality.

The Future of C++: Trends and Forecasts

Currently, the C++17 standard occupies a leading position in commercial development. Despite active discussions about migrating to C++20, the actual transition is happening slowly for many developers. C++14 is gradually losing relevance and remains in demand only in those projects that work with a large amount of legacy code. C++17 offers many new features and improvements, making it the preferred choice for modern development.

On social media and specialized blogs, one can find opinions about the possible demise of C++ and its replacement by the Rust language. However, such fears are unfounded. The main reason is the huge volume of existing C++ code, which is impractical to rewrite in other languages. Businesses have already invested heavily in the development and support of C++ applications and are unlikely to abandon this programming language in the near future. C++ continues to be an important tool for creating high-performance and system applications, and its use will remain relevant in the software market.

There is a possibility that in the future, C++ may face a similar fate to Fortran. Although the C++ programming language continues to be used and will continue to be written, its use may be limited to a narrow circle of specialists capable of working effectively with it. Libraries and tools associated with C++ will remain relevant, but their use may become less widespread. It is important to note that as technology advances and new programming languages ​​such as Python and Rust emerge, interest in C++ may decline, affecting its popularity and widespread adoption in new projects.

It is possible that C++ may lose ground to more modern languages ​​such as Rust in the future. However, such a transition is unlikely to occur in the next five to ten years. For example, Fortran, which was popular ten years ago, has only recently begun to lose relevance. C++ has a 40-year history and remains an important programming language. Therefore, specialists proficient in C++ will be in demand in the labor market for a long time.

C++ Community: Progress and Support

The C++ community continues to thrive, although it is not as large as that of Python or Java. Every year, C++ Russia becomes a significant event in the technology field, attracting world-class developers and engineers to discuss new trends and solutions. Participation in such events allows professionals to exchange experiences, deepen their knowledge and find inspiration for creating innovative software solutions in C++.

The C++ Russia Conference, organized by JUG Ru Group, is a key event for developers, attracting both local and international C++ experts. It offers a unique platform for knowledge and experience sharing, helping participants advance their skills and develop professional C++ programming skills. Participation in this conference provides an opportunity to learn about the latest C++ trends and establish valuable connections with colleagues and industry experts.

The C++ Russia team hosts streams on their YouTube channel, offering a wide selection of useful materials and discussions on current development topics. These streams help programmers stay up-to-date on the latest C++ news and technologies. By subscribing to the channel, you will gain access to valuable insights and practical recommendations that will help you improve your programming skills and increase your productivity.

Meetups were previously held regularly in St. Petersburg and Moscow, bringing together like-minded individuals several times a month. In recent years, community activity has significantly decreased. Many participants have switched to an online format, which has also impacted the number of in-person meetings. In other cities, interest in events remained low even before the pandemic. This highlights the need to find new formats for interaction and attract participants to offline events.

Telegram has a useful chat, pro.cxx, designed for communication and exchange of experiences among specialists, including experts presenting at conferences. It's important to remember the rules of interaction: it's better to ask simple questions in the supapro.cxx chat, as information is updated quickly in the main channel, and participants prefer to discuss more complex topics. Join the discussions and share experiences with professionals in your field.

How to Start Learning C++: Helpful Tips and Advice

Learning C++ starts with the fundamentals of programming and mathematics. From an early age, fascinated by these subjects, I eagerly awaited computer science lessons. After graduating from high school, I entered the Novosibirsk State Technical University, where I received a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and computer science. This program was recommended by a friend, who assured me that here I would be able to not only learn programming but also immerse myself in broader aspects of science and technology. Knowledge of C++ opens many career opportunities in software development, systems programming, and high-performance application development.

After receiving my bachelor's degree, I decided not to continue my studies in master's program because I wanted to immediately dive into commercial development. Although the master's program offered in-depth study of mathematics and programming, I believed it was important to gain practical experience and understand the business processes of real projects. This choice allowed me to quickly adapt to industry requirements and develop the skills necessary for a successful career in development.

A successful career in programming requires more than just mastering one programming language. In commercial development, additional skills and tools are essential to help you effectively solve problems and collaborate in a team. Developing competencies such as working with frameworks, databases, and version control systems, as well as knowledge of development methodologies, will significantly increase your chances of success in the industry.

Computer Science Fundamentals. Understanding computer architecture and memory management principles is key for a C++ developer. Direct interaction with memory is often required, and a lack of knowledge in this area can lead to critical errors. Data structures, algorithms, and applied mathematics are also important, depending on the specific tasks the developer faces. Extensive knowledge in these areas not only improves the quality of the code but also improves software performance.

The nuances of working with memory play a key role in program performance. Although algorithm execution speeds can be high, it is necessary to pay attention to the costs associated with memory allocation and the impact of system calls. Frequent memory allocation operations can lead to significant costs, which will negatively impact the overall performance of the application. Optimizing memory management and minimizing the frequency of allocations are important aspects that contribute to improving software performance.

Development tools play a key role in the software development process. Knowledge of tools such as CMake, Git, and package management systems is fundamental to success. CMake remains an essential tool for building C++ projects, despite criticism. Git, in turn, has become an integral part of development and version control, making it a necessary skill for every developer. Understanding these tools significantly improves work efficiency and allows for higher-quality and faster project delivery.

Package Management Systems in C++. Unlike Rust, which offers a built-in package management system, Cargo, C++ does not have a similar tool by default. However, Conan, developed in Python, significantly simplifies dependency management in C++. This system allows developers to avoid the routine task of finding and building binaries by automating the process of integrating libraries into projects. Using Conan makes C++ development more efficient and convenient, allowing you to focus on writing code rather than managing dependencies.

English. Although it is possible to work without knowing it, it significantly complicates a programmer's life. My personal experience confirms that knowledge of English opens access to international conferences and relevant materials, which significantly enriches professional experience. In the globalization of the IT industry, knowledge of the language is becoming not just an advantage but a necessity for career advancement and effective interaction with colleagues and clients around the world.

Literature and training play a key role in developing programming skills. I recommend studying the material through video tutorials and books, although I have certain difficulties with technical literature. It is important to find authors whose work truly interests you. Scott Myers, with his books "Effective C++" and "Most Effective C++," has become a significant source of knowledge for me. I also highly recommend checking out Nikolai Josattis's talks, which have opened new horizons for me in learning C++. These resources will help deepen your understanding of C++ and improve your programming skills.

C++ as a Starter Programming Language: Is It Worth It?

Many novice developers wonder whether they should start learning programming with C++. On the one hand, its complex structure and diverse capabilities can contribute to the development of high-quality skills, which will help avoid writing inefficient code in the future. On the other hand, some argue that it is better to start with simpler languages, such as Python, which allow you to quickly see results and understand basic programming concepts. The choice of programming language to learn depends on the developer's goals and preferences, so it is important to consider both the pros and cons of each.

The choice of programming language should be based on your interests and goals. If C++ attracts you and you have a desire to implement a specific project, such as developing a bicycle app or a scooter app, start learning this language. As you delve deeper into C++, you can master frameworks such as Qt or move on to other languages, such as Java or Rust. This approach will allow you to expand your skills and create functional and efficient programs that meet modern development requirements.

Comparing programming languages ​​to musical instruments highlights the importance of choosing the right instrument for success. If you're not comfortable with a particular language, like a guitar, your results may be disappointing. Working with languages ​​that require a deep understanding of pointers and memory management can lead to fatigue and hinder your development as a developer. Meanwhile, the Python programming language can inspire creativity and innovation because it allows you to quickly see the results of your efforts. Choosing the right programming language is key to increasing productivity and job satisfaction.

Learning C++ can be challenging for beginners, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own path to mastering a language. I personally started learning C++ without much choice, and while the learning curve is steep, I can't say it's insurmountable. Opening an integrated development environment (IDE) allows you to immediately start coding and learning, which is a common and effective approach. Immersive practice helps you better understand the syntax and features of the language, which will ease your learning curve.

C++ is an excellent choice for beginners in programming. If your experience is limited to Python, learning C++ may seem daunting at first. However, with an interest in new technologies, many of the difficulties become minor, and you can overcome them without much effort. C++ offers powerful development capabilities and is the foundation of many modern applications. With time and practice, you will be able to master this language and use its advantages to create efficient and high-performance programs.

As an experienced programmer, I can say that learning C++ significantly simplifies the process of mastering other programming languages. I recently had the chance to work with Rust code, and I quickly understood its logic, despite some surprising aspects. Regularly studying different programming languages ​​expands your horizons and opens new horizons for solving various problems. Understanding the basics of C++ helps you quickly adapt to the syntax and concepts of other languages, which makes the learning process more effective.

Difficulties are the path to success in C++

I would like to share my experience working with the C++ programming language. Although I am not an expert in this field, I actively use C++ in my projects and strive for high code quality. In the process, I encountered various difficulties and errors, which is a natural part of learning and professional growth.

If you are planning to learn C++, you should not worry that your knowledge may be less deep than other programmers. Mastering all aspects of the language is a complex task that requires significant effort and time. It's a process that involves constant study, interviews, and the need to memorize a large amount of information that you need to be able to apply in practice. Regular practice and in-depth study will help you master C++ confidently and become a competitive programming professional. Interviews shouldn't be viewed as a source of stress. They are a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge of C++ and identify areas where you need to improve. C++ interviews can cover the language and its nuances for an hour and a half, highlighting its complexity and diversity. Once you master C++, you'll find that many other technologies and programming languages ​​will become more understandable and accessible to you. Understanding the basics of C++ will also open new horizons in programming, improve your problem-solving skills, and increase your competitiveness in the job market. University does not always provide the necessary skills for successful commercial development. Therefore, I highly recommend taking the "C++ Developer Profession" course at Skillbox. This course offers training from experienced team leads and senior developers from large companies, significantly increasing your chances of successful employment and enhancing your competitiveness in the job market. The acquired knowledge and practical skills will help you feel confident in a professional software development environment.