C++ is an enhanced C language typically used for object oriented programming. It traces its origins back well over thirty years. Although it’s far from the oldest computer language, it’s one of the older ones that is in common usage today – so you might say it gets an A for its ability to adapt to changing technological times.
C++ was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup, who did the first development work as part of his PhD project. During the early years, he called the language “C with Classes”. He had begun developing a new language because he felt that no existing language was ideal for large scale projects. Later, when he was working at AT&T Bell Labs, he again felt limited. He dusted off his “C with Classes” and added features of other languages. Simula had a strong influence; AlLGOL 68 played a role. Ultimately, a lot more than classes got added: virtual functions, templates, and operator overloading.
C++has influenced later languages like PHP, Java, and (not surprisingly) C# (C-Sharp).
C++ has grown far beyond a one man operation. The name actually came from another developer, Rick Mascitti. It was partly a play on the name of the “++” operator and partly a reference to the enhancement; two pluses may have been a bit of a joke.
The language was first standardized in 1998. Standards were again issued in 2003, 2007, and 2011. C++ is maintained by the ISO, a large standards committee. The current version is C++11. According to Stroustrup, the biggest improvement is in abstraction mechanisms. Among the other goals of the most recent revision: to make C++ a better language for embedded systems and to better support novices.
Development has been guided by certain ideals. C++ strives to be portable; there is an attempt to avoid reliance on features that are platform-dependent.
Goals of the most recent revision include: to make C++ a better language for embedded systems and to better support novices.
The standard, of course, isn’t all there is; there are libraries that exist outside it.
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